Bahrain , full official form - Kingdom of Bahrain [4] ( Arabic. مملكة البحرين - Mamlakat al-Bahrain [1] ) - an island state on the eponymous archipelago in the Persian Gulf in Southwest Asia , the smallest Arab state. Bahrain occupies three relatively large and many small islands 16 km east of the coast of Saudi Arabia and is connected to this country by a road bridge .
Kingdom of Bahrain | |||||
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مملكة البحرين Mamlakat al-Bahrain [1] | |||||
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Anthem : “Our Bahrain” | |||||
Independence date | August 14, 1971 (from the UK ) | ||||
Official language | Arab | ||||
Capital | Manama | ||||
Largest cities | Manama | ||||
Form of government | dualistic monarchy [2] | ||||
King | Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa | ||||
Prime Minister | Khalifa ibn Salman Al Khalifa | ||||
Gos. religion | Islam | ||||
Territory | 174th in the world | ||||
• Total | 766 km² | ||||
•% water surface. | 0% | ||||
Population | |||||
• Evaluation (2014) | 1,343,000 ( 157th ) | ||||
• density | 1626.6 people / km² ( 4th ) | ||||
GDP ( PPP ) | |||||
• Total (2014) | $ 34.908 billion | ||||
• Per capita | $ 29,146 | ||||
GDP (nominal) | |||||
• Total (2014) | $ 29.028 billion | ||||
• Per capita | $ 24,281 | ||||
HDI (2013) | ▲ 0.796 [3] ( very high ; 48th place ) | ||||
Currency | Bahraini dinar ( BHD, code 48 ) | ||||
Internet domain | .bh | ||||
ISO code | |||||
IOC Code | |||||
Telephone code | +973 | ||||
Time Zones | +3 | ||||
Car traffic |
The main operational base of the US Fifth Fleet in Juffair, near Manama , is located in the kingdom.
Etymology
“Bahrain” is the dual of the Arabic word Bahr (“sea”), therefore “al-Bahrain” originally means “two seas”. By the way, endings are added without changes, as, for example, in the name of the national anthem “Bahrain” (“our Bahrain”) or the demonim “Bahrain”. The medieval lexicographer Ismail al-Jawhari commented that the formally more correct term “Bahri” (lit. “belonging to the sea”) would be misunderstood and therefore not used [5] .
History
In the III millennium BC. e. a developed civilization was spread on the territory of the country, for which fortified settlements were characteristic. The ancient state, called Dilmun , was a large center of maritime trade, through which the Sumerians and other peoples of the Mesopotamia were connected with the peoples of the Indus Valley.
- IV - VI centuries - is part of the Sassanid state , then - the Arab Caliphate .
- IX - XI centuries - the center of the state of Karmatians .
- The middle of the XIII century - receives independence, but soon becomes part of the Emirate of Hormuz .
- 1521 - 1602 - possession of Portugal .
- XVII - XVIII centuries - is part of the Safavid Iran .
- 1780s - Independence reaffirmed.
- XIX century - the British penetrate into Bahrain.
- 1871 - Great Britain establishes a protectorate over Bahrain, but in fact it is turned into a colony.
- World War I - a large British military base was created. The Iranian government considers Bahrain to be illegally seized by Iran.
- World War II - the British government is deploying large contingents of troops to Bahrain. Since 1946, Manama has been the residence of the head of the British administration in the Gulf region.
- 1968 - together with Qatar and Treaty of Oman, announces the creation of the Federation of Arab principalities of the Persian Gulf.
- August 14, 1971 - independence granted.
- 1975 - Parliament dissolved.
- 1990s - Unrest in Bahrain leading to democratic reform.
- February 14, 2011 - mass riots began in the country caused by revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt . New mass protests began at the end of 2012 [6] .
He has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR on September 29, 1990).
