| Location |
: |
Middle East, gulf coast between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. |
| Area |
: |
710.9 sq km (274.5 sq miles) |
| Population |
: |
1,314,089 (Bahrainis 45%, expats 55% - workforce 77% expats) |
| Capital |
: |
Manama |
| Government |
: |
Constitutional Monarchy |
| Time |
: |
GMT + 3 |
| |
|
|
| Bahrain has the first "post-oil" economy in the Gulf because the Bahraini economy does not rely on oil. Since the late 20th century, Bahrain has heavily invested in the banking and tourism sectors. The country's capital, Manama is home to many large financial structures. Bahrain has a high Human Development Index (ranked 48th in the world) and was recognized by the World Bank as a high income economy. |
|
 |
Connected to Saudi Arabia by 18km King Fahad causeway, opened in November 1986. Qatar-Bahrain friendship bridge 45 km is under construction, expected to be ready in 5 years time, to be the longest fixed link between two countries.
Bahrain established bilateral relations with 190 countries worldwide. As of 2012, Bahrain maintains a network of 25 embassies, 3 consulates and 4 permanent missions to the Arab League, United Nations and European Union respectively. Bahrain also hosts 36 embassies. Bahrain plays a modest, moderating role in regional politics and adheres to the views of the Arab League on Middle East peace.
|