Bahrain: flag, capital, currency and history
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a country in Western Asia, Asia. Its capital is Manama. The currency is the Bahraini dinar. Languages spoken include Arabic.
Quick facts about Bahrain
- Official name
- Kingdom of Bahrain
- Capital
- Manama
- Region
- Asia, Western Asia
- Currency
- Bahraini dinar (BHD, .د.ب)
- Languages
- Arabic
- Calling code
- +973
- Internet domain
- .bh
- Area
- 765 km² (295 sq mi)
- Land borders
- None (island or surrounded by water)
- Demonym
- Bahraini
- National day
- National Day, December 16
Flag of Bahrain
Download the flag of Bahrain as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇧🇭.
History of Bahrain
Bahrain was the center of the ancient Dilmun civilization, a trading culture of the Bronze Age. It later passed under various regional powers, was held by Portugal from 1521 and then came under Persian control from 1602. The Al Khalifa family took control of the islands in 1783. In the nineteenth century Bahrain entered treaty relations with Britain, which handled its foreign affairs until independence on 15 August 1971. The state, led by an emir, was proclaimed a kingdom in 2002. Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf with Manama as its capital.
Key dates
- c. 2000 BCEDilmun civilization flourishes as a trading center in the Persian Gulf.
- 1521Portugal takes control of the islands.
- 1602Persian forces drive out the Portuguese and take control of Bahrain.
- 1783The Al Khalifa family takes control of Bahrain.
- 1820Bahrain's ruler signs the General Treaty with Britain.
- 1971Bahrain becomes fully independent from Britain.
- 2002Bahrain is proclaimed a kingdom.
A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.
Currency of Bahrain
Bahrain uses the Bahraini dinar (BHD, .د.ب). Use our free currency converter to check exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Bahrain?
The capital of Bahrain is Manama.
What currency does Bahrain use?
Bahrain uses the Bahraini dinar (BHD, symbol .د.ب).
What languages are spoken in Bahrain?
Languages used in Bahrain include Arabic.
What is the calling code of Bahrain?
The international calling code of Bahrain is +973. Its internet domain is .bh.
Which countries border Bahrain?
Bahrain has no land borders and is surrounded by water.
On which continent is Bahrain?
Bahrain is in Asia, in the region of Western Asia.
What is the national day of Bahrain?
Bahrain marks National Day on December 16.
More countries in Western Asia
Country data from the open mledoze/countries dataset (ODbL), with corrections. Flags from flag-icons (MIT).