Blissful Necropolis
Since ancient times, the island was famous for the beauty and quality of local pearls, attributed to the special properties of coastal waters [7] . The growth process of Bahraini pearls took place under the unique conditions of mixing salt and fresh waters. An unusual natural phenomenon discovered by divers by the sea - the exit of natural fresh springs from the Persian Gulf - was reflected in the name of the island as “the place where two seas merge ” (Majmu u-l- Bahrain , Bahr - from the Arabian “sea”, yun - in in Arabic means a doubling of the word to which it is added), and in mythology. The place of residence of the Ugaritic god Ilu was “the mouth of two rivers ” [8] . One of the main Sumerian gods Enki , the god of wisdom and ground and groundwater, was depicted as a royal man, from whose shoulders two streams of water fell with fish swimming in them [9] .
Found by archaeologists and deciphered texts prove that the island of Bahrain was revered by the ancient inhabitants of Sumer as a sacred place, " where the souls of the dead taste afterlife ", and the right to burial there " could be considered one of the greatest rewards for devotion to the gods throughout life " [10] .
M. B. Piotrovsky wrote [11] : "The mystical significance of Bahrain as a place with special connections with eternity was expressed, in particular, in its special attractiveness as a burial place ."
The monument of the religious and historical heritage of Bahrain is the preserved ancient necropolis, occupying vast spaces in the northern part of the island. The emergence of their researchers attribute to the turn of the fourth and third millennia BC. e. The number of burials, including the nobility and warriors from all over Sumer, was in the hundreds of thousands. According to researchers, sometimes the tombs were ordered in advance and some of them remained empty. Mounds vary in size. The earliest of them were oval in shape, about 1.5 m high. Niches for funeral objects were arranged in the stone chamber. In the "elite" tombs, two burial chambers lined with stone were arranged one above the other. The entire structure was surrounded by a stone wall. The space between the wall and the cameras and on top of them was filled with rubble. The height of such mounds reached 15 meters. The tradition of burials in Bahrain is preserved until the Hellenistic era. The last of them date from the first centuries BC. e. [12] . Part of the graves was lost not only due to natural erosion, but also in connection with the beginning in the 1950s of the development of free territories for the development of urban settlements.
Population
In 2007, the country's population was 708 573 people, of which about half were immigrant workers and members of their families, who came mainly from Iran ; the country has many natives of Europe and South Asia . The official language is Arabic , and English , Farsi and Urdu are also used.
About 30% of the population is under 15 years old, 68% are from 15 to 65 years old (of which 44% are non-residents), 3.2% are over 65 years old. In 2003, the birth rate was estimated at 19.02 per 1000 population, mortality - 3.99 per 1000, immigration - 1.07 per 1000, population growth was 1.61%. Infant mortality - 18.59 per 1000 newborns. The average life expectancy of the population is 73.7 years, with men - 71.3, and women - 76.2. The average age of the population is 28.7 years (men - 31.6, women - 25.1). The population density of the country is 1142.9 people / km². The capital, the port city of Manama (137 thousand inhabitants), located in the north-east of the island. Bahrain is a large shopping center (one of the three free trade zones in the Persian Gulf ).
Religion
The bulk of the inhabitants of Bahrain are Muslims (70.3%). Most of them are Shiites. There are also Christians (14.5%), Hindus (9.8%), Buddhists (2.5%), Jews (0.6%), adherents of traditional beliefs (less than 0.1%). 1.9% of Bahraini do not consider themselves a religion, 0.2% profess other religions (2010) [13] .
Government structure
Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy. The king is at the head of the state (until 2002 - the emir ). The government is led by the prime minister . The cabinet consists of 23 ministers.
The parliament is bicameral. The lower house - the House of Deputies is elected by popular vote, the upper - the Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura) is appointed by the king. In both houses 40 people sit. Political parties are prohibited.
Economics
Before the discovery of oil fields in 1932 , the industry of Bahrain's economy was pearl fishing (which remains one of the main ones now). Oil production and refining for some time amounted to 60% of GDP , now it is 30%. Deposits of the Bahraini "black gold" are depleted. Despite this, in 2015, 18.462 million barrels of oil were produced in the country, which is 3.7% higher than the 2014 level [14] . However, in early April 2018, Bahrain authorities announced the discovery of the world's largest shale oil field in the Khalidzh al-Bahrain basin with a total volume of 80 billion barrels. [15]
Also, natural gas is produced and processed in the country, the reserves of which are significant.
