Official name: Dawlat al-Bahrayn (State of Bahrain)

Bahrain is known throughout the world for its friendliness and hospitality. The Middle East's only island nation follows the trend of island lifestyle everywhere with its sunny skies, blue seas and peace-loving population.

Its name is derived from two Arabic words "thnain Bahr" meaning "two seas" and refers to the phenomenon of sweet water springs under the sea which mingle with the salty water. This phenomenon is believed to be responsible for the unusual luster of Bahrain's natural pearls, the country's major economy before the advent of oil.

GEOGRAPHY

Location: Middle East, lies between the east coast of Saudi Arabia and the Qatar peninsula at a latitude of 26° North

Capital: Manama
Area: total: 707 sq km
land: 665 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Local time: GMT + 3 hours

Bahrain consists of a group of 33 islands. It is linked by causeways to Muharraq (international airport) and Sitra (industrial area and tank-farm). There are numerous other tiny islands, but they are mainly uninhabited and are best known for the variety of migrating birds which pass through in spring and autumn.

PEOPLE

Population: 677,886
note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)

Median age:

total: 29 years
male: 31.9 years
female: 25.3 years (2004 est.)

Population growth rate: 1.56% (2004 est.)

Net migration rate: 1.05 migrant's / 1,000 population (2004 est.)

Literacy:

definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 89.1%
male: 91.9%
female: 85% (2003 est.)

Language: Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

Locals and expatriates live together and interact in a rare bond of fraternity and brotherhood. Such charms, along with an excellent network of hotels, apartments and restaurants, attract an increasing number of regional and international tourists.

The role of women is reflected in Bahrain's human resources. With almost half the population female, Bahraini women are highly educated and are well represented in all of the major professions, as well as various women's societies and organizations. Employed Bahraini women accounted for 23.5 per cent of the total working Bahraini population, according to the Central Statistics Organization's 2001 census report. The Bahraini female labor force constitutes 25.6 per cent of the total Bahraini female population.

Bahrain values its people

Against the backdrop of robust economic growth in 2000, a positive momentum has surfaced amongst the Bahraini working population. Being at an economic and political crossroads, Bahrain's emphasis on its people has never been stronger. This is evidenced by the implementation of the referendum of 2001, which passed with a majority vote (98.4%), and which allows municipal and legislative elections to be held on may 9 and october 24, 2002, respectively. The national and cultural identity of Bahrain is best reflected in its human resources, with a high percentage of nationals employed in key industries. Whereas other GCC states depend to a larger extent on expatriate workers, Bahrain's human resources have played a vital role in shaping the economy. Bahrain's business culture revolves around personal interactions, differentiating the kingdom from other Gulf States. Bahraini decision-makers and key executives are easily accessible and have a hands-on approach to doing business. Simultaneously, since the discovery of oil in 1932, Bahrain has utilized the expertise and talent of an international human capital pool to assist in its development.

RELIGION

Islam is the religion of Bahrain--Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%--and is practiced by the majority. Places of worship of other faiths exist on the island.

CLIMATE

The climate is hot in summer and mild in winter. From November to April it is very pleasant, with temperatures from 15 to 24 degrees centigrade. Temperatures are coolest between December and March when northerly winds prevail. From July to September temperatures average 36 degrees centigrade with high humidity. The annual average rainfall is approximately 77 millimetres. The Arabian Gulf has an average depth of only 35 metres and most of it in the vicinity of Bahrain is much shallower than this.

GOVERNMENT

Form of government: monarchy (emirate)
Chief of state: Emir
Head of government: Prime Minister

The country is widely respected by the international community for its progressive policies and programs, thanks to the judicious leadership of His Highness and his wise government, led by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Sulman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister and the continuous support of His Highness Shaikh Sulman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa the Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force.

Apart from providing a stable government, it has been an active policy to encourage oreign investment and support private enterprise Bahrain became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. In 1981 it joined its five neighbours - Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar - to form the strategic alliance called the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

Also, Bahrain has an independent legal and judicial system with a framework of commercial laws and, on this strength and its well developed infrastructure, has become an international and GCC arbitration center.

