 |
BAHRAIN
Bahrain's strategic location, dynamic, vibrant economy, and cosmopolitan
lifestyle provide an ideal financial climate.
Financial and Technological Hub of the Middle
East
Bahrain, host to 370 financial institutions, is well positioned
to establish itself as a software hub in the Middle East. The
recent step by Microsoft to re-locate its Middle East and Asia
(MEA) office to Bahrain from Turkey has given new incentive to
the Kingdom's efforts to consolidate its high-tech service base.
Other international computer and software companies such as Silicon
Graphics and Digital Equipment have chosen Bahrain as their regional
base for sales and support operations.
Gateway to the Gulf
The Kingdom of Bahrain – a name that translates as “Two
Seas” – is actually a chain of 33 low-lying islands
in the heart of the Persian Gulf. Situated along major Arabian
and international trade routes between Asia and the West, the
Kingdom has, for millennia, served as an important port and center
of business. Today, the capital city, Manama is a vibrant cosmopolitan
center offering an open economy and an educated workforce enhanced
by modern cultural amenities like museums, shopping, restaurants
and fine hotels.
Economic Snapshot
GDP: US$13.01 billion (2003 estimate) and 4.5% growth
rate over the last 10 years Main exports: Petroleum
and petroleum products, aluminum and textiles Main imports:
Crude oil, machinery and chemicals Main trade partners:
USA, Korea (Rep), Saudi Arabia, Japan, UK and Germany. |
|
Though modest in population land area and resources, Bahrain
has achieved considerable social and economic status. Modern roads,
an international airport, telecommunications, public services,
medical facilities and schools are considered among the best in
the Middle East.
Strategic Location
Located just 14 miles from Saudi Arabia and the countries of the
Arabian Peninsula, Bahrain is easily accessible by sea, air and
car via the King Fahd Causeway. Completed in 1986, the causeway
is a vital link to the Middle East.
Government
Bahrain is a constitutional hereditary monarchy led by King Hamad
Bin Isa Al-Khalifa. The Kingdom places great value on harmonizing
the conveniences of modern life and the strength of traditional
values.
Religion
Historically, Bahrain was one of the first territories outside
mainland Arabia that peacefully adopted Islam. While Islam is
the religion of 80% of Bahrain’s 650,000 residents, other
faiths and religious freedoms are respected.
Language
Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, but English, Farsi,
Hindi, and Urdu are spoken widely. English is considered the official
language for business in Bahrain and in the Gulf.
The People
Bahrain's population is a young one, with almost half under twenty.
Illiteracy has virtually disappeared among young people and a
high proportion of Bahrainis speaks English, which is a compulsory
second language in schools.
Cosmopolitan Living
An important factor in Bahrain's attractiveness as a business
investment location, is the Kingdom's unique lifestyle, with its
friendly, cosmopolitan family atmosphere. Having long been the
meeting place for travelers between East and West, the Kingdom
combines a modern high standard of living with traditional values
and local flavor. It has become home to a variety of nationalities.
In contrast to many other parts of the Gulf, Bahrainis and expatriates
are closely integrated in both their social lives as well as the
business environment.
Links
Bahrain
International Airport:
More facts about Bahrain:
Economic Development Board
of Bahrain:
Bahrain
Stock Exchange: |
|