Offshore banking business is developed.
The headquarters of many Arab multinational corporations are located in Manama . In Bahrain, supertankers are undergoing ship repair, there is also an aluminum smelter (ore is delivered from Australia ).
In oases, the population grows date palms (occupy 2/3 of the cultivated land), citrus fruits , fruits, tomatoes, forage crops , vegetables, nuts. Residents also fish and shrimp. The country has developed international tourism . Handicrafts: the manufacture of gold and pottery, pearl jewelry, embroidery, basket weaving, the construction of ships "Dhou".
Main exports: petroleum products and oil, aluminum and pearls.
Advantages : oil and gas fields. Developed offshore banking sector . Domestic investment. Tourism. Aluminum production. Almost complete food self-sufficiency.
Weaknesses : depleted oil reserves, insufficient reorientation to other sectors. High unemployment (15%) and government loans.
Monetary unit - Bahraini dinar , equal to 1000 fils .
Geography
Bahrain is located on 33 islands .
The country occupies the Bahrain archipelago , consisting of 33 flat islands . The largest island - , stretches from north to south for 50 km, from west to east for 15 km. This island is composed of limestone , and the rest is of coral origin. In the center of the island there is a plateau with a height of 30-35 m, the highest point is Mount Ed Dukhan (134 m).
Climate
The climate in the country is dry, tropical . On large islands and the coastal zone, underground freshwater springs beat from the bottom of the sea. In Bahrain, deserts prevail. There are many corals in sea water. Bahrain is located in a tropical arid climate. Winter is warm (average January temperature is + 17 ° C), summer is very hot (average July temperature is + 40 ° C). About 90 mm of precipitation falls annually.
Flora and Fauna
The flora of the Bahrain archipelago is relatively diverse. Drought tolerant plants such as saxaul, camel thorn, tamarisk, astragalus and others grow in deserts. Oases with a date palm and other crops are common at the outlets to the surface of groundwater. Among the rather poor fauna, birds, rodents and reptiles predominate. In coastal waters, approx. 400 species of fish, including commercial fish. Sea turtles are common. Coral reefs abound in crab, lobster, shrimp, shellfish, including pearl mussel. A large species diversity of corals (more than 2000 species).
Administrative Division
Since 2010, Bahrain has been divided into 4 governorates .
Map | Governorates | Administrative Centre | Square, km² (2014) [16] | Number population (2014, rating) [17] | Density, people / km² | |
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Muharraq | Muharraq | 64.8 | 221 009 | 3411 | ||
North | Saar | 145.5 | 316,280 | 2174 | ||
Metropolitan | Manama | 75,4 | 516 717 | 6853 | ||
South | Air reef | 485.0 | 260 556 | 537 | ||
Total | 770.9 | 1,314,562 | 1705 |
Culture
Bahrain's cultural heritage is closely linked to Islamic traditions. Modern literature reflects the social and political reality of Bahraini society. The fine art of Bahrain is distinguished by the presence of its own "independent Bahraini style" in painting and sculpture. Bahrain's main attractions include a masterpiece of Islamic architecture - the Great Cathedral Mosque in Manama, the House of the Quran , the National Museum .
Holidays
From September 1, 2006, Bahrain changed official weekends from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday to bring the weekly cycle closer to the rest of the world. Non-religious holidays:
- January 1 - New Year
- May 1 - Labor Day
- December 16 - National Day
- December 17 - Day of accession to the throne of the king
Sport
Since 2004, the Bahrain Grand Prix of Formula 1 has been held on the island at the Sahir circuit, built in the central part of the state, in the middle of the desert of the same name .
In November 2008, a snooker tournament was held in Bahrain, included in the number of rating tournaments of the season.
