Bahrain🇧🇭
Bahrain is a small island country situated near the western shores of the Persian Gulf in the Middle East. It is part of the Asian continent and is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west and by Qatar to the south. Known for its oil, pearls and vibrant culture, Bahrain offers a fascinating blend of eastern and western lifestyles. It is famous for the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Bahrain International Air Show and its UNESCO World Heritage site, the Qal'at al-Bahrain. The nation's capital, Manama, is a bustling metropolis filled with world-class restaurants, high-rise buildings, and bustling markets (souks). The country is known for its welcoming and friendly citizens who continue to practice age-old traditions like pearl fishing.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics and religion.
- Avoid public displays of affection as it is against local culture.
- Avoid visiting during the hottest months (July and August) if unable to cope with intense heat.
- Do not drink tap water, always opt for bottled water.
- Do not disrespect local customs and traditions.
- Beware of strict laws on drug possession and use.
- Do not take photographs of military or government buildings.
- Refrain from wearing revealing clothes in public to respect the local culture.
- Avoid driving in Bahrain without an appropriate driving license.
- Avoid the coastal districts during Shamal wind events, to avoid the discomfort of dust and sand.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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Bahrain has a moderate crime level, with crimes ranging from petty theft to more serious offenses like burglary and car theft. Capital city Manama sees the most incidents, particularly in the tourist-heavy areas. However, the government maintains strict law and order, and violent crime is rare.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorist threats present in Bahrain are relatively low compared to its regional neighbors. However, there have been sporadic domestic terrorist incidents in recent years, mainly in 2017 in the forms of bombings and shootings that targeted security forces. No major international terrorist incidents have been recorded.
War ⚔️
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Bahrain is relatively peaceful and has not been directly involved in any recent wars. The country is an ally of the United States and the United Kingdom and hosts naval bases for both countries. Its strategic location in the Persian Gulf makes it important in regional security affairs.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Bahrain is fortunate in being relatively safe from major natural disasters. It doesn’t experience earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes. The most common natural hazard is the Shamal, a northwesterly wind which blows dust and sand across the country, but this is hardly considered a dangerous event.
Medical Care 🏥
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Bahrain offers good medical facilities. Both public and private hospitals are available and staffed with international medical professionals. The medical fees are reasonable and the country holds a high standard of hygiene and care. Although, for some specialized treatments, patients may have to travel abroad.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The quality of tap water in Bahrain is acceptable for washing and cleaning, but it's not recommended for drinking. There have been some issues with saltwater intrusion into freshwater aquifers. Most residents prefer to drink bottled water, which is widely available and inexpensive.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Bahrain has advanced healthcare facilities which manage common diseases effectively. There were increases in cases of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, and chronic respiratory diseases in recent years. However, Bahrain has a good track record in dealing with infectious diseases like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Corruption 💸
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Bahrain has made progress in combatting corruption but still has work to do. While the government has launched various initiatives to combat corruption and improve transparency, instances of bribery and influence peddling remain, especially in the public sector.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Bahrain is considered relatively safe for women, and there is legal protection for women's rights. However, like in many countries, a few incidents of street harassment are reported. It is always recommended to follow local norms and dress modestly while traveling.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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While homosexuality is legal in Bahrain, the country has a socially conservative society and LGBT+ rights are not widely recognized or protected. There were reported cases of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Censorship 📺
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There have been incidents of censorship in Bahrain, especially in the form of restrictions on press freedom and the blocking of certain internet sites. The government often censors content it perceives to be politically sensitive.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Bahrain is quite well-developed. The country's small size makes travel quite easy, and Bahrain's buses, taxis, and ride shares are safe for tourists. The buses are generally on-time, clean, and inexpensive. The roads are also in good condition.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Bahrain is comparatively safe for tourists. However, like every travel destination, it is essential to remain cautious, particularly at night and in crowded places. Always be aware of your surroundings and take preventative measures to protect yourself and your belongings.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Several countries have embassies in Bahrain, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Japan. They are primarily located in the capital city of Manama.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
It is recommended that visitors to Bahrain be up to date with routine vaccines like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and the yearly flu shot. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations are also recommended.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
The Arabian Gulf sea around Bahrain has a variety of marine life. There are occasional reports of jellyfish, but encounters with dangerous animals are rare. On land, there are scorpions in desert areas but instances of encounters are minimal. Always seek local advice if venturing into the wilderness or sea.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Bahrain has a fairly liberal policy on visas, and citizens of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival or apply online for an eVisa. Some countries are exempt from visas while others need a visa before they travel.
💲 Currency
The currency used in Bahrain is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD). Currency can be exchanged in banks, hotels, and bureaus de change. ATMs are widely available.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in Bahrain in hotels, malls, and many restaurants. It's recommended to carry some cash when visiting local markets and for small establishments.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
While the cost of living in Bahrain can be high, opportunities for work and travel exist, particularly in sectors such as education (English teaching), finance, and IT. A work visa is required.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in Bahrain can vary significantly depending on lifestyle. Luxury resorts and restaurants can be expensive, but affordable options for accommodation and dining are also widely available. Local transport and street food are quite cheap.