BAHRAIN: A LAND LIKE NO OTHER

By Bobby Muir

The Land

The country consists of 33 islands in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf.

Most of the Islands are desert and most live near or in the capital city, Manama.

The Country has some notable landforms like the its highest mountain, Jebel al-Dukhan with a height of 134 m.

Bahrain has some Water systems such as: The Gulf of Bahrain Tubli Bay

The Land continued . . .

Bahrain has a couple of natural resources like: Oil Associated and Nonassociated Natural Gas. Fish Pearls

Climate/Vegetation

On average, Bahrain has an arid climate with mild, pleasant winters and very hot, humid deserts.

Due to this climate, only the hardiest of desert vegetation like Dates, Almond Figs and Pomegranate trees grow there.

Government

Bahrain’s government is a Constitutional Monarchy, where although a King or a Queen holds the throne, the real power is with Parliamentary House.

Right now, the king of Bahrain is Sheik Hamad bin ‘Isa Al Khalifah. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is Sheik Khalifah bin Salman Al Khalifah.

The country has a country about as small as its size, about 728,709 people.

Despite this small number, these people live long lives. On average, the life expectancy there is 75.9 years; 72.67 years for Males and 77.78 years for Females

History and Current Events Bahrain was captured from Persia by the al-

Khalifa Family in 1783. After becoming a part of British Territory since

the 19th century, the country had gained independence in the year 1971.

Recently, AlWifaq the largest Shia political society is the largest holder of legislative seats, but there’s been Shia discontent in street demonstrations and on occasion low-level violence.

Economy

Bahrain has a Literacy rate of 86.5% The Currency of Bahrain is the Bahraini Diner. Bahrain is the one of the Persian Gulf’s most diversified economies. Some of it’s

industries are: Petroleum Processing & Refining Aluminum Smelting Iron Pelletization Islamic & Offshore Banking Fertilizers Ship Building Tourism

So far, it’s major exports are: Oil Natural Gas Fruits and Vegetables Finance Construction Aluminum

Culture

Bahraini Women conservatively wear a daffah a long, loose-fitting black gown. The Men traditionally wear a Thobe a loose, long-sleeved, ankle-length garment. The Thobe also includes a Ghutra a square scarf made of cotton, Keffiyeh a white knitted cap under the Ghutra, and finally a Agal a long, thick, black cord worn on top of the Ghutra to hold it in place.

Bahrain has much to offer in food. One example is Machboos, a dish made with either meat or fish and served with rice. Another dish is Falafels, fried balls of chickpeas served in a bread. One more dish is Shawarma, lamb or chicken carved from a rotating spit and wrapped in pita bread.

The official language of Bahrain is Arabic. Much of the population of Bahrain are Muslims, with the majority being

Shia and the minority Sunni. The Architecture & Style of Bahrain has been traditionally based on

Islamic architecture. But with the independence of Bahrain in 1971, there was an increase to Modern architecture to much of Bahrain’s buildings. Soon after, Post-Modern architecture came by in the 1980’s. Then with the 90’s, there was interest in Identity Revivalism architecture.

Places to visit

The country has many historical places like: Bahrain Fort – A historic fort built and occupied by the Portuguese

in the 15oo’s.\ The Grand Mosque – A large mosque where 7,000 worshippers

come everyday. Al Jasra – Birthplace of HH the Amir Sheik Isa bin Salman Al

Khlaifah. Siyadi House – A mansion once owned by a well known 19th-

century pearl merchant. Bahrain also has many tourist attractions for visitors to see like:

Arad Fort – An ancient military fort built in the 15oo’s. Tree of Life – A lone tree that grows in the desert with an unknown

water source. Al Jazeer Beach - A popular hot spot for locals and tourists. Isa Town – A town to a notorious Persian Market

Citations

National Geographic Bahrain Guide http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/countries/bahrain-guide/

CIA Factbook Bahrain https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html

Country Studies Bahrain – Geography and Population http://countrystudies.us/persian-gulf-states/34.htm

Terra Political Leaders: Bahrain http://www.terra.es/personal2/monolith/bahrein.htm

Wikipedia Culture of Bahrain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Bahrain

Ahm ad Bucheery Architecture in Bahrain http://wiki.epfl.ch/lapa-studio/documents/0910_BAH/Sourcebook/Arch_in_Bahrain.pdf

The Knowledge Features 20 Places to visit in Bahrain http://www.timeoutbahrain.com/knowledge/features/5608-20-places-to-visit-in-bahrain