About Bahrain

Overview of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Overview

Official portrait of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

The King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

Official portrait of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

The Crown Prince and Prime Minister

Title

Details

National Day

16th  December

Independence Day

15 August 1971 (from the United Kingdom)

Government

Constitutional monarchy

Legislature

The National Council is composed of the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council

Population

Total population: 1,588,670

Bahrainis: 739,736 (46.6%)

Non-Bahrainis: 848,934 (53.4%)

According to 2024 statistics.

Location/ Area Size

Arabian Gulf

Total area of the Kingdom of Bahrain: 8,269 square kilometres

Land area: 786.8 square kilometers

Territorial water area: 7,482.2 square kilometers

According to 2022 statistics.

Capital

Manama

Governorates

Bahrain is divided into four governorates: the Capital, Muharraq, Northern and Southern.

Languages

Arabic is the official language, while English is also one of the commonly used languages in the business sector.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the Kingdom of Bahrain and is practised by the vast majority. Places of worship for adherents of other religions are also available in the Kingdom.

Currency

Bahraini Dinar (BHD) - officially linked to the United States Dollar.

State Budget

Bahrain’s fiscal budget is planned for a two-year period.

Fixed Exchange Rate

1 Bahraini Dinar = 2.65 US Dollars

Business Hours

Work schedules in most Government Entities: 07:00–14:15 (Sunday to Thursday)

Banking and financial institutions & Private sector
Regular working hours for retail banking are from 07:30 AM to 01:00 PM (Sunday to Thursday).

Evening opening hours vary by bank or institution. Most private-sector institutions operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Post Offices
Post offices are available within different regions of the Kingdom, and operate from 07:00 AM to 02:00 PM (Saturday to Thursday).
To view the working times for all post offices and public mailboxes, please visit Bahrain Post Services.

Shopping Centres
Opening hours vary, but most malls operate from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, seven days a week.
Some retail shops and shopping centres are closed on Fridays and reopen after Friday prayers.

Official holidays

  • Weekly holidays: Friday and Saturday
  • New Year: 1 January
  • Eid al‑Fitr: 1–3 Shawwal (30, 31 March and 1 April 2025) *
  • Labour Day: 1 May
  • Arafat Day: 9 Dhu al‑Hijjah (5 June 2025) *
  • Eid al‑Adha: 10–12 Dhu al‑Hijjah (6, 7, 8 June 2025) *
  • Hijri New Year: 1 Muharram (26 June 2025) *
  • Ashura: 9–10 Muharram (4, 5 July 2025) *
  • Prophet’s birthday: 12 Rabi al‑Awwal (4 September 2025) *
  • National Day: 16–17 December

*Islamic holidays are subject to confirmation at the time.
Source: Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf

Time zone

3 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+3)

Country Dialing Code

+973

Internet Code

.bh

example: www.domainName.bh

International Airport

Bahrain International Airport (BAH)

Transportation

Buses are available as a means of public transportation. You can view detailed information through the Public Bus Schedule and Route Information.
Taxis are also widely available within the Kingdom.

Climate

  • Average temperature 28.5 °C (Celsius)
  • Precipitation: 13.4 mm
  • Average relative humidity 55%
  • Average sunshine: 10.4 hours/day
  • Average wind speed 8.8 knots

Meteorological Directorate

 

eServices

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Government Services Catalogue

Find information about the offered government services across different channels Browse Services Catalogue.

Content Last Updated: 22 Oct, 2025

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