Bahrain at the Olympics
Bahrain has participated in the 7th Summer Olympics since 1984 , but has never taken part in the Winter Olympics . The first Olympic medalist was Jamal, Mariam Yusuf - in 2012 in London she won a bronze medal in athletics . In 2016, at the Rio Olympics, athlete Ruth Jebet won the steeplechase , thereby becoming the first Olympic champion in Bahrain's history.
Armed Forces
Bahrain has a small but well-equipped Bahrain defense force . They are mainly equipped with US- made weapons ( F-16 , F-5 aircraft, UH-60 helicopters, M60 tanks, and Oliver Hazard Perry RBNS Sabha class frigate). The Bahrain government has entered into a cooperation agreement with the US military and has been providing the United States with Naval since the early 1990s . At this base is the Central Command of the United States Navy ( Fifth Fleet Command ), as well as about 1,500 military personnel of the United States and allies.
Education
At the beginning of the 20th century, Islamic schools (kuttabs) were the only form of education in Bahrain. These were traditional schools that taught children and young people how to read the Qur'an . After World War I, Bahrain became open to Western influence, which created a demand for modern educational institutions. 1919 marked the beginning of the formation of a modern system of public schools in Bahrain when the Al-Khidaya Al-Khalifa Boys School was opened in Muharraq . In 1926, the Education Committee opened a second public school for boys in Manama . In 1928, the first public school for girls was opened in Muharraq .
In 2004, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa launched a project to use information technology to support a 12-year education in Bahrain. This project is called the School of the Future King Hamad . The goal of the project is to connect all the kingdom's schools to the Internet . In addition to British high schools, the island also has an American Bahrain school (a school of the US Department of Defense that provides 12-year training under the International Baccalaureate program). Under the same program, as well as the British Advanced Level Program (A-Level), a number of private schools provide instruction.
Schooling is funded by the state. The attendance rate in primary and secondary schools is quite high, although secondary education is not compulsory.
Bahrain encourages the development of higher education institutions by attracting both expatriates and Bahrain citizens returning after studying abroad as teachers. The University of Bahrain provides standard higher and postgraduate education. King Abdulaziz College of Medical Sciences , managed by the Ministry of Health, trains doctors, paramedics, nurses, and pharmacists. Private universities began to appear in 2001 after the adoption of the relevant law. The first private universities were Ahlia University in Manama and Bahrain University College in Saarland . In 2005, the Royal Women's University was founded. It became the first private international university in Bahrain focused solely on educating women.
Media
- Press
В стране массовыми тиражами на арабском и английском языках выходят более десятка периодических изданий. Почти все полиграфические мощности сосредоточены в Манаме. Наиболее крупные ежедневные газеты: «Аль-Айям» («Дни», 37 тыс. экз.), «Ахбар аль-Халидж» («Новости Залива», 25 тыс.), «Галф дейли ньюс» (20 тыс.). Еженедельный журнал на арабском «Сада аль-Усбуа» («Эхо недели», 35 тыс.) издаётся в Манаме и имеет читателей во всех странах Персидского залива. Кроме того, в Бахрейне распространяются выходящие ежемесячно газеты нелегальных партийных организаций — «Аль-Джамахир» («Массы», орган Фронта национального освобождения Бахрейна) и «Хамса марис» («Пятое марта», орган Народного фронта Бахрейна).
- Информационные агентства
В Манаме находится штаб-квартира Информационного агентства стран (Персидского) Залива (Бахрейна, Ирака , Катара , Кувейта , Объединённых Арабских Эмиратов , Саудовской Аравии ), деятельность которого началась в 1978 году .
- Broadcasting
Государственная телерадиокомпания BRTC (Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation, تلفزيون البحرين ), создана в 1971 году, включает в себя телеканалы Bahrain TV и Sport TV , радиоканалы Radio Bahrain , Radio Bahrain 96.5 , Коран 106,1 , Молодёжное радио 98,4 , Лирическое радио 93,9 [18]
В стране вещает радио Монте-Карло Дуалия (арабская служба France Medias Monde ).
