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About Bahrain

About

Bahrain

Capital Manama

Area 710.9 sq km (274.5 sq miles)

Population 718,300 (2008 estimate)

Language The official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken.

Time GMT +3

Electricity 240 volts AC, 50Hz (Awali, 110 volts AC, 60Hz). Lamp fittings are of both the bayonet and screw types. Plug fittings are normally of the 13‑amp pin type.

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Arabian Gulf, offering a blend of ancient and modern. Skyscrapers share the landscape with majestic mosques, embodiments of Islamic art, culture and architecture. Manama, Bahrain’s capital, is modern, dominated by a Manhattan‑style skyline. The souk lies in the center of the old town, near the archway of Bab al‑Bahrain and, although much of the surrounding area is modern, the street layout follows traditional lines. To sample some of Bahrain’s past, a visit to the A’ali Burial Mounds (the world’s largest cemetery) is recommended. Other sites of antiquity include The House of Al Jasra (birthplace of the Amir, the ruler of Bahrain) and the Al Fateh Grand Mosque (Bahrain’s largest mosque). Other attractions include long stretches of sandy beaches and coral reefs. The largest and most pleasant beach can be found at Al Jazair.

Climate

Summer months (June to September) are very hot. The weather is far cooler from December to March, particularly in the evenings. Rainfall is slight and only likely in winter. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons.

Geography

Bahrain is composed of a group of 33 islands (3 large and 30 small ones), lying halfway down the Arabian Gulf, 25 km/15 miles from the east coast of Saudi Arabia, slightly under 30 km/20 miles off the Qatar peninsula. The islands are low‑lying, the highest ground being a hill in the center of Bahrain. The main island has the valuable asset of an adequate supply of fresh water both on land and offshore. In the north are extensive date gardens with irrigated fruit and vegetable gardens. A causeway between Bahrain and the East Coast of Saudi Arabia recently opened to traffic.

Money
Currency

Dinar (BHD)

Credit Cards

Diners Club, Access/MasterCard, American Express and VISA are accepted in hotels, major stores and restaurants. Smaller shops may prefer to deal in cash.

Banking Hours

Sat‑Wed 7:30AM‑12N and 3:30‑5:30PM; Thurs 7:30AM‑11AM. Government offices, businesses and most offices are closed on Friday, which is a weekly holiday.

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