Bahrain

Bahrain These islands, known as "the pearl of the persian Gulf" may not be very know, but still it has its exiting aspects. A must visit is a central market, the soukh, if not to shop, then at least to see the amazing surroundings of colors, aromas and sounds, or visit the National Museum containing sculptures, paintings, Arabic calligraphy and so on. The oil museum will definitely also be a visit worth, to see how one of the most monay making industrues are builed. You will not be borred in Bahrain.

Area: 694 Km²
Population: 645.000 (2001 est.)
Density: 929 pop/Km²

System of government: Traditional monarchy
Capital: Manama (140.000 pop.)
Major cities: Al Muharraq 75.000 pop.
Ethnic majority: Arab 68%, Asian (Indian, Iranian, Pakistani and others) 24,5%, European 2,5%
Border countries: -

Principal mountains: Jabal al Dukhan 135 m
Principal rivers: -
Principal lakes: -
Principal islands: Bahrain 572 Km²
Climate: Arid - tropical

Language: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu
Religion: Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%
Currency: Bahraini dinar (BHD)

Fixed public holidays: 1/1, 16/12, 17/12
Dialling code: 00973
GMT: +3

World Heritage List:

• Qal'at al-Bahrain Archaeological Site (2005)