Where Is Bahrain and What
Is It Known For?

Bahrain World Trade Center

Bahrain is the Arabic term for "two seas", referring to the freshwater springs that are found within the salty seas surrounding it. The country, officially Kingdom of Bahrain, consists of more than thirty islands lying in a bay in The Gulf, off the coasts of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Bahrain Island, the largest island, is connected to other islands and to the mainland of Arabia by causeways.

The emir, Sheik Isa ibn Sulman al-Khalifah, died in 1999 after four decades of rule. He was succeeded by his son, Sheik Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifah, who gave himself the title of king but also began a sweeping democratization of the country: censorship has been relaxed and draconian laws repealed. A February 2001 referendum permitted women to vote for the first time. In October 2002, Bahrain had its first parliamentary election since 1973.

Oil production and processing are the main sectors of the economy. Bahrain is also known for its pearls. The country is also the home of many popular structures such as the Bahrain World Trade Center and the Bahrain Financial Harbour, and also the home of many skyscrapers, including the proposed 1,022 m (3,353 ft) high supertall Murjan Tower. The Bahrain International Circuit is also located here, and is the place where the popular Bahrain F1 Grand Prix takes place.

The country provides its people with free medical care, education, and old-age pensions.