The Kingdom of Bahrain (Mamlakah al-Bahrain in Arabic) is an independent country in western Asia, comprising 33 islands on the western side of the Arabian Gulf. It is also the smallest Arab nation in the entire Middle East.
The main island, also called Bahrain, lies 24 km (15 mi) east of Saudi Arabia and 29 km (18 mi) west of Qatar. The capital and largest city is Manama. Bahrain entered recorded history about 5,000 years ago as a commercial trading center.
Long under the influence of more powerful neighbors, it came under the domination of Iran in the 17th century. The Al-Khalifa family, originating from the central Arabian Peninsula, established themselves as Bahrain's rulers in 1783 and has ruled ever since. A series of treaties in the 19th century gave Britain control over Bahrain's defense and foreign affairs. Dominant British influence lasted until Bahrain became independent in 1971.
Bahrain is a window to its historic past. With many mosques, minarets and mausoleums, the country is packed with beautiful attractions everywhere. In true sense, Bahrain is a blend of the old and the new, with beaming skyscrapers and majestic embodiments that speak of the fantastic Islamic art, culture and architecture.
The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, since it is predominantly a Muslim country. However, English is also a widely spoken language here. For additional Bahrain information, including popular sights and attractions, please consult other sections of this website or contact the Concierge upon your arrival.
Bahrain Tourist Information: Weather