(KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN)
(WIPO code: BH) (last revised October 2022)
Bahrain
General Information
Area
706.5 sq. km.
Population
1,540,558 (estimated 2022; includes 45% non-nationals).
Capital
Manama.
Official language
Arabic.
Currency
Bahraini dinar.
Imports
Household goods, foodstuffs, piece goods, timber and building materials, clothing, vehicles and machinery.
Exports
Oil, aluminium ingots, prawns and pearls.
General Remarks
Bahrain is an Arab Kingdom on the Arabian Gulf, consisting of the island of Bahrain and several smaller islands, halfway down the Arabian Gulf, 16 miles off Arabia’s S. E. coast. Before oil was discovered in 1932, Bahrain’s only industry was the pearl trade. It is still known for pearl fishing. It is now being developed for oil, found in the central plateau of Bahrain island. For the most part, the oil industry was cultivated by American corporations. The Bahrain Petroleum Company Limited (BAPCO) has its headquarters in Awali, some ten miles from Manama. Bahrain is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).