ECONOMY

GDP: purchasing power parity - $11.29 billion (2003 est.)

GDP - real growth rate: 4.9% (2003 est.)

GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $16,900 (2003 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:

        agriculture: 0.7% 
        industry: 42.1% 
        services: 57.2% (2003 est.)

Investment (gross fixed): 11.9% of GDP (2003)

Ideally located at the confluence of ancient trade routes, Bahrain has always been a thriving entrepot with the economy traditionally driven by trade, pearl diving, fishing and agriculture.

Petroleum production and refining account for about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. The country is dependent on Saudi Arabia for oil granted as aid. A large share of exports consists of petroleum products made from refining imported crude. Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems.

Going to Bahrain

An unspoiled island nation with friendly and sophisticated people, Bahrain offers genuine hospitality combined with a well-developed infrastructure and an impressive range of hotels and tourism facilities. Hotels, offices, restaurants and taxis are all air-conditioned for a comfortable lifestyle.

Entering/Exiting Bahrain

A valid passport and visa are required. Two-week visas may be obtained for a fee upon arrival at the airport. Prior to travel, visitors may obtain from Bahraini embassies overseas five-year multiple entry visas valid for stays as long as one month. Visitors who fail to depart the country at the end of their authorized stay are fined. An AIDS test is required for individuals employed in jobs involving food handling, and patient or child care.

An exit tax is charged all travelers upon departure. Residents of Bahrain who intend to return must obtain a re-entry permit before departing.

VISAS

Validity: Three months from date of issue (Tourist); five years (Business).
Application to: Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy)

Easy access to visas

Visas are required by all visitors to Bahrain- regardless of purpose of visit- except passport holders of the GCC States (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates).

Foreign nationals may enter Bahrain with a tourist visa (for individuals or groups), 72-hour visa, 7-day visa, visit visa, business visa, family visa, dependent visa or an employment visa. In addition, all visitors who hold valid resident permits for Saudi Arabia can be issued a free 2-week visa. All applications for extension must be signed by a local sponsor. In the case of tourist visas, the hotel may act as a sponsor.

Tourist visa

This type of visa can be obtained at the Bahrain International Airport or King Fahad causeway for citizens of the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong and the United States. Visitors must have no criminal record or involvement in activities that could threaten public order or national security. They are not permitted to seek employment while in Bahrain.

Groups may obtain visas to Bahrain for a duration of up to 2 weeks, renewable once for a similar period. Visas are obtained through hotels, travel and tourist agencies and other firms licensed to conduct tourist activities in Bahrain.

72 hour visa/7 day visa

These visas can be obtained on arrival at the Bahrain International Airport or at the King Fahad Causeway. The visas are mainly intended for business visitors, trade delegations, and those attending exhibitions and seminars. In addition to a passport, the passenger must have a confirmed return/onward journey ticket for the visa application to be processed. Foreign nationals who have lived in a GCC state for six months are automatically granted a 72-hour visa on arrival.

Visit visa

This is issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit relatives or friends in Bahrain. The application for a visit visa must be signed by a local sponsor and presented to the GDIP. The following documents must be presented with the application:

• a letter from the applicant's sponsor;
• a copy of the applicant's CPR card;
• a copy of the visitor's passport.

The visit visa is normally valid for one month's stay in Bahrain, but can sometimes be extended to a maximum of three months. A longer stay may be granted in exceptional circumstances. A person on a visit visa is not allowed to work or engage in business activities during their stay in Bahrain.

Business visa

This type of visa is similar to a visit visa, but the purpose of the visit is business.

Family visa

This visa is granted to a wife and children of a resident employee. The visa holder may not take up employment in Bahrain but can stay as long as the resident employee stays.

Dependent visa

This visa is granted to the dependents of a Bahrain resident. The visa holder cannot take up employment in Bahrain but can stay as long as the head of the household stays.

Application requirements:

Entry visa:

(a) Valid passport.

(b) One passport-size photo.

