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Overview
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. The country was once named Dilmun by ancient Sumerians, considered an island paradise in which there was no disease, death or suffering, and where gods resided. Although modern Bahrain has not retained such mythical status, many still flock to frolic in its heavenly shoreline, and many still perceive the country as blissful respite from less lenient Islamic countries.
However, Bahrain is still imbued with Islamic tradition. Manama, the capital, is jam-packed with majestic mosques and minarets. Some females dress in western-style clothing but immodesty is still frowned upon. It is a symbolic bridge that connects the archipelago to Saudi Arabia’s mainland.
Nevertheless, Bahrain is a wealthy country that has been unafraid to distinguish itself from other Islamic Gulf countries. Under Portuguese rule between 1521 and 1622, attacked by various tribes and groups for more than 100 years, and willingly becoming a British Protectorate between 1861 and 1971, Bahrain was ecstatic when it discovered oil in 1931. In just four decades, Bahrain’s protectorate status was relinquished and Bahrain became one of the world’s most affluent countries. Bahrain’s first independent ruler, Sheikh Isa al-Khalifa, caused controversy by bolstering Bahrain’s relationship with western countries: both British and US military forces were granted use of Bahraini ports and airfields, vital to the prosecution of the two Iraq wars and the 2002 Afghan war.
Despite the Islamic presence, about one-third of Bahrain’s population are foreign expatriates who seek that ideal blend of stability and prosperity. Perhaps this influence has shaped modern Bahrain, now rapidly modernising, full of shopping malls and restaurants. Many argue, however, that the supposed liberal outlook of the country is a sham: alcohol and casinos cannot disguise that the country is an absolute monarchy in which dissent is barely tolerated.
Regardless, visitors to Bahrain are more likely to want to revel in its antiquity, anyway. During construction of Bahrain’s causeway, thousands of burial mounds were disinterred, dating back to the third millennium BC. Bahrain is now the proud owner of the largest ancient necropolis in the world, and its foundations still rest upon the ancient city of Dilmun and the ancient civilisation that resided there.
It is exactly this blend of eastern and western cultures, this commingling of mosque and skyscraper, which draws so many to Bahrain. Perhaps its famous Tree of Life (a verdant tree blooming out of arid desert) says it all: Bahrain is full of surprises and contradictions.
General Information
Area
710.9 sq km (274.5 sq miles).
Population
754,000 (UN estimate 2005).
Population Density
1060.6 per sq km.
Capital
Manama. Population: 139,000 (2003).
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 is practised by around 85% of Bahraini society (of which 60% is Shi’ite and 40% Sunni). There are also other faiths, including Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism and Buddhism.
Time
GMT + 3.
Climate
June
to October, hot and humid (42°C/108°F), December to April, mild
(10-20°C/50-68°F). December through to March can be quite cool.
Rainfall is slight and occurs mainly in winter. Spring and Autumn are
the most pleasant months.
Required Clothing: Lightweight
cottons and linens from spring to autumn, mediumweight clothes from
November to March. Warmer clothes are necessary in winter and on cool
evenings.
Social Conventions
Traditional beliefs and customs are strong influences and people are generally more formal than Westerners. Attitudes to women are more liberal than in most Gulf States. Homosexuality, however, is illegal. Video cassettes will be withheld on arrival at the airport. It is illegal for Muslims to purchase alcohol from retail outlets. It is acceptable to sit cross-legged on cushions or sofas in people’s homes but it is still insulting to display the soles of the feet or shoes or to accept food or anything else with the left hand. It is polite to drink two small cups of coffee or tea when offered. Guests will generally be expected to share a bedroom since guest bedrooms and privacy are almost unknown. Sports clothes may be worn in the street and short dresses are acceptable; however, revealing clothing should be avoided. Smoking is very common and cheap by European standards.
Electricity
230 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.
