Bahrain

Introduction to Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain, or Bahrain (formerly spelled Bahrein), (Arabic: مملكة البحرين) is a borderless island nation in the Persian Gulf (Southwest Asia/Middle East, Asia). Saudi Arabia lies to the west and is connected to Bahrain by the King Fahd Causeway (officially opened on November 25, 1986), and Qatar is to the south across the Persian Gulf. The Qatar–Bahrain Friendship Bridge, currently being planned, will link Bahrain to Qatar as the longest fixed link in the world.

Cultural notes about Bahrain

As flashy and modern as central Manama may be, the basic rhythms of life in the island's many villages (and in parts of Manama itself) remain remarkably traditional. By the same token, where there's tradition in the Persian Gulf there's Islamic conservatism: women cover themselves from head to foot and women travellers are expected to wear long skirts and one-piece bathing suits. Bahrain's population is 85% Muslim and Islam is the state religion. Arabic is the official language but English and Indian languages such as Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu is widely spoken.

Traditional craftwork continues in several places around Bahrain: dhows (fishing boats) are built on the outskirts of Manama and Muharraq, cloth woven at Bani Jamrah and pottery thrown at A'ali. A few goldsmiths still operate in the Manama souk, though a lot of the work is now done abroad. One of the mainstays of Bahraini culture is the drinking of traditional Arabian coffee. You can't go far without finding a coffee pot in a shop or a souk. Traditional Arabian street food like shawarma (lamb or chicken carved from a huge rotating spit and served in pita bread) and desserts such as baklava are also ubiquitous.

It was revealed on October 20, 2005 that Michael Jackson intended on permanently leaving the United States in order to seek a new life in Bahrain.

Official Canadian government advisories for travelling to, in and around Bahrain

Canadians travelling to Bahrain should carefully evaluate security concerns and ensure personal security precautions are in place.

Heightened tensions throughout the region, together with increased threats globally from terrorism, put Canadians at risk. The threat of terrorism in Bahrain exists and Canadians in Bahrain should maintain a high level of vigilance and personal security awareness at all times, as the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. Exercise caution, particularly in commercial, public, and tourist areas frequented by foreigners. Canadians should monitor local developments, avoid crowds and demonstrations, as well as register and remain in regular contact with the Canadian Embassy in Riyadh (see below) or The Canadian government and Canadian Content (call toll-free 800-00-732).