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About Bahrain:
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. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned
to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself
into an international banking center. The new amir, installed
in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked
to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001,
Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter
- the centerpiece of the amir's political liberalization program.
In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed himself
king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower
house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National
Assembly.
Geography
Location: Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of
Saudi Arabia
Area: total: 665 sq km, land: 665 sq km, water: 0 sq km
Climate: arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Natural resources: oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls
People
Population: 677,886 includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2004
est.)
Age structure: 0-14 years: 28.4% (male 97,179; female 95,043)
15-64 years: 68.4% (male 271,015; female 192,342)
65 years and over: 3.3% (male 11,426; female 10,881) (2004 est.)
Population growth rate: 1.56% (2004 est.)
Birth rate:
18.54 births/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate: 4.03 deaths/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Net migration rate: 1.05 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2004 est.)
Sex ratio: at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.41 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female
total population: 1.27 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Ethnic groups:
Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%
Religions:
Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%
Arabic, English, Farsi
Visa Policies
- All GCC Nationals do not require an entry visa to Bahrain.
- All other Nationals residing in GCC and have a valid Residence Permit in their respective countries for minimum 6 months, will get an entry visa for Bahrain for a period of one week on arrival at the Bahrain Airport or Causeway.
- Nationals of EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and USA may obtain visas on arrival for touristic or business stays of up to 2 weeks. The fee is approximately US$13. If working for a media company (eg, a newspaper or TV company) a special invitation from the Bahrain authorities is required.
- All Europeans, Americans, Malaysians by birth are not required a visa in advance. They will get a one week visa at the Bahrain Airport Immigration counter.
- All other nationals should send their passport copies to the Conference Secretariat at least two weeks prior to the conference for arranging their one week visa. There will be a fee for Visa Stamp and handling BD. 20 or US$ 55 to be paid to the Conference Secretariat in advance through bank transfer or credit card mail order.
- The Government of Bahrain introduced on line visa facilities to the visitors to Bahrain. Please visit to their site http://www.e.gov.bh
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