Country's Full Name: Kingdom of Bahrain or Mamlakat al-Bahrayn

Brief History: Scientists believe the archipelago was inhabited more than 50,000 years ago. Known in ancient times as Dilmun, Bahrain was an important center of trade by the 3rd millennium B.C. The islands were ruled by the Persians in the 4th century A.D., and then by Arabs until 1541, when the Portuguese invaded them. Persia again claimed Bahrain in 1602. In 1783 Ahmad ibn al-Khalifah liberated the island. The al-Khalifahs is the ruling family today. Bahrain became a British protectorate in 1820, gaining independence on Aug. 14, 1971.

What is the country known for: The country is famous for its pearls besides petroleum products.

Main Industries: Petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, offshore banking, ship repairing, tourism. Natural resources: oil, associated and non-associated natural gas, fish, pearls.

Main Trading Partners:
Exports partners (2006 estimated): Saudi Arabia, US, Japan; Commodities: Petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles; exports: $12.62 billion.

Imports partners (2006 estimated): Saudi Arabia, Japan, US, UK, Germany, UAE; Commodities: crude oil, machinery, chemicals, Imports: $9.036 billion.

Major Cities: Al-Manámah (Capital and largest city)

Location: It is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf.

Size: Total: 665 sq km (land: 665 sq km, water: 0 sq km)

3.5 times of Washington DC.

Time Zone: GMT/UTC 3 hours

Type of Government:
The bicameral legislature consists of the Consultative Council (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of Representatives or Chamber of Deputies (40 seats; members directly elected to serve four-year terms)

King: Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifah (1999)
Prime Minister: Khalifah ibn Sulman al-Khalifah (1970)

National Holidays:

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
26 Feb Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
7 Dec Al-Hijrah (Islamic New Year).
16 Dec Ashoura.
16 Dec National Day (two days).

2011
1 Jan New Year's Day.
15 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
30 Aug - 31 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
6 Nov - 7 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
26 Nov Al-Hijrah (Islamic New Year).
5 Dec Ashoura.

Note
Muslim 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.

Population and Breakdown:
July 2007 estimate: 708,573
note: includes 235,108 non-nationals

0-14 years: 26.9% (male 96,217/female 94,275)
15-64 years: 69.5% (male 284,662/female 207,555)
65 years and over: 3.7% (male 13,451/female 12,413)

Median age: 29.7 years (male: 32.7 years/female: 26.1 years)
Life expectancy at birth: 74.68 years (male: 72.18 years/female: 77.25 years)

Religion: Muslim (Shi'a and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census)

Language: Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

Local Customs:
Mostly of Arab descent, people in Bahrain are warm hearted and polite.
The refreshments offered by host should be never denied.
Coffee is an integral part of Bahrain society; people regularly meet at the coffee house.
Use your right hand while eating; left hand is used for unclean activities.
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting.

Best Time to go: The weather during October to April is the best time to visit. However, plan your visit in advance during Ramadan and Mecca pilgrimage.

Currency:

1 US Dollar = 0.37659 Bahraini Dinar
1 Bahraini Dinar (BHD) = 2.65541 US Dollar (USD)

1 British Pound = 0.77114 Bahraini Dinar
1 Bahraini Dinar (BHD) = 1.29679 British Pound (GBP)

1 Euro = 0.53746 Bahraini Dinar
1 Bahraini Dinar (BHD) = 1.86060 Euro (EUR)

Customs Regulations:
Free import by passengers of 18 years and over:
* 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 1/4 kilo of tobacco, in opened packets
* ozs of perfume
* 1 litre bottle of alcoholic liquor and 6 cans of beer for non-Moslem passengers only
* Gifts up to maximum of BHD 250.

Tipping:
If service charge is not added to the bill, waiters and taxi drivers expect a 10% tip. Porters will be happy with about 100 fils per item of baggage.