Manama

Manama
Name	Manama
Native name	المنامة
Settlement type	Capital city
Coordinates	26, 13, 30, N...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Bahrain
Established title	First mentioned
Established date	1345 AD
Government type	Capital Governorate
Leader title	Governor
Leader name	Salman bin Isa bin Hindi Al Khalifa
Area total km2	30
Population total	200,000
Population as of	2020
Population density km2	auto
Timezone	Arabian Standard Time
Utc offset	+3

Manama. Manama is the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Situated on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island in the Persian Gulf, it has been a center of trade and pearling for centuries. The city is a major financial hub in the Middle East, home to a diverse population and a blend of modern architecture and historic sites.

History

The area has been inhabited for millennia, with archaeological evidence linking it to the ancient Dilmun civilization, a key trade partner of Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilization. Manama was first explicitly mentioned in Islamic chronicles in 1345 AD. It came under Portuguese control in 1521 after the conquest led by António Correia, followed by rule by the Safavid dynasty and later the Al Khalifa family, who captured it from the Al Jalahma in 1783. The city became a protectorate of the British Empire following the 1820 General Maritime Treaty. The discovery of oil in 1932 at Jebel Dukhan transformed its economy and infrastructure. Manama was declared a free port in 1958 and became the capital of the newly independent State of Bahrain in 1971, later a kingdom in 2002. Significant modern events include the 2011 Arab Spring protests centered at the Pearl Roundabout.

Geography

Manama is located on a small peninsula on the north coast of Bahrain Island, bordering the Gulf of Bahrain to the north. The city's terrain is generally flat and arid, part of the larger Arabian Desert. It is connected to the island of Muharraq via the Sheikh Isa bin Salman Causeway and to the Sitra industrial area by other causeways. Major districts include the diplomatic area, the financial harbor, and the older quarters of Adliya and Juffair. Land reclamation projects, such as those in the Seef district, have significantly expanded its coastline. The city experiences a hot desert climate with very high summer temperatures and mild winters.

Economy

Manama is a preeminent financial center in the Persian Gulf region, hosting the Bahrain Bourse and numerous international banks. It is the headquarters of the Bahrain Economic Development Board and the Central Bank of Bahrain. The Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Arcapita building are key landmarks in its banking sector. Beyond finance, the economy is diversified into sectors like telecommunications, led by companies such as Batelco, and tourism, with major hotels including the Gulf Hotel Bahrain and the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The city also hosts the annual Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. Traditional industries like pearling have been commemorated at sites like the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Culture

The city's culture reflects its history as a trading crossroads, with influences from Arab, Persian, and Indian traditions. Key cultural institutions include the Bahrain National Museum, the Bahrain National Theatre, and the iconic Al Fateh Grand Mosque. The annual Spring of Culture festival features international music and arts performances. Manama's culinary scene is renowned, with traditional dishes like machboos served in the historic Bab Al Bahrain souq area. The Qal'at al-Bahrain fort and the nearby Barbar Temple offer insights into the island's ancient past. Contemporary art is showcased at the Bahrain Art Gallery and the La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art.

Government

As the national capital, Manama houses all branches of the Bahraini government. The city is part of the Capital Governorate, overseen by a governor appointed by the King, currently Salman bin Isa bin Hindi Al Khalifa. Key government buildings are concentrated in the city, including the Al-Qudaibiya Palace, the official residence of the King, and the Bahraini Parliament complex, which houses the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council. The headquarters of the Ministry of Interior (Bahrain) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bahrain) are also located here. The city's municipal services are managed by the Capital Trustees Council.

Demographics

Manama has a highly cosmopolitan population, with a significant proportion of expatriates and migrant workers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other Arab countries. While Arabic is the official language, English, Farsi, Urdu, and Malayalam are widely spoken. The majority of Bahraini citizens are Muslim, predominantly following the Maliki school of Sunni Islam or the Ja'fari school of Shia Islam, with notable religious sites including the Al Khamis Mosque. The city also has small communities of Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs, with churches such as the Sacred Heart Church and the National Evangelical Church of Bahrain.

Category:Capitals in Asia Category:Populated places in Bahrain Category:Port cities and towns of the Persian Gulf