(c) One completed application form.

(d) One registered, self-addressed envelope and cheque for £3 to cover return of passport if applying by post.

(e) Fee, payable in cash or by company cheques only.

(f) No Objection Certificate obtained by agent in Bahrain from the Ministry of Interior (only applies to certain nationals).

Tourist:

(a)-(e) and,

(f) Letter stating the purpose and duration of the visit and the applicant's responsibility for all travel expenses.

Business:

(a)-(e) and,

(f) Letter from the company stating the purpose and duration of of the visit and the applicant's responsibility for all travel expenses.
 

Dual Nationality

The Bahrain government does not recognize dual nationality.

Special Circumstances

*Water is drinkable though often highly saline.

*Conservative dress is recommended.

*Prohibited: import of pornography, firearms, ammunition, or of items such as knives,

  swords, or daggers that are capable of being used as weapons. Videotapes may be

  screened by customs in Bahrain and either confiscated or held until the traveler departs

  the country.

*Consumption of alcohol is allowed in most bars and restaurants, except during the month

  of Ramadan. If there is any indication that a driver has consumed alcohol, authorities will

  regard that as evidence of driving under the influence of alcohol. The penalty for

  drunken driving may be incarceration or a fine of 500 Bahraini dinars, the equivalent of

  $1,300. This fine can be increased to up to double that amount, depending on the

  circumstances of the case and the judge’s decision. Under Bahraini law, convicted drug

  traffickers may receive the death penalty.

Commercial Hours

The working week, number of hours worked and timing vary considerably. Here are the main commercial hours:

• Government offices: 07.00-14.15 Saturday to Wednesday.
• Commercial organizations: Hours vary but 08.00-15.30 or 08.00-13.00 and 15.00-17.30 are common. Five day weeks are becoming favored though many establishments still work Saturday to Thursday.
   
• Shops and supermarkets: Many open 08.30-12.30, 15.30-19.30 six days a week. Markets and shops open Friday mornings (times vary).
• Commercial banks: 07.30-12.00 Saturday to Wednesday, and for many branches, 15.30-17.30 on the same afternoons, 07.30-11.00 Thursdays.

During the holy month of Ramadhan, which precedes Eid-Al-Fitra . When Moslems fast during daylight hours business life slows measurably and Moslem employees are allowed shorter working hours than normal.

Money and Currency

The Bahraini Dinar is linked with the US dollar at

US$ 1= BD 0.375 and is divided into 1000 fils. Notes are available in the following denominations: 500 fils (brown), one dinar (red), five dinars (blue), ten dinars (green), and twenty dinars (peach). Coins come in units of 10,25, 50, and 100 fils. Money can be changed easily at any commercial bank or at one of the money changers found in the Soukh. There are no restrictions on the import and export of currency.

Exchange Rates

Bahraini dinars per US dollar - 0.376 (2003), 0.376 (2002), 0.376 (2001), 0.376 (2000), 0.376 (1999)

Expats in Bahrain

The large expatriate community in Bahrain's proves that Bahrain offers a very attractive and truly cosmopolitan lifestyle comparable to any of the capitals in the world. The strong and stable currency, the peaceful, crime-free environment and the liberal government are the chief factors attracting foreign nationals to Bahrain. For gourmets, Bahrain offers a gastronomic tour of the world's cuisines including Arabic delights, American, Chinese, Filipino, French, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Mexican, Mongolian, Thai, and many more.

Quality serviced apartments, stand-alone villas, and compound villas are available for rent in Bahrain, within a wide range of prices. An average fully-furnished, three-bedroom villa with all amenities (including shared swimming pool and tennis courts) will cost around USD 2,000 per month.

A municipal tax is applicable: 10% of the rent payable on all unfurnished apartments and 7.5% of rent payable on furnished apartments, for both residential and commercial purposes. Temporary visitors to Bahrain can choose from a large number of hotel accommodations for a variety of budgets.

To drive in Bahrain, foreign nationals need a national and an international driving license. Other ways of getting around are limousine rentals or taxis.

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