Bahrain is an island country located in the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and thirty smaller islands. The capital and largest city is Manama. The official language is Arabic and the currency is the Bahraini dinar. The population is around 1.7 million, of which around half are Bahraini citizens and the other half are expatriates.
Bahrain has a hot, arid climate and its economy is heavily dependent on oil and natural gas production. The country is also a major financial center in the Middle East, with a well-developed banking and financial services sector. In recent years, Bahrain has also been working to diversify its economy and promote other industries such as tourism, manufacturing and IT industry.
Bahrain has a constitutional monarchy government system and its ruler is King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The country has a relatively open and tolerant society, with a significant number of expatriates living and working in the country.
Bahrain has a complex history, being a strategic location for trade and commerce for centuries, and it played a major role in the ancient Dilmun civilization. In recent history it has been a British protectorate and an independent nation. It has a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, with a mix of ancient monuments, museums, and souks, along with modern shopping centers, restaurants, and hotels.
Bahrain is known for its pearl diving history, its traditional markets and its multicultural atmosphere. It also has a vibrant arts scene and hosts several international festivals and events throughout the year.