Bahrain, officially called the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island kingdom in the southern part of the Arabian Gulf. It neighbors Qatar to the southeast, and Saudi Arabia to the west, connected to it via the 25-kilometer long King Fahd Causeway.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is a captivating archipelago nation comprised of the main island, Bahrain, and 32 additional islands, each with its unique charm. Manama, the vibrant capital city, sits on the northeastern tip of the main island and boasts the distinction of being the largest both by area and population. While Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken, making communication a breeze for visitors. Bahrain offers a unique experience for travelers seeking a destination beyond the ordinary. Temperatures can climb during the summer months (April to October), so for the most comfortable visit, aim for the spring months (March to May) or the tail end of summer (October) when the weather is delightfully mild. Year-round sunshine is practically guaranteed, with temperatures rarely dipping below 20°C. Beyond relaxation, Bahrain caters to the adventurous spirit as well. The island nation boasts a growing collection of luxurious resorts lining its stunning northwestern coast, perfect for those seeking to unwind. However, Bahrain offers much more than just pristine beaches. Explore the rich history and culture, or delve into exciting activities – the choice is yours!
Structure
The Kingdom of Bahrain is a hereditary constitutional monarchy, headed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, while His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa is the the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. A two-chamber Parliament consists of the Lower House of 40 elected representatives, and the Upper House of 40 members appointed by the King. A new constitution has been in effect in the country since 2002, ensuring, among other things, women's right to vote in parliamentary elections.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Unique monuments
Owing to its rich history, Bahrain boasts a number of cultural and architectural monuments, while also being attractive for modern architecture lovers. It is this marriage of the old and the new that's typical for Bahraini architecture. An example of this is one of the most beautiful museums, the Bahrain Fort Museum, or the modern museum building integrated into the former seat of Bahraini kings, Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Fort. Representing purely modern architecture is the iconic Bahrain World Trade Center building in the capital of Manama.
World Heritage
The Kingdom boasts three locations included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Qal'at al-Bahrain archeological site (also known as Fort Bahrain) has been a world heritage site since 2005, its history going all the way back to the 3rd millennium BC, having once served as the cultural center of the island. Another world heritage site – since 2012 – is the so-called Bahrain Pearling Trail, a 3.5-kilometer-long trail on Muharraq Island, commemorating the history and
Remains of Qal'at al-Bahrain.
Formula 1 and the Tree of Life
Motorsport lovers will appreciate the Bahrain International Circuit. The racing circuit hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix is fully enclosed by a desert and is one of the most interesting race tracks in the world. Lovers of natural beauty will have a field day in Bahrain as well. One of the most popular tourist destinations, and the most visited place on the island, is the Tree of Life. The tree called Shajarat-al-Haya, which has been surviving in the middle of the desert for several hundred years, is shrouded in myth and mystery, and associated with the biblical Garden of Eden. No matter what piques your interest, there are several direct flights between Prague and Manama, and another one is expected to be added in the 2024/2025 winter season.
Industry and pearls
Bahrain has a rich economic history, having been the first Arabian Gulf nation to discover oil. This resource fueled significant growth, and today, Bahrain continues to leverage its strengths while strategically diversifying its economy for long-term prosperity. The government's commitment to diversification is evident in its investments across various sectors. Bahrain is a regional leader in aluminum production, showcasing its strong industrial base. Additionally, the country has become a major financial hub, attracting international banks and institutions with its progressive business environment. The financial services sector is the largest contributor to Bahrain's GDP. As Bahrain's popularity grows, so too does its tourism industry, offering visitors a chance to experience its unique culture and beauty. Beyond these advancements, Bahrain maintains a connection to its historical economic identity. The tradition of natural pearls, once a cornerstone of the island's economy, is experiencing a resurgence. These exquisite pearls, known for their delicate pink hue, are once again captivating the world's attention in modern jewelry design.
The four-hundred-year-old Tree of Life.
Mutual trade
What's the trade like between Czechia and Bahrain? From the Czech point of view, export is dominated by cars, switchboards, light fixtures, computer components, glass, but also sugar, and when it comes to import, the dominant component is aluminum and its alloys. Mechanical and electrical equipment, iron products, transport equipment, food, chemicals, and textiles are among the most imported goods into Bahrain, all of those being industries potentially offering interesting opportunities for Czech manufacturers and producers
Rashid Al Zayani Mosque in Galali.