Bahrain

Bahrain is a sovereign state in the Persian Gulf. The island nation consists of a small archipelago centered around Bahrain Island, the largest land mass. Bahrain's population is 1.2 million people, the majority of whom are Shia Muslims. The country has a high Human Development Index and was recognised by the World Bank as a high income economy. Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia. It is an archipelago made up of Bahrain Island and some 30 other islands. The total area of the country is just over 760 square kilometers. Bahrain Island is the largest, measuring about 55 kilometers long and 18 kilometers wide. The island is connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway. The climate in Bahrain is generally hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius in summer and 22 degrees Celsius in winter. The country experiences very little rainfall, averaging just 100mm per year. The economy of Bahrain is diversified, with the main sectors being oil and gas, banking and finance, manufacturing, tourism and hospitality. Bahrain is home to the Bahrain Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange in the Middle East. The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, but English is also widely spoken. Bahrain is a Muslim-majority country with a Shia-majority population. Islam is the official religion, and Sharia law is the main source of legislation. The population of Bahrain is 1,234,571 (2016 estimate). The majority of the population is Shia Muslim (70%), with a Sunni Muslim minority (30%). The capital and largest city is Manama. Other major cities include Riffa, Muharraq, Hamad Town, A'ali, Isa Town and Sitra.