Bahrain: 22 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know

Bahrain, formally known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, stands as an island nation located in West Asia. Positioned within the Persian Gulf, it encompasses a modest archipelago consisting of 50 natural islands alongside 33 man-made islands. The focal point of this archipelago is Bahrain Island, constituting approximately 83 percent of the nation’s total land area.

There’s probably a lot that you don’t know about this country, but today my aim is to change that. Keep on reading to find out more about island nation in the Persian Gulf…

Here are 22 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know about Bahrain

1. Bahrain is positioned between Qatar and the North Eastern coastline of Saudi Arabia, linked to the latter via the King Fahd Causeway (a long series of bridges and causeways connecting Khobar in Saudi Arabia and Al Jasra in Bahrain).

2. Covering an area of approximately 760 square kilometers (290 square miles), Bahrain ranks as the third-smallest country in Asia, behind the Maldives and Singapore.

3. Bahrain has an estimated population of 1.5 million.

4. Manama is the country’s capital. More than 700,000 people call the city (which is also the country’s largest city) home.

5. Bahrain boasts a significant historical heritage as the location of the ancient Dilmun civilization, which thrived around the third millennium BCE. This civilization served as a vital hub for trade and culture in the ancient Near East, leaving behind a rich archaeological legacy visible in burial mounds, artifacts, and evidence of extensive trade networks. The influence of Dilmun extended across Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Arabian Peninsula, shaping the region’s cultural and economic landscape.

6. Since the 7th century CE Muslim conquest, Bahrain has been Arab and Muslim, although it underwent periods of Portuguese rule from 1521 to 1602 and Persian rule from 1602 to 1783. Since 1783, it has been under the governance of sheikhs from the Khalīfah family (Āl Khalīfah), whose roots trace back to the Al-Ḥasā province of Arabia.

7. Throughout the 19th century, Britain intervened in Bahrain to suppress conflict and piracy and to prevent the influence of other powers such as Egypt, Persia, Germany, and Russia. The first Bahraini-British treaty was signed in 1820, but formal British protection began in 1861 with a treaty where the sheikh agreed to refrain from war, piracy, or slavery. Britain assumed responsibility for Bahrain’s defense and foreign relations.

8. In 1947, British India briefly took over this protection but reverted it to Britain after India’s independence. Iran periodically claimed sovereignty over Bahrain until 1970 when Britain withdrew its forces from the Gulf, prompting Bahrain to proclaim independence in August 1971 under Sheikh ʿIsa ibn Salman Al Khalifah. A friendship treaty was signed with the UK, ending Bahrain’s status as a British protectorate, and Sheikh ʿIsa became the emir. Bahrain then joined the United Nations and the Arab League.

9. Following independence, tensions escalated between Bahrain’s predominantly Shiʿi population and Sunni leadership, particularly after Iran’s 1979 revolution. Political unrest stemmed from economic and social grievances due to declining oil prices, reduced public spending, and ongoing discrimination against the majority Shiʿi population.

10. In 1981, Bahrain joined the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), enhancing economic and defense ties among six Arab Gulf states.

11. During the Persian Gulf War (1990–91), Bahrain supported coalition forces, allowing the use of its ports and airfields.

12. Sheikh Hamad ibn ʿIsa Al Khalifah, who ascended to power following his father’s death in March 1999, initiated significant reforms by releasing imprisoned Shiʿi dissidents and others later that year to alleviate tensions. These actions paved the way for a 2001 referendum, widely supported by Bahrainis, which approved the National Action Charter.

Subsequently, in 2002, a new constitution was promulgated, establishing a constitutional monarchy in Bahrain. The constitution emphasized equality between Sunnis and Shiʿis and guaranteed civil and property rights to all citizens.

13. Historians suggest that Bahrain embraced Islam as early as 628 AD, making it a Muslim nation four years prior to the death of the Prophet Muhammad. The Al-Khamis Mosque, dating back to 692 AD, stands as Bahrain’s inaugural mosque and ranks among the oldest and most significant mosques globally.

14. Well before Abu Dhabi emerged as a renowned venue for mega Formula One races like the Grand Prix, the notion of hosting such an event in the region was virtually unheard of. However, that changed in 2004. Bahrain made history by hosting the first-ever Grand Prix in the Middle East, significantly raising the region’s profile in the realm of major sporting events.

15. Bahrain boasts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including over 100,000 Dilmun-era burial mounds dating back to 2200 BC. Considering Bahrain’s size, which is less than half that of London, this abundance of graves is remarkable. Spread across 21 distinct archaeological sites, these burial mounds are a significant attraction for history enthusiasts.

16. During the mid-1500s, a solitary mesquite tree was planted in the Southern desert of Bahrain. Remarkably, to this day, the lone tree thrives in lush greenery, symbolizing the tree of life. What makes this noteworthy? Well, despite the absence of apparent water sources, the tree has persisted for centuries, leaving its sustainability shrouded in mystery.

17. Dive Bahrain, the largest underwater theme park globally, covers an area exceeding 100,000 square meters. This exceptional site captivates scuba diving enthusiasts with its sunken Boeing 747 embellished with coral formations and a weathered patina of rust.

Noteworthy for its commitment to environmental conservation, Dive Bahrain serves as an exemplary model of eco-friendly underwater attractions, providing unparalleled opportunities for observing and studying marine life.

18. The Sunni royal family in Bahrain has grappled with managing relations with its Shia-majority population for years. In early 2011, during a period of Arab uprisings, the Bahraini Government faced pro-democracy and reform protests, responding with police and military action, including the deployment of Gulf Cooperation Council security forces. Failed political talks led opposition political societies to boycott the 2014 elections.

19. In 2018, a law preventing members of dissolved political societies from participating in elections marginalized opposition figures, resulting in a parliament dominated by independents. Ongoing dissatisfaction with the political situation in the country continues, leading to sporadic clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

20. In September 2020, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates signed the Abraham Accords with Israel, brokered by the United States.

21. In 2023, Bahrain and the United States signed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement, aiming to enhance cooperation in defense, security, technology, trade, and investment.

22. The Bahraini Dinar is the country’s currency.

Well, there you have it, 22 interesting facts you might not have known about Bahrain. If I’ve left out something important, feel free to comment below.

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