USEFUL BUSINESS INFORMATION ON BAHRAIN

1. Country Brief:

A. Introduction - Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Possessing minimal oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining, and has transformed itself into an international banking center. The new amir is pushing economic and political reforms, and has worked to improve relations with the Shi’a community. In 2001, the International Court of Justice awarded the Hawar Islands, long disputed with Qatar, to Bahrain.

B. Climate - June to October, hot and humid (42°C/108°F), December to April, mild (10-20°C/50-68°F). December through to March can be quite cool. Rainfall is slight and occurs mainly in winter. Spring and Autumn are the most pleasant months.

C. Geographical Area - Land area: 239 sq mi (619 sq km); total area: 257 sq mi (665 sq km)

D. Language - Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu

E. Currency With Exchange Rate - Bahrain Dinars

1 BHD = 2.65332 USD

F. Population - (2007 est.): 708,573

G. Major Cities - Al-Manamah

2. Transportation:

A. Railway -

B. Road - total: 3,498 km; paved: 2,768 km; unpaved: 730 km (2003).

C. Airports - 3 (2005).

D. Waterways -

E. Sea ports - Mina' Salman, Sitrah

3. Economy:

A. Major Manufacturing - 

B. Major Export - $11.17 billion (2005 est.): petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles.

C. Major Import - $7.83 billion (2005 est.): crude oil, machinery, chemicals

D. Major Industry - petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, offshore banking, ship repairing, tourism.

E. Trade balance -

4. Trade Associations, Chamber of Commerce, Trade shows and Exhibitions in Bahrain:

Major Trade Associations

Chambers of Commerce

Major Trade Shows

5. Useful links:

Bahrain Importers, Dealers of Japanese Used Cars, Construction Machinery & Auto Parts