Bahrain consists of 33 islands and is located in the Arabian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. A world of desert and water that offers variety and is particularly interesting for those interested in archeology. The contrast between modern cities and exciting desert landscapes also attracts many western travelers like Dubai. See Andyeducation for education in Bahrain.
| Capital City | Manama |
| Size | 750 km² |
| Resident | 1.240.000 |
| Official Language | Arabic |
| Currency | Bahrain-Dinar |
| Time Zone | UTC+3 |
| Telephone Area Code | +973 |
Fast facts to know
- Consists of 33 islands.
- Main export: oil.
- Before oil production began, pearl fishing was an important source of income.
- Area with the world’s largest prehistoric burial sites.
- At the end of March/beginning of April the two-week National Heritage Festival takes place in Manama.
- In contrast to stricter Arab countries, no strict alcohol ban.
- Vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A recommended.
- Good medical care, modern hospitals.
Exciting cities in Bahrain
- Manama
- Budaiya
- al-Muharraq
History of Bahrain
- Already populated in prehistoric times with a flourishing culture 3,000 years before Christ.
- Conquest and Islamization by the Arabs 630 AD
- From the 13th century under Persian rule.
- From 1515 under Portuguese rule.
- British protectorate since 1867.
- 1971 Declaration of Independence by Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.
- 2001 Conversion to a kingdom.
Climate & travel weather in Bahrain
- Very warm phase from April to October with extreme humidity.
- 35° C on average, up to 45° C possible in summer.
- The winter months are very mild with an average of 18°C.
- Hardly any rainfall.
- Best travel time: November to April.
Ideas for trips in Bahrain
- Archaeological site of Qal’at al-Bahrain (UNESCO World Heritage).
- Aali with its total of 170,000 burial mounds.
- Dhow trip to one of the many islands.
- Excursion to Al Areen Wild Life Park.
- Visit the Formula 1 track.
Food & Drink in Bahrain
- Fresh fish dishes, lamb, chicken, turkey and duck are often on the menu.
- Liked to eat: vegetable curry with rice, yoghurt and khubz (flat bread).
- Mezze are small, appetizing appetizers.
- Flatbread “Pita” is usually served with food.
- Many spices (saffron, cardamom) and herbs (mint and parsley) are used.
- Also popular: onions and garlic.
- Typical drinks: Strong Arabic coffee and tea (black, with peppermint leaves, without milk, heavily sweetened).
- Typical dishes:
- Muhammar (brown rice dessert with dates).
- Machbous (stewed fish or meat with rice).
- Baba Ghanoush (Smoked Eggplant, Garlic Puree, Yogurt and Sesame Paste).
- Shawarma (lamb or chicken cut off a rotating skewer and served in flat loaves of bread).
- Sambousa (Crispy pastries filled with meat, cheese, sugar, nuts).
Particularly scenic
- Sand dunes & desert with ocher forts
- salt flats
- fruit and date plantations
- Palmenhaine
