The Gulf Island Kingdom
Bahrain is the smallest Gulf state — an archipelago of 33 islands covering just 765 km². The country was the first Gulf state to discover oil (1932) — predating the Saudi, Kuwaiti, and UAE discoveries by several years — though its reserves are now largely depleted, forcing economic diversification.
Bahrain is connected to Saudi Arabia by the 25-km King Fahd Causeway (opened 1986), which has made the country a weekend destination for Saudis seeking alcohol, cinemas, and the less-restrictive Bahraini social environment. The country is also home to the US Fifth Fleet — the main US naval base in the Gulf.
Bahrain has a Sunni-ruled Shia-majority population — a tension that erupted in the 2011 Arab Spring protests, which were suppressed with Saudi military assistance.
A Brief History
Bahrain has been inhabited for thousands of years — the ancient Dilmun civilisation centered here was a Sumerian trading partner. British protection 1892-1971, then independence. The Al Khalifa family has ruled since 1783.
Geography and Climate
Bahrain covers just 765 km² across 33 islands. Desert climate.
Culture, Language and Religion
Arabic is official. Religion: approximately 70% Muslim (roughly evenly split between Sunni and Shia, though estimates vary).
The Economy
Bahrain has a high-income economy (~$45 billion GDP in 2024). Oil, financial services (Bahrain has been a major Gulf banking hub), and manufacturing (aluminium).
UNESCO Sites
Bahrain has 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun, the Pearling Path in Muharraq, and the Dilmun Burial Mounds.
Travel Guide
Entry: Visa on arrival for most Western nationalities.
Best seasons: November-March.
Surprising Facts
- Bahrain was the first Gulf state to discover oil in 1932.
- The King Fahd Causeway connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia (25 km) makes Bahrain a major weekend destination for Saudis.
- The US Fifth Fleet has been based in Bahrain since 1995.
- Bahrain is the smallest Arab country.
- Ancient Bahrain (as Dilmun) was a 4,000-year-old Sumerian trading partner.
- Bahrain hosted the first Gulf Formula One race in 2004.
Sources and References
See the frontmatter for cited sources.