GALLERY OF ISLANDS
Bahrain, the pearl of the Arabian Gulf, is a fascinating
archipelago of over 30 islands situated at the
heart of the Arabian Gulf. The country lies between
the east coast of Saudi Arabia and the Qatar peninsula
at latitude 26 north almost parallel to Miami.
The islands cover a total land area of nearly
700 sq. km which makes them slightly smaller than
Singapore.
The word Bahrain literally means two seas.
It refers to the natural springs of water rising
from beneath the sea which are used by the country's
famous pearl divers. Bahrain has a rich heritage
and culture revealed in its museums archeological
sites, handicraft centres and preserved structures.
There are landmarks of a civilization which
dates back 5000 years when Bahrain was known
as the island of a million palm trees. Ancient
crafts of dhow building, basket weaving, pottery
and cloth weaving are still practiced.
BAHRAIN - FACT FILE
| |
| Official name
|
Kingdom of Bahrain |
| Head State |
His Majesty Shaikh Hamad Bin
Isa Al-Khalifa |
| Capital |
Manama, The main business
centre |
| Area |
707 square kilometers |
| Location |
lies between the east coast
of Saudi Arabia & Qatar
peninsula at a latitude of 26
north |
| Geography |
An archipelago of over 30
islands at the heart of the
Arabian Gulf. Bahrain is the
largest island and Muharraq
is the second largest island |
| Population |
598,625 ( 1996 ) |
| Currency |
Bahrain Dinar ( 1 $ = BD 0.375
) |
| Time zone |
GMT + 3 |
| Languages |
Arabic and English |
| Climate |
Jun - September, hot and humid
( 36 c-45 c )
October - April, mild and cool
( 10 c-25 c ) |
|
|
BUSINESS HOURS
| |
| Government Offices |
0700 - 1400 ,
Saturday - Wednesday |
| Commercial Organizations |
0800 - 1300, 1500 - 1800,
Saturday - Thursday |
| Banks |
0730 - 1200 Saturday - Wednesday
& 0730 - 1100 on Thursdays |
Many
branches are also open from
1530 - 1730 on weekday afternoons.
The weekly holiday is on a
Friday. When a public holiday
falls on a Friday, the following
day is normally granted as
a day in lieu. Weekends begin
at lunchtime of Thursday for
most companies. but many offshore
banks and some other companies,
close on Saturday and remain
open on Thursday.
|
|
|
MONEY / CURRENCY
The Bahraini Dinar is linked with the US dollar
at US$ 1 = BD 0.375 and is divided into 1000 fils.
Money can be changed easily at any commercial
bank or at one of the money changers found in
the souk. There are no restrictions on the import
and export of currency.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Electricity
The electricity supply in Bahrain is 230 volts,
50 Hz except in Awali where it is 110volts, 60
Hz. Bahrain uses 3-pin power outlets.
Water
Tap water in Bahrain is a combination of ground
water and desalinated sea water. For drinking
purposes “sweet water " is mostly used
and is generally available in cans or bottles,
delivered directly to houses. It is recommended
that you drink only sweet water or bottled mineral
water.
RELIGION
Islam is practiced by 85 percent of the population.
However, Bahrain being an extremely tolerant society
allows freedom of worship to a member of other
faiths, there are a variety of places of worship
available on the island, including both Anglican
and Catholic churches.
VISAS
Required by all except:-
* Nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
and the United Arab Emirates.
* Nationals of Western Europe, USA, Australia,
Canada, and Japan are granted visa upon arrival
at Bahrain airport.
* All other Nationals - prior visa arrangement
is required and needs minimum 7 working days.
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.
TEMPERATURE ( IN DEGREE
CELCIUS ) :-
| |
Jan |
Feb |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Max |
20 |
21 |
24 |
28 |
34 |
36 |
37
|
38 |
35 |
32 |
28
|
23 |
| Min |
14
|
15 |
17
|
21 |
26 |
28 |
29 |
29 |
27 |
24
|
20 |
16 |
|
