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The
Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelago
of low lying island located in the Arabian
Gulf of the eastern shore of Saudi Arabia.
Frequently called the pearl of the Arabian
Gulf, Bahrain has a history of more
than 5,000 years of stable and prosperous
government. |
Bahrain is the site of immortal Dilmun, religious
center to Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians,
as dramatic excavation prove. Subsequent visitors
include Greeks from the time of Alexander the
Great, Portuguese, Omani’s and the English.
Marvellous old sites and buildings compete with
modern office buildings and colourful traditional
market.
While relatively small in population, land area
and resources Bahrain has achieved a high level
of social and economic development in a short
period. The road network, international airport,
telecommunications, public services, medical
facilities and university are all recognized
as being among the best in the world. Although
great emphasis is naturally placed on the development
of its own citizens, due to its large expatriate
population Bahrain has a marvelous multinational
mix of nationalities, all living harmoniously
together in a completely unique mix of cultures.
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LAND AREA
711. 9 square kilometers.
LOCATION
Lies between the east coast of Saudi Arabia
and the Qatar Peninsula at a latitude of 26
North.
LANGUAGE
Arabic is the official language although English
is widely used for business purposes and is
usually understood.
RELIGION
Islam is practiced by 85% of the population.
However freedom of worship is permitted to other
faiths including Hinduism, Parseeism, Judaism,
Buddhism and Christianity.
POPULATION
2001 estimates: Total – 650604
POSITION
AND AREA
The Kingdom of Bahrain
is an island group located off the central southern
shores of the Arabian Gulf between latitude
25 32” and 26 20” North and longitude
050 20” and 050 50” East.
The kingdom comprises some 40 islands, with
a total land area of about 711.9 square km.
The largest of these is Bahrain Island where
the capital city, Manama is situated. Bahrain
Island is 48 km long from north to south and
up to 16 km wide at its maximum point east to
west. Bahrain Island accounts for nearly 85%
of the total area of the state.
The next largest elements are the southern archipelago
called Hawar (50 square km), not far from the
coast of Qatar, followed by the desert island
of Umn Na’san(19 square km), the populous
Muharraq island (18 square km) connected by
causeways to Bahrain, and finally Sitra (10
square km), a mainly industrial island also
connected to Bahrain by causeways.
The remaining small island, islets and coral
reefs combine to make up of the rest of the
land mass.
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GEOGRAPHY
Bahrain is low lying. Typically the limestone
bedrock slopes very gently towards the roughly
central peak of Jabel Dukhan (meaning “Mountain
of Smoke” as on hot humid days it become
surrounded by misty haze). Its top is only 137
meters above sea level. But seems higher due
to the flatness of the surrounding plain.
Land use varies greatly, from extensive urban
development and diligently cultivated areas
in the north, to sandy wastes spreading south,
east and west from Jebel Dukhan. Here true desert
conditions exist with only sparse tough desert
plants growing among the barren limestone rim
rock and varying depth of sands.
Horticulture and agriculture flourishes in the
north, limited only by limitations on fresh
water supplies from artesian wells or desalination
plates. Gardens grow dates, almonds, pomegranates,
figs, citrus fruit and a wide range of vegetables.
Another noticeable feature of the Bahrain landscape
is the immense quantity of man-made stony tumuli
or burial mounds.
CLIMATE
The Bahrain climate can be generally described
as cool winters with sparse rainfall and hot
summers with high humidity.
The winter season from December to February
is influenced by low-pressure system from the
Mediterranean, which travel east into the Gulf
and cause periods of disturbed weather. These
disturbances are accompanied by occasional rainfall,
which averages approximately 74 mm per annum.
January is usually the coolest month when lowest
temperatures are experienced, and prevailing
winds are North-westerly.
Between March and May and between October and
November the weather is normally warm and dry,
with pleasant breezes and many hours of sunshine.
The summer season from June to September is
generally hot and completely dry, but with a
noticeable increase in humidity. Temperatures
average 38 to 42 Centigrade and average humidity
range from 67 to 82%. Initially the weather
can be influenced by low pressure over Pakistan,
which dry North-westerly winds, known locally
as Al Barah, to become established. These help
conditions than in later summer months.
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