Bahrain

Bahrain is an island country in Asia with its capital in Manama and about 1.6 million people. Bahrain is known for pearl diving, long central to its economy, and oil was found here on 2 June 1932, before the oil booms of its Gulf neighbours.

Bahrain in purple, with Manama marked. Outline from the same detailed coastlines the games use.

Capital: Manama
Continent: Asia
Population (2025): 1.6 million
Land area: 800 km² (309 sq mi)
Island country: Yes, all on islands

Find it among 48 Asia countries →Explore Bahrain on the map Name difficult islands

The story of Bahrain

Where the name comes from

Bahrain is Arabic al-Bahrayn, “the two seas”; the name once covered a wider mainland region, and which waters it meant is disputed.

First people

As ancient Dilmun, the islands traded with Mesopotamia.¹

Known for

Bahrain is known for pearl diving, long central to its economy, and oil was found here on 2 June 1932, before the oil booms of its Gulf neighbours.^2,3