Bahrain Country & Tourist Information

Location
Middle East, Gulf Coast.

Area
710.9 sq km (274.5 sq miles).

Population
718,300 (2008 estimate).

Population Density
1096 per sq km.

Capital
Manama.
Population: 155,000 (2008 estimate).

Government
Constitutional monarchy. Gained full independence from the UK in 1971 (had been a British Protectorate from 1861).

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

Religion
Islam. Most Bahrainis (60%) are Shi'ite Muslims although there is a sizeable minority of Sunnis, including the Royal family.

Time
GMT + 3.

Electricity
240 volts AC, 50Hz (Awali, 110 volts AC, 60Hz).

Head of Government
Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa since 1971.

Head of State
King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa since 1999.

Recent History
In 2002, Bahrain became a constitutional monarchy with a fully elected parliament in which both men and women are eligible to vote and stand for office. There is also a system in place to ensure transparency of government finances which has helped Bahrain compete to become the region's leading offshore banking and commercial hub.

Telephone
Country code: 973. Blue phone booths are coin-operated, red booths are phonecard operated and silver booths are operated by both cards and coins. Facilities are provided for video conferencing, digital data networks and mobile links.

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. Coverage is average.

Internet
Available in large cities and resorts.

Media
Bahrain's domestic radio and television stations are state-run. Some households have satellite TV. Bahrain is keen to promote itself as a regional media hub, and the London-based pan-Arab satellite broadcaster MBC chose Bahrain as the base for its MBC-2 channel. Journalists have the legal right to operate independently and freely, but can be imprisoned for some offences, which include insulting the king. Self-censorship is practiced.


Post
Airmail service to Europe takes three to four days. The main post office is near Bab al-Bahrain in Manama. Efficient one-day international courier services operate out of Bahrain.

Post office hours: Sat-Thurs 0700-1930.

Press
• Private daily newspapers include Al-Ayam and Al-Wasat.
• Leading newspapers in English are Bahrain Tribune and the Gulf Daily News.

Radio
• Bahrain Radio & Television Corporation (BRTC) is state-run and operates General Program in Arabic.
• Second Program deals with cultural and local issues.
• Other stations include Holy Koran Program, Radio Bahrain, which is an English-language service, and Sports Service.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
7 Jan Ashoura.
9 Mar Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
16 Dec National Day (two days). 
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
18 Dec Al-Hijrah (Islamic New Year).
27 Dec Ashoura.

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
26 Feb Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet).
11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
16 Dec National Day (two days). 
7 Dec Al-Hijrah (Islamic New Year).
16 Dec Ashoura.

Note
Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there are restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

Contact Information:

Bahrain Tourism Company
PO Box 5831, Manama, Bahrain
Tel: (17) 530 530 or 534 321.
Website: www.alseyaha.com

Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the UK
30 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QB, UK
Tel: (020) 7201 9170.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1600; 0900-1200 (visa section).

Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the USA
3502 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 342 1111.
Website: www.bahrainembassy.org


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