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Bahrain |
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Area:
620 sq km (240 sq miles) |
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Population:
600,000 |
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Capital:
Manama (pop 175,000) |
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Head of State:
King Hamad bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa |
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Currency:
Bahraini dinar (BD), 1BD =1000fils, 1$ = .377 BD |
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Local Time:
GMT + 3 hours |
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Religion:
Muslim (70%), Sunni Muslim (15%), other religions (15%) |
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Climate
It
can get extremely hot and humid in Bahrain from June to
September, with high temperatures averaging 36°C (97°F)
during the day and virtually no rain in these months.
November to March tends to be much more pleasant, with warm
days and cool nights and temperatures remaining around 18ºC
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The only island-state in the Arab world, Bahrain
is an archipelago of 33 islands. Bahrain Island, the main
island from which the country took its name, is connected to
Saudi Arabia by a causeway and lies in the Persian Gulf about
halfway between Saudi Arabia (to the west) and Qatar (to the
east). Bahrain Island is the largest of the archipelago,
around 50km (30miles) north to south and 16km (10miles) east
to west and another causeway links Bahrain with Al Muharraq,
the second largest island in the group. The main island is
fairly flat, with Jabal Ad-Dukhan, the highest point, only
130m (426ft) above sea level. Most development is
concentrated on the northern third of the island.
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Arabic is the
official language of Bahrain. Farsi and Urdu are also spoken
and English is widely used in business circles.
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Business Hours
Government offices: 07.00-14.15 (Sat to Tues); 07.00-14.00
(Wed)
Commercial organizations: 07.00-12.00 then 14.30-17.30
(Sat to Thurs).
Shops: 08.00-12.30 then 15.30-18.30 (Sat to Thurs).
Banks: 07.30-12.00 then 15.30-17.30 (Sat to Wed);
07.30-11.00 (Thurs).
Friday is the weekly day of rest. Many businesses close
early on Thursday. The 36-hour week with Thursday and
Friday as the weekend applies to all branches of the
Civil Service and schools. |
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Visa Requirements.
Visitors from GCC countries do not require visas for stays of
up to 30 days. Visas can be issued on arrival for most
nationalities, and are valid for either 72 hours or one week,
with possible extensions. Some nationalities may obtain a
multiple-entry visa from a Bahrain embassy/consulate prior to
arrival.Employers wishing to employ non-Bahraini workers must
apply to the Directorate of Labour. Applications are generally
accepted if foreign workers do not compete with the Bahraini
workforce and priority is given to citizens of Arab countries.
Work permits are generally valid for two years and can be
renewed. It should not be assumed however that Bahrain visas
will necessarily be issued for the spouse and children of the
worker. |
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Local Laws & Customs
Bahrain is a Muslim state and Islamic customs are observed.
Formal clothing should be worn in public places and in
general the body should be fully covered. Suits and ties
should be worn to business appointments. Swimwear should be
worn only at hotel pools and on the beach, and shorts should
only be worn when playing sports. |
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Driving Licenses
Driving Licenses are issued on personal application to
the Bahrain Traffic & Licensing Directorate. International
Driving Licenses are permitted but should be endorsed by the
Directorate before use. Licences issued by UK, USA and other
authorities may exclude the applicant from taking another
driving test. |
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www.lonelyplanet.com |
A short and concise overview of Bahrain for the first time
visitor.
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www.cia.gov |
The CIA World Factbook provides in depth facts and figures
on all aspects of Bahrain. |
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www.bahrain.gov.bh |
The official Bahrain government website. |
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www.hsbc.com |
HSBC Bank provides an
excellent business orientated profile on Bahrain for the
traveller or expat to be. |
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www.bbc.co.uk |
The BBC provides good quality profiles on a range of
countries including Bahrain. Good general background
information on Bahrain with emphasis on the media within
the country (television, radio, newspapers and internet
use). |
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www.ameinfo.com |
Middle East Business Portal. Contains country profile of
Bahrain but information appears to be largely taken from
the CIA Fact book mentioned above. |
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www.zawya.com |
Informative Middle East Business Portal with links to
country specific news. |
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www.gulf-daily-news.com |
English
language daily newspaper in Bahrain. |
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www.bahraintribune.com |
English
language daily newspaper in Bahrain. |
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www.alayam.com |
Arabic
language daily newspaper in Bahrain. |
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