Bahrain is an archipelago of thirty three Islands in the Persian Gulf consisting of Bahrain itself, Muharraq, Umm an Nasan, Sitra, and several smaller islands. The total land area slightly less than 300 square miles supports a population of around 800,000 (including over 200,000 non-nationals mostly on temporary work visas) – very small country but very densely populated at over 3000 people per square mile. Over 80% of the population are Muslims (over 65% Shia), with about 10% Christians, and the rest from other groups. It is one of the richest countries in the Persian Gulf with a per-capital GDP (PPP) of close to $35,000 helped by oil, petroleum production and processing, and the financial industry with its status as Financial Hub of Islamic nations. Over ninety percent of the land area is a low lying desert plain with the climate categorized by mild winters and very hot and humid summers.
Travel Resources:
November and March are the best time to visit Bahrain. Authentic Arabian experience is what Bahrain provides best for the traveler. Islamic architecture of various vintages abound waiting to be explored. Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain fort and Arad Fort, Barbar temple and beautiful mosques are part of this elite group. Coffee is considered part of traditional welcome. Machboos made from meat or fish and muhammar a sweet rice preparation served with dates are traditional Bahrain dishes.
Resource | ISBN or ASIN | Best Price | Description |
Culture Shock! Bahrain: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette | 978-0761454731 | $16 | A cultural introduction to Bahrain including how to socialize and doing business in Bahrain along with Food & Travel sections. |
Mini Guide to Bahrain | 978-9948033196 | $11 | Area Maps and a pull-out map. Sections on exploring Manama and beyond, discovering Arabic Culture, shopping restaurants, accommodation and other essential info. |
Bahrain Mini Map | 978-9768182708 | $6 | Includes Main areas and streets of Bahrain along with a detailed map of Manama, the capital. |
Philatelic Profile:
Indian stamps issued by the Indian postal service sub-office in Manama starting in 1884 were the first stamps used in Bahrain.
After India’s Independence, the British Postal Service started handling the postal services of Bahrain.
A set of 12 stamps seven different local themes (Bahrain International Airport, Pearl Divers, Pier at Mina Sulman Harbor, Falcon and Horse Race, Hospitality, and Mosque with Emblem – all with a portrait of the Sheik in the foreground) issued on January 1, 1966. The mosque, sheik, and emblem design used in the higher denominations is especially colorful. The issue was significant in that it is the first issue after Bahrain replaced the Gulf Rupee with their own currency (Dinar and Fils) in 1965. The set (Scott #141 to #152) catalogs for around $60 MNH and less than one-third that for used. Pearl related design is a fairly popular theme that appears frequently in Bahrain stamp designs and marks the country’s rich tradition of diving for natural pearls on its coast.
A set of four stamps issued October 2nd 1971 with the independence theme following the declaration of Bahrain Independence on August 15th 1971. The set (Scott #182 to #185) consists of two designs – “Freedom” with dove, torch, and globe, and Coat of Arms. The set catalogs for around $35 MNH and around $20 used.
- A miniature sheet of eight stamps depicting Arabian Stallions released on September 1, 1975. The beautiful sheet (Scott #224) catalogs for around $60 MNH and half that for used. The designs were Brown Head, White Mare, Mare and Stallion, and Bedouins on horseback.
A miniature sheet of eight stamps depicting Saluki Dogs released July, 1977. The sheet (Scott #256) catalogs for around $35 MNH or used. The designs were Dog and Camels, Dog and Gazelles, Dog and Ruler’s Palace, Dog’s Head, Heads of two dogs, Dog in Dunes, and Playing Dogs. The issue is significant in that Muslims (originated Bedouin tribe “Kiss of Allah” belief) regard Salukis with a patch of white in the the forehead to be blessed.
- A set of eight stamps released on July 16, 1979 in the “Dhows of the Arabian Gulf” theme. The set (Scott #263 to #270) catalogs for around $80 MNH or used in a block of eights. Individual stamps can be had for a slight discount. The dhows depicted were Ghanja, Zarook, Shu’ai, Jaliboot, Baghla, Sambuk, Boom, and Kotia.
- A miniature sheet of sixteen stamps released on March 21, 1992 in the “Indigenous Birds of Bahrain” theme. The sheet (Scott #382) catalogs for around $25 MNH or used. Individual stamps can be had for around a dollar.
A miniature sheet of twenty one stamps released on April 23, 1997 in the “Pure Strains of Arabian Horses” theme. The sheet (Scott #492) catalogs for around $40 MNH or used.
- A set of three stamps released on February 1, 2002 in the “Day of the Arab Woman” theme. The set (Scott #559 to #561) catalogs for around $5 MNH or used. The designs were Emblem, Emblem and Rings, and Women. Woman’s right to vote was granted for the first time in the 2002 election and this issue signify that important political step.
Bahrain started issuing coins denominated in Fils in 1965. Prior to this, British East India company coins were used. The first issues have mintage into the millions and catalog for less than a dollar in UNC. Other Numismatic items of Bahrain include:
Item | Price Range | Description |
Coins | $1 and up | Proofs from 2000s and first coins in VF start around $1. Bi Metal coins from 2000s in BU starts around $20. UNICEF, Rhim Gazelle etc Silver Proofs start around $50. Silver proof sets and error varieties go into the 100s. |
Paper Money | $2 and up | Common UNCs start around $2. Notes from the early 60s in UNC start around $30. Scarce dates, First Issues, etc in UNC start around $100. |
Collectible Memorabilia:
Pottery, utility and decorative items weaved from split palm fronds, Arabic calligraphy, and stained glass by Bahraini artisans makes for great souvenirs and gifts.
Last Updated: 12/2015.