Bahrain WR

De Armas, Zaira G.
BSED IV
BAHRAIN
Identification. In ancient times, Bahrain was part of an empire known as Dilmun. It was
later called Tyros by the Greeks. The name "Bahrain" is derived from the Arabic word
Bahr, meaning "sea."
Location and Geography. Bahrain is an archipelago made up of Bahrain Island and

thirty smaller islands. It is located in the Persian Gulf near the Arabian Peninsula, 120
miles southwest of Iran, 14 miles to the east of Saudi Arabia, and 17 miles to the west
of the Qatar Peninsula. The main island, which accounts for seven-eighths of the
country's area, is thirty miles from north to south and ten miles from east to west. The
total area of the country is 240 square miles (620 square kilometers).
The highest point is Ad-Dukhan Hill in the center of Bahrain Island. This area is
surrounded by sandy plains and salt marshes. Along the north and northwest coast,
there are some springs and aquifers that are used for irrigation. Only 1 percent of the
land is arable.
The climate is humid for much of the year, but the country suffers from a scarcity of
rainfall which averages three inches a year, falling almost entirely in the winter. Despite
the dry climate, the country is home to about two hundred species of desert plants as
well as gazelles, hares, desert rats, and mongoose.
Demography. According to the CIA World Factbook, the estimated population in 2000
was 634,137. The majority of these people are Arabs. There are many temporary
immigrant workers, and one-third of the population is foreign-born. Nineteen percent of
the population is Asian, 10 percent is non-Bahraini Arab, and 8 percent is Irani. There
are significantly more men than women. The population is growing rapidly with a high
birthrate and a low death rate. One-third of the people are less than fifteen years old.
Linguistic Affiliation. Arabic is the official language and the language of daily life.
English is understood in many places and Farsi and Urdu also are spoken by the large
numbers of Indian and Persian residents.
Symbolism. The national flag is red with a white serrated band of eight points along the
left side.
The national flag of Bahrain (Arabic: ‫ )علم البحرين‬consists of a white band on the left,
separated from a red area on the right by five triangles that serve as a serrated line.
The national flag of Bahrain (Arabic: ‫ )علم البحرين‬consists of a white band on the left,
separated from a red area on the right by five triangles that serve as a serrated
line.
The five white triangles symbolize the:

Shahada: Faith.
Salah: Prayer.
Zakāt: Charity.
Sawm: Fasting.
Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca.
White: represent their new, peaceful relationship.
Red: represent the Kharijite sect of the Islamic religion.
Kingdom of Bahrain
Capital: Manama
Population: 1.4 million
Area: 717 sq km (277 sq miles)
Major language: Arabic
Major religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 75 years (men), 76 years (women)
Currency: Bahraini dinar
(LEADER) King: Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah

Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Natural resources: oil, associated and no associated natural gas, fish, pearls
Government type: constitutional monarchy
National anthem: "Bahrainona" (Our Bahrain)
Agriculture: fruit, vegetables; poultry, dairy products; shrimp, fish
Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah

Sheikh Hamad, who has led the country since 1999, transitioned from emir to king when
Bahrain became a kingdom in February 2002.
HISTORY
Bahrain formally known as the Kingdom of Bahrain is a small Arab kingdom located in
the Persian Gulf. The country is made up of a group of islands between
the Qatar peninsula and the north eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain is an island
country located near the western shores of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East.
Bahrain's history dates all the way back to ancient history. Bahrain was the main city of
the old Dilmun civilization and its strategic position in the Persian Gulf brought about
rule and influence from the Arabs, Persians, Babylonians, Assyrians, Sumerians, and
the British
ETIQUETTE AND CUSTOMS IN BAHRAIN
Meeting Etiquette
 Bahrainis are tremendously friendly
 Greetings are given with a sense of enthusiasm and delight at meeting you or
seeing you again.
 Smiling and direct eye contacts are crucial.
 Men shake hands and kiss each other on the cheek.
Women generally hug and kiss close friends.
When Bahrainis greet each other they take their time and converse about general
things.
Dining Etiquette
Bahrainis enjoy entertaining friends and family in their homes, although they will also
socialize in restaurants, clubs, and international hotels.
 Entertainment is often same-sex only.
 Friends may be invited to a Bahraini's home.
If you are invited to a Bahraini's house:
Check to see if the host is wearing shoes. If not, remove yours at the door.
 Dress conservatively.
 Do not discuss business at a social occasion.
 Try to arrive at the invited time. Punctuality is appreciated.
 Show respect for the elders by greeting them first.
 Accept any offer of coffee or tea. To turn down hospitality may be considered a
rejection of the person.
 If you are invited for a meal, there may be a great deal of socializing and small
talk before the meal is served. The evening will end quite quickly after the meal.
 It is considered good manners to reciprocate any hospitality you receive.
FOOD AND ECONOMY
Major Industries. The main industry is petroleum production, processing, and refining.
Others industries are aluminum smelting, offshore banking, ship repairing, and tourism.
The country also produces cement blocks, plastics, asphalt, paper products, and soft
drinks.
Commercial Activities. The country produces fruits and vegetables, poultry, dairy
products, shrimp, and fish that are sold in the souks, along with locally produced
handicrafts. Tourism is a growing business, accounting for 9 percent of the GDP. A
good deal of international banking is conducted in Bahrain.
FOOD AND ECONOMY
Dish: “Machbous” consists of fish or meat served with rice

Dessert: “muhammar” is made of brown rice and sugar or dates
“Halwais” another traditional sweet, a green, sticky dessert filled with spices and nuts.
Snacks: “sambousas” are also popular; these are pastries filled with meat and cheese
or sugar and nuts.
FESTIVALS
Eid al Adah (Festival of Sacrifice) It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to

sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.
Islamic New Year

the day that marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar year, and is the day on
which the year count is incremented.
Ramadan
(Start: May 5 End: June 4)
is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities
and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.
Eid al fitr (June 4)

is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks the end of Ramadan, which is
a month of fasting and prayer. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to
a khutba (sermon) and give zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food) during Eid al-Fitr.

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De Armas, Zaira G.

Location and Geography. Bahrain is an archipelago made up of Bahrain Island and

The five white triangles symbolize the:

Area: 717 sq km (277 sq miles)

Life expectancy: 75 years (men), 76 years (women)

(LEADER) King: Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah

Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah

ETIQUETTE AND CUSTOMS IN BAHRAIN

If you are invited to a Bahraini's house:

FOOD AND ECONOMY

FOOD AND ECONOMY

Dish: “Machbous” consists of fish or meat served with rice

Eid al Adah (Festival of Sacrifice) It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to

Islamic New Year

Eid al fitr (June 4)

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