Passport/Visa's
Passports
Valid passport for at least six months from date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except the following:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the first connecting flight, provided holding confirmed tickets and appropriate travel documents and remaining within the transit area.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Visa Note
1. Nationals of EU countries (except nationals of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia), Australia, Canada and USA may obtain visas on arrival at Bahrain International Airport or King Fahad Causeway if holding valid passports and possibly return/onward tickets for touristic or business stays of up to two weeks. The fee is approximately US$13. If working for a media company (eg a newspaper or TV company) a special invitation from the Bahrain authorities is required.
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist: £20 (two-week, single-entry), renewable for two further weeks once in Bahrain, at the General Directorate of Immigration and Passports, Manama. Business: £40 (four-week, multiple-entry), only available to British, Canadian and US nationals.
Validity
Three months from date of issue (Tourist); five years (Business).
Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses.
Note: (a) No Objection Certificates are obtainable through various hotels, travel agencies and other companies licensed to carry out touristic activities in Bahrain. Organised groups are charged a fee of BHD5 per person (approximately US$13). Non-British students must obtain and validate an NOC from a Bahraini resident (relative, friend or hotel spokesperson) and also submit a letter from university detailing the student status to accompany it. Long-term business visas should be arranged by the employing company in Bahrain. (b) Some visitors can now apply for an electronic visa in Bahrain, through the website www.evisa.gov.bh. This has the added benefit of being 24-hour and enabling secure online credit payment and multiple applications, if necessary.
Working Days Required
Two.
Money
Currency
Dinar (BHD) = 1,000 fils. Notes appear in denominations of BHD20, 10, 5, and 1, and 500 fils. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 25 and 10 fils.
Currency Exchange
Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at most hotels and in banks and bureaux de change. Rates are more preferential at the bureaux de change than at the airport or at hotels.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in hotels, major stores and restaurants. Smaller shops may prefer to deal in cash. ATMs are available in major cities.
Traveller's Cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Sat-Wed 0730-1200 and 1530-1730; Thurs 0730-1100. Government offices, businesses and most offices are closed on Friday, which is a weekly holiday.
Entertainment
Food and Drink
There is a good selection of restaurants serving all kinds of food, including American, Arabic, Chinese, European, Indian, Japanese, Lebanese and Mexican. Arabic food is mainly spicy and strongly flavoured. Lamb is the principal meat with chicken, turkey and duck. Salad and dips are common. Strong Arabic coffee and tea is also widely available.
Things to know: The sale of alcohol is not encouraged, although it is available to non-Muslims in nightclubs, good restaurants and luxury hotels, except during Ramadan. Muslims in Bahrain are not allowed to drink alcohol at any age. Non-Muslims over the age of 18 are allowed to drink, but are not allowed to transport any alcohol and must drink their alcohol where they buy it. Even non-Muslim adults are forbidden to drink during Ramadan.
National specialties:
• Machbous is fish or meat served with rice.
• Muchammar is brown, sweet rice served with sugar or dates.
• Baba ghanoush is a delicious dinner of pureed garlic, aubergine, yoghurt and sesame paste, usually served with vegetables or pita bread.
• Shawarma is lamb or chicken carved from a rotating spit and wrapped in flat bread.
• Sambousan are crisp pastry cases filled with meat, cheese, sugar or nuts.
National drinks:
• Arak (grape spirit flavoured with aniseed).
• Gahwa (coffee) often has cardamom and saffron added to it.
Tipping: 10% is expected by waiters, particularly when service is not included, and is normal practice.
Nightlife
Restaurants, nightclubs and cinemas showing English and Arabic films can be found in the main towns.
Shopping
There is a wide range of modern shopping complexes with imported luxury goods. Pearls are the main local product. Famous red clay pottery is available from the village of A’ali. There are weavers at Bani Jamra village and basket-makers at Jasra village.
Shopping hours: Sat-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1530-1930. Some shops are open for a few hours on Friday mornings in souks.
Valid passport for at least six months from date of departure required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.
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