bahrainCountry: BAHRAIN

Capital: Manama

Geographic Coordinates: 26 00 N, 50 33 E

Population: 738,004. Note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2010 est.)

Main Religion: Islam

Language: Arabic

Government Type: Constitutional monarchy

Head of State:  King Hamad bin Isa al-KHALIFA

Main Industries:  petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, Islamic and offshore banking, insurance, ship repairing, tourism

GDP in US Dollars (per capita): $38,400 (2009 est.)

Currency Code:  Bahraini dinar (BHD)

Life Expectancy:  74 years (men), 77 years (women) (UN)

Environment - current issues: Desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, periods of drought, and dust storms; Coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; Lack of freshwater resources (groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all water needs)

Issues facing Women and Children:
  • Net primary-school enrolment rates in the region average about 84 per cent, with little gender disparity. Pre-school enrolment rates, however, are only about 10 per cent.
  • Abuse of women and children, low minimum age for marriage and quality of school curricula are issues of concern.
  • Injuries and accidents, particularly those involving automobile traffic, are the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality.

Land Mine Ban Signatory: N

Local Media: Press: Akhbar al-Khaleej, Al-Ayam, Bahrain Tribune; Radio and TV: Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC)

Interesting Fact: Bahrain - whose name means "two seas" - was once viewed by the ancient Sumerians as an island paradise to which the wise and the brave were taken to enjoy eternal life.

Famous for: Saambousa (pastry), Bahrain World Trade Centre, Qal'at al-Bahrain (the Ancient Harbour of Bahrain and Capital of Dilmun), pearls and pearl diving, possible site of Garden of Eden, "Tree of Life", Gold Souk, Bahrain Grand Prix

 

Official Tourism Website: https://www.bahraintourism.com/

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