Bahrain

Bahrain, in Arabic "two seas", is situated in the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf about 24 km off the east coast of Saudi Arabia and 28 km from Qatar. It is an archipelago consisting of 33 natural islands and numerous islets, shoals, and artificial islands. The islands' total land area is about 780 km², which is slightly larger than Singapore and the Maldives, making it the third-smallest country in Asia. Bahrain is low-lying, with the highest point, Jebel Dukhan in the centre of Bahrain island, at 137 meters above sea level. Bahrain island is the largest island and accounts for about 85 per cent of the area. It is connected to adjacent islands and the mainland of Saudi Arabia by bridges and causeways. Located in one of the world's richest petroleum regions, the country itself is the smallest Gulf oil producer. In 2018, Bahrain announced the discovery of an offshore oil field off Bahrain's west coast, estimated to contain 80 billion barrels of shale oil.

Bahrain’s climate is arid and is characterized by extremely hot summers and relatively mild winters. Average monthly temperatures range from 14 to 41 °C and are fairly uniform throughout the archipelago. There are two distinct seasons: a winter season from November to April, and a summer season from May to October -—
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—-. The annual average rainfall is small (about 80 mm) and irregular, falling almost entirely in the winter months-—
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—-. There are no rivers or permanent streams on the islands. Groundwater is the only natural source available for freshwater supply. Sandstorms are frequent, affecting all aspects of human activity and aggravating desertification. Despite the dry climate, about two hundred species of desert plants grow in the country. The only major tree growing in Bahrain is the Tree of Life (Shajarat-al-Hayat), 400 years old and 9.75 m high Prosopis cineraria tree, located 2 km from Jebel Dukhan.

The oil and gas industry dominates Bahraini economy. In 2019, it accounted for 17.8 per cent of the country’s GDP. The country's largest non-oil sectors are the financial corporations sector contributing 16.5 per cent to GDP, and manufacturing sector contributing 14.5 per cent to GDP -—
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—-. Bahrain hosts the world’s largest aluminium shelter outside China, Alba, which is the dominant force in the country’s manufacturing sector. The largest export partners are Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America. -—
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Service sector employed roughly 64 per cent of total employed in the country in 2019, and these jobs were predominantly occupied by women (91 per cent of women were employed by the sector) -—
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—-. Tourist arrivals averaged 11 million per year for the period 2015-2019, reaching a peak of 12 million in 2018. Tourism expenditure contributed 10 per cent of GDP in 2019 -—
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—-. Bahrain is classified as a high income economy -—
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—- and reached US$23 504 per capita in 2019 -—
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According to the  -—
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—-, only 2 per cent of the territory is classified as arable land. Limited arable area, high temperatures, scarcity of water resources and loss of agricultural lands due to salinization result in a low development of agriculture. The main crops are alfalfa for animal fodder, but dates, figs, mangos, pomegranates, melons, papayas are also grown. Agriculture accounts for only 1 per cent of total employment -—
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In ancient times, Bahrain was part of Dilmun, a mercantile civilization, which dominated trade routes along the Persian Gulf from the fourth millennium Before Christ through to the ninth century BC. The country declared itself a constitutional monarchy in 2002.

Bahrain was one of the first areas to convert to Islam, in 628, four years before the death of the prophet Muhammad. Bahrainis are predominantly Muslims, both Sunni and Shia Muslims, the latter being the majority. -—
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—-. Music is an important part of the island culture. Fidjeri songs once sung by pearl divers are still very popular. Cloth weaving, pottery, and basket weaving are traditional handicrafts

Local sports, such as horse and camel racing, are well-liked throughout the country. Wealthier Bahrainis practice falconry and gazelle and hare hunting. The most popular modern sport is soccer. In 1984, the country competed in the Summer Olympic Games for the first time. Bahrain hosted the First Formula One Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East, in 2004.

Bahrain’s traditional food includes fish, shrimp, meat, rice, and dates. Among popular traditional dishes are Machbous, fish or meat served with rice, and muḥammar, sweet brown rice with sugar or dates. Arab Coffee, or Qahwah, often flavored with cardamom and saffron, is the national drink.