Bahrain is a banking and financial services centre; its small and reasonably prosperous economy is less dependent on oil than most Gulf states.

Bahrain has taken great strides in diversifying its economy and its highly developed communication and transport facilities make Bahrain home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. Bahrain's economy, however, continues to depend heavily on oil. Petroleum production and refining account for more than 60% of Bahrain's export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP. Other major economic activities are production of aluminum - Bahrain's second biggest export after oil - finance, and construction. Bahrain competes with Malaysia as a worldwide center for Islamic banking and continues to seek new natural gas supplies as feedstock to support its expanding petrochemical and aluminum industries.

The country’s limited oil reserves, which are expected to last only another 10 to 15 years, have led Bahrain to already make significant progress on developing the non-oil sector. Other major segments of Bahrain's economy are the financial and construction sectors. The financial sector contributes around 27 per cent of the kingdom’s GDP, while hydrocarbons contributes around 25 per cent. Manufacturing contributes around 13 per cent.

The Kingdom is the main banking hub for the Gulf and a centre for Islamic finance with a total size of $800 billion, which has been attracted by the strong regulatory framework for the industry.

Essential Information

Area: 695.25 sq km

Population: 1.3 million

Capital: Manama

Principal Towns: Muharraq, Jidhafs, Isa Town, Awali, Hidd, Rifaa.
Area: 695.25 sq km
Population:1.3 million
Capital: Manama
Principal Towns: Muharraq, Jidhafs, Isa Town, Awali, Hidd, Rifaa.
Languages: Arabic is the official language. English is used widely in business circles.
Gross Domestic Product (official exchange rate): $26,5 billion (2012 est)
GDP per capita: $20,385 (2012 est.)
International Reserves: $5.0 billion (2012 est.)
Climate: Tropical Gulf climate with hot summers, mild winters and high year-round humidity. The annual average rainfall is only some 70 mm.
Currency: 2.64 US Dollar (USD) = nearly 0.377 Bahraini Dinar (BHD)     
     
Visa Requirements:

No visa is required for GCC and British nationals. Other travellers must obtain entry visas in countries where there is a Bahraini consulate, these can then be extended locally. Travellers with an onward reservation may obtain a 72-hour transit visa at the point of entry.

Bahrain National Day 16 December

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Bahrain Diplomatic representation in Switzerland