zoom_in Click to enlarge

Bahrain

▲ ▼

description Bahrain Overview

Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf, an archipelago whose capital is Manama. Ruled by the Al Khalifa family and a British protectorate until 1971, it became a kingdom in 2002. Oil was discovered there in 1932, the first find on the Arabian side of the Gulf, while its earlier prosperity rested on pearl diving, now recognised by a UNESCO World Heritage pearling trail. Today it is a financial centre linked to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway and home to the Bahrain Grand Prix.

help Bahrain FAQ

Is Bahrain one island or an archipelago?

Bahrain is an archipelago in the Arabian Gulf, centered on Bahrain Island and including many smaller islands. Bahrain's culture authority describes the kingdom as a group of 33 islands between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. [Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities](https://culture.gov.bh/en/visitingbahrain/about_bahrain/)

What is Bahrain's capital and form of government?

Manama is the capital and largest city, and Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy ruled by the Al Khalifa family. It became independent from the United Kingdom in 1971 and was declared a kingdom in 2002. [Bahrain history timeline](https://culture.gov.bh/en/eservices/BahrainHistoryTimeline/)

Why is 1932 important in Bahrain's history?

Oil was discovered in Bahrain in 1932, the first such discovery in the Arabian Gulf. That event helped shift the economy beyond older pearl-diving and maritime trade traditions. [Visit Bahrain history](https://www.bahrain.com/en/about-bahrain)

How is Bahrain connected to Saudi Arabia?

The King Fahd Causeway links Bahrain with Saudi Arabia across the Gulf. It opened in 1986 and is about 25 kilometers long, making it a major road connection between the island kingdom and the mainland.