LocationMiddle East, Gulf Coast.
Area710.9 sq km (274.5 sq miles).
Population754,000 (UN, 2005).
Population Density1060.6 per sq km.
CapitalManama.
Population: 139,000 (2003).
GovernmentConstitutional monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1971 (had been a British Protectorate from 1861).
LanguageThe official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken.
ReligionIslam is practiced by around 85% of Bahraini society (of which 60% is Shi’ite
and 40% Sunni). There are also other faiths, including Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism.
TimeGMT + 3.
Electricity230 volts AC, 50Hz (Awali, 110 volts AC, 60Hz). Lamp fittings are of both the bayonet and screw types. Plug fittings are normally of the 13-amp pin type.
Head of GovernmentPrime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa since 1971.
Head of StateKing Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa since 1999.
TelephoneCountry code: 973. Blue phone booths are coin-operated, red booths are phonecard operated and silver booths are operated by both cards and coins. Facilities are provided for video conferencing, digital data networks, and mobile links.
Mobile TelephoneRoaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average.
InternetAvailable in large cities and resorts.
MediaBahrain’s domestic radio and television stations are state-run. Some households have satellite TV. Bahrain is keen to promote itself as a regional media hub, and the London-based pan-Arab satellite broadcaster MBC chose Bahrain as the base for its
MBC-2 channel. Journalists have the legal right to operate independently and freely, but can be imprisoned for some offences, which include insulting the king. Self-censorship is practiced.
PostAirmail service to Europe takes three to four days. The main post office is near Bab al-Bahrain in Manama. Efficient one-day international courier services operate out of Bahrain.
Post office hours: Sat-Thurs 0700-1930.
Press• Private daily newspapers include
Al-Ayam and
Al-Wasat.
• Leading newspapers in English are
Bahrain Tribune and the
Gulf Daily News.
Radio• Bahrain Radio & Television Corporation (
BRTC) is state-run and operates
General Program in Arabic.
• Second Program deals with cultural and local issues.
• Other stations include
Holy Koran Program,
Radio Bahrain, which is an English-language service, and
Sports Service.
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2007-December 2008 period.
2007
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
20 Jan Al-Hijrah (Islamic New Year).
29 Jan Ashura.
31 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
13 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
16 Dec (two days) National Day.
20 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
10 Jan Al-Hijrah (Islamic New Year).
19 Jan Ashura.
20 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
13 Oct Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
16 Dec (two days) National Day.
9 Dec Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
29 Dec Al-Hijrah (Islamic New Year).
NoteMuslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there are restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.
Contact Information:Bahrain Tourism CompanyPO Box 5831, Manama, Bahrain
Tel: (17) 530 530
or 534 321.
Website:
www.alseyaha.com Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the UK30 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QB, UK
Tel: (020) 7201 9170.
Website:
www.bahrainembassy.co.ukOpening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1600; 0900-1200 (visa section).
Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the USA3502 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 342 1111.
Website:
www.bahrainembassy.org
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