12 municipalities (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa' wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah.
note: all municipalities administered from Manama.
Population:
645,361
note: includes 228,424 non-nationals (July 2001 est.)
Currency:
Bahraini dinar (BHD)
Languages:
Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Elevation:
highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 122 m
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
Natural hazards:
periodic droughts; dust storms
Climate:
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
In Bahrain, petroleum production and refining account for about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. Bahrain is dependent on Saudi Arabia for oil revenue granted as aid. A large share of exports consists of petroleum products made from imported crude. Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of both oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems.
