Date of independence, or formation date: 1971
Date when current borders were established: 1971
National day: Dec 16
Vehicle country identifying code: BRN
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +3
International telephone dialling code: +973
Internet country identifying code: .bh

Bahrain is an archipelago state situated between the Qatar peninsula and the Saudi Arabian mainland. Only three of its islands are inhabited. Bahrain Island is connected to Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province by a causeway opened in 1986. Bahrain was the first Gulf emirate to export oil; its reserves are now almost depleted. Services such as offshore banking, insurance, and tourism are major employment sectors for skilled Bahrainis.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004