Bahrain

3000 BCE – Early evidence of civilization in Bahrain, including ancient Dilmun culture

650 CE – Islam introduced to the region

1521 – Bahrain becomes part of the Portuguese Empire

1783 – Al Khalifa family takes control of Bahrain

1913 – Bahrain becomes a British protectorate

1971 – Independence from the United Kingdom (date of modern state formation)

2002 – Bahrain becomes a constitutional monarchy under King Hamad

2011 – Pro-democracy protests and unrest during the Arab Spring

2020 – Economic diversification efforts continue with investment in banking and tourism

Continent: Asia (Middle East)
Location: Persian Gulf, near the Arabian Peninsula
Capital: Manama
Language: Arabic (official), English widely spoken
Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Population: ~1.7 million (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Arabian Standard Time (AST, UTC+3)

Borders: Bahrain is an island nation with no land borders, but it is connected to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway
Coastline: Arabian Gulf coastline
Landscape: Desert, flat coastal plains, some low hills
Notable Features: Al Areen Wildlife Park, Bahrain Fort, Tree of Life

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Bahraini (Arab); significant expatriate communities from India, Pakistan, and other Arab countries
Religion: Predominantly Muslim (majority Shia Islam, minority Sunni Islam)
Urban Population: ~99% (last updated: 2023)
Population Notes: Large migrant worker population from South Asia and other Middle Eastern countries

Famous For: Pearling history, Formula 1 Grand Prix, hospitality, traditional markets (souks)
Cuisine: Machboos (rice dish), khubz (bread), hummus, falafel, dates
Arts: Calligraphy, Islamic art, modern art galleries
Sports: Formula 1, football (soccer), basketball, camel racing

Economy Type: High-income economy, petroleum-based
GDP: Approx. $52 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Petroleum, petrochemicals, finance, aluminum production
Key Exports: Petroleum, refined products, aluminum, chemicals
Unemployment Rate: ~4.2% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Finance and banking sector in Manama; oil and gas industry focus on offshore and onshore production

Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
Head of State: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (last updated: April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa (last updated: April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral National Assembly (Council of Representatives)
Constitution: In effect since 2002

Manama: Bahrain National Museum, Bab Al-Bahrain Souq, Bahrain Fort
Al Areen Wildlife Park: Desert wildlife sanctuary
Muharraq: Historical sites, including the Bahrain Pearling Trail
Juffair: Modern area with shopping malls, cafes, and nightlife
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 1 (last updated: 2023)