Tourism
Бахрейн посещают более 8 миллионов туристов в год. Большинство из них — жители соседних арабских стран. Однако растёт и число туристов из-за пределов региона. Их привлекает историческое наследие страны, а также репутация современного и либерального государства [19] . Большую роль в привлечении туристов играет проводящийся в стране Гран-при Бахрейна — этап чемпионата мира по автогонкам в классе Формула-1 .
Королевство объединяет арабскую культуру, блеск залива и археологическое наследие пяти тысяч лет цивилизации. На острове расположен ряд крепостей, в частности, Калат-аль-Бахрейн , включённая в список Всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО . Национальный музей Бахрейна хранит предметы материальной культуры со времён первого появления человека на острове 9 тысяч лет назад.
Интерес туристов вызывают также крепость Арад и крепость Рифа .
See also
Notes
- ↑ 1 2 Бахрейн // «Банкетная кампания» 1904 — Большой Иргиз. — М. : Большая российская энциклопедия, 2005. — С. 123—126. — ( Большая российская энциклопедия : [в 35 т.] / гл. ред. Ю. С. Осипов ; 2004—2017, т. 3). - ISBN 5-85270-331-1 .
- ↑ Атлас мира: Максимально подробная информация / Руководители проекта: А. Н. Бушнев, А. П. Притворов. — Москва: АСТ, 2017. — С. 49. — 96 с. — ISBN 978-5-17-10261-4.
- ↑ Human Development Report 2013 (англ.) . United Nations Development Programme (2013). Архивировано 13 августа 2013 года.
- ↑ Государства и территории мира. Справочные сведения // Атлас мира / сост. and preparation. to the ed. PKO "Cartography" in 2009; ch. ed. G.V. Pozdnyak . — М. : ПКО «Картография» : Оникс, 2010. — С. 14. — ISBN 978-5-85120-295-7 (Картография). - ISBN 978-5-488-02609-4 (Onyx).
- ↑ Faroughy, Abbas. The Bahrein Islands (750—1951): A Contribution to the Study of Power Politics in the Persian Gulf. Verry, Fisher & Co. (New York), 1951.
- ↑ «Арабская весна» наступает в Бахрейне , Russia Today (10 декабря 2012). Дата обращения 5 июня 2017.
- ↑ 5000 лет истории жемчужного промысла в Бахрейне (недоступная ссылка — история ) .
- ↑ Древневосточные корни ислама .
- ↑ Афанасьева В. К. Гильгамеш и Энкиду — М.: Наука, 1979, 220 с., — сс. 73, 124
- ↑ Д. Рол. Генезис цивилизации — М.: Эксмо, 2002, 480 с.
- ↑ Пиотровский М. Б. Живая вода Бахрейна — /в кн.: Тилос. Путешествие в загробный мир — С.-Пб.: Изд-во Гос. Эрмитажа, 2012, с. 3
- ↑ Смерть в Тилосе: хорошо подготовленное путешествие (недоступная ссылка) . Дата обращения 7 ноября 2013. Архивировано 6 марта 2016 года.
- ↑ Bahrain (англ.) . The World Factbook . Central Intelligence Agency.
- ↑ Бахрейн увеличил добычу нефти в 2015 году
- ↑ Бахрейн открыл крупнейшее сланцевое месторождение нефти и газа в мире
- ↑ Бахрейн в числах (2014) . Открытый портал информации Бахрейна. (eng.)
- ↑ Bahrain . CityPopulation.de (англ.)
- ↑ Радиостанции Манамы
- ↑ Bahrain, Destination Guide Lonely Planet
Literature
- Бодянский В. Л. Современный Бахрейн (справочник). — Москва: Главная редакция восточной литературы издательства «Наука», 1976. — 312 с. - 12,000 copies.
Links
- Бахрейн в каталоге ссылок Open Directory Project (dmoz)
- Бахрейн на сайте «Всемирная география»
- Карта Бахрейна