Bahrain – Bahrain is Arabic for “two seas”, which is thought to have been derived from the fact that the islands have two sources of water, fresh spring water within the islands and the salty sea water surrounding them. Around 600 BC Bahrain became part of the Babylonian empire. Historical references throughout the ages have long associated Bahrain with lush vegetation, and the islands are thought to be the location of the ancient Garden of Eden.

Positioned between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, this constitutional monarchy gained its independence from Britain in 1971. The British influence began in the late 1800’s, when the al-Khalifa family sought protection from Persian domination through a treaty relationship with the United Kingdom This arrangement contributed greatly to Bahrain’s quest for a modern educational system and led to its eventual emergence as a regional financial center.

In 1932, Bahrain was the first nation in the Middle East to discover oil. Oil has been a consistent factor in Bahrain’s economy, but despite the increase in that benefit from the oil boom of the 1980’s, the subsequent downturn further stimulated the economic diversification program that began in the 1960’s. This stimulated Bahrain’s formal development of their financial industry and its efforts to expand the islands’ tourist trade. Consistent with that effort, Bahrain has no income taxes or VAT, making it a regional center for commerce.

Bahrain is essentially a Muslim country, but it is known for a religious tolerance that has contributed greatly to the diverse, burgeoning middle class required to support the various non-petroleum related businesses that are the bulwark of Bahrain’s economic diversity.

Although it is the smallest Arab nation in the Middle East, Bahrain prevails in its efforts to appeal to tourists. It boosts the Bahrain Iceberg, which is a multi-million dollar resort with indoor skiing and ice sports. In contrast, it also offers the Al-Areen Desert Spa Resort, a $600 million dollar spa and hotel that accompanies a wildlife sanctuary and water park, to create a safari like experience in the oasis. Bahrain offers numerous historical attractions, including the Barber Temples, Beit Al Jasra, Al Khamis mosque the Tree of Life and the Dilmun ruins, just to name a few.

GNT recommends the following websites on Bahrain:

http://www.bahrainweather.com/ - This website gives weather information in English.

http://www.bahraingateway.org/index.cfm – This website offers an interesting insight to Bahrain’s sophisticated makeup, describing its six economic clusters that make up the core focus of the country’s development.

http://www.ameinfo.com/bahrain/ - This website on the Middle East is a tremendous resource for those interested in doing business in the region. It covers a wide range of information on every aspect of life in Bahrain.

Want to find more tourism and financial services information for this country? Visit http://www.gnta.net and click on the "Select A Country" link.