BAHRAIN
Bahrain is a semi-tropical archipelago in the Arabian Gulf, situated within sight of the eastern coast of the Saudi Arabian mainland.
Itself the largest island in the group, Bahrain is roughly 45 km long, from north to south, by 15 km wide. The other islands include Muharraq, Sitra, Nabih Saleh, Umm an Nassan, and the Hawar Islands some 20 km to the southeast.
The independent State of Bahrain is ruled by the Amir, His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Sulman AI Khalifa.
The State of Bahrain is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League and the Gulf Co-operation Council.
Bahrain is located just north of the Tropic of Cancer and the climate is very pleasant for much of the period from October to May. The average annual rainfall, about three inches, occurs as infrequent heavy showers during the cooler months. Winter temperatures, which occasionally fall to about 7c (45f) at night, require heavier type clothing for outdoor work.
The summers tend to be hot and may be oppressively so at times of high humidity. The maximum temperature during the summer months may occasionally exceed 43c (110F). Summer conditions are often tempered by a northwest wind ("shamal") which, if not too strong or laden with sand, makes outdoor life more pleasant. Air-conditioning of houses and offices effectively counteracts any unpleasantness due to climatic conditions.
The great majority of the people of Bahrain are Arabs of the Islamic faith and the official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken. Friday is the official day of rest.
The total population numbers over 400,000, of whom approximately one quarter live in the capital, Manama. Currently around a fifth of the population consists of expatriate employees and their families.
About 10 percent of the total of Bahrain is under cultivation, the main crops being dates, vegetables, lucern, and some tropical fruits.
Animal and bird life is limited. Hares, gazelles, and lizards are occasionally seen in open areas, and the island is visited by migratory birds at certain times of the year. A wildlife park in the centre of the island is re-establishing a population of animals native to Arabia.
Many foreign countries, including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, U.S.A. and the United Kingdom are represented by Embassies or Consulates in Bahrain. Where there is no consular presence or "interests" representation of a particular country in Bahrain, access to its consulate or embassy in neighbouring Gulf countries can be made direct.
During the holy month of Ramadhan all Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. Non-Muslims are required to respect this custom, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, and refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public places during daylight hours.
Situated on the northeast coast, Manama is the capital and contains Government and municipal offices, and other buildings typical of a busy, modern city. There are excellent shopping centres. Merchandise imported from the United Kingdom, America, Europe, and Asia includes clothing, furnishings, hardware, automobiles, boats, cameras, electrical goods, watches, books, newspapers and so on. There are several hotels of international standard and many restaurants which provide an attractive locale for eating out.
A wide selection of banks, offering the usual banking facilities, is available in Manama and there is a bank in Awali (the Company village) and another one adjacent to the Refinery.
Dual carriageways connect Manama with other towns and villages. All streets and houses are named or numbered and excellent maps are available. Manama, Isa Town, Hamad Town, most of the villages, Awali and the oil refinery are on the main island.
On Muharraq Island are the towns of Muharraq and Hidd, a few villages, the Dry Dock complex and the Bahrain International Airport. Sitra Island which is the site of the oil terminal and the new petrochemical complex, is connected to the main island by several bridges, and to the oil loading wharf by a causeway. Similarly, a causeway links Manama with Muharraq. Bahrain is also linked to Saudi Arabia by a 28 km causeway.
The currency of Bahrain is the Bahrain Dinar which is divided into 1,000 fils. Bank notes in respect of 20, 10, 5, 1 and 1 /2 dinar are in circulation, and nickel and copper coins for 100 fils and sub-denominations are in common use.
The Bahrain Dinar (BD) is freely convertible into other currencies. In addition, Travellers' Cheques provide an easy method of bringing sufficient money into Bahrain to meet immediate requirements.
The BD value fluctuates against most other currencies. Rates of exchange are published on a daily basis. However, against the U.S. Dollar the value of the BD has been virtually fixed at a rate of 1 U.S.$ = BD 0.377 for over a decade, although obviously this rate cannot be guaranteed. International charge and credit cards are accepted in a number of outlets in Bahrain.