Bahrain, a group of 36 small islands, is situated in the Arabian Gulf about 24 km from the East coast of Saudi Arabia, and 28 km from the West coast of Qatar. The name ‘Bahrain’ is derived from two Arabic words ‘thnain Bahr’ meaning ‘two seas’. There are numerous other tiny islands but they are mostly uninhabited and known for the variety of migrating birds which pass through in spring and autumn. The terrain consists mostly of low desert plains rising gently to low central escarpment. The islands are linked by causeways and, in some cases, roads. The climate is arid characterised by pleasant winters and very hot humid summers.

Bahrain is a well-known offshore banking centre and international and regional inter-bank money market. Production of oil and natural gas and refinement of petroleum are also major economic activities in Bahrain. Industrialisation and private sector investment in sectors such as tourism are encouraged. The majority of Bahrain’s food is imported, but agriculture also contributes to the local food supply. Dates, bananas, mangoes, and vegetables are the main crops. The traditional industries of Bahrain are dhow (Arab sailboats) construction, fishing, pearling, and the manufacture of reed mats.

GDP at Current Market Prices:	10975.12 million US$ (2004)
Per Capita GDP:	14579.32 US$ (2004)
Share of Sectors in GDP:	0.64% Agriculture, 40.0% Industry, 59.0% Services, (2003)
Total Exports:	7667.55 million US$ (2003)
Total Imports:	- million US$ (2004)
Major Exports Items:	Petroleum products and aluminum
Major Imports Items:	Crude oil
Major Trading Partners:	Japan, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Australia, US, and India

Government of Bahrain

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Industry and Commerce

Ministry of Finance and National Economy

Ministry of Education

Central Statistics Organization

National Bank of Bahrain