first organized as a unified state in 10th century; in 1849 became a constitutional monarchy
Religions
Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census)
Evangelical Lutheran 95%, other Christian (includes Protestant and Roman Catholic) 3%, Muslim 2%
Languages
Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Danish, Faroese, Greenlandic (an Inuit dialect), German (small minority) note: English is the predominant second language
Exports
petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, textiles
machinery and instruments, meat and meat products, dairy products, fish, pharmaceuticals, furniture, windmills
External Debt
$25,270,000,000 $
$626,900,000,000 US
Exchange Rate
Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar - 0.376 (2008 est.), 0.376 (2007), 0.376 (2006), 0.376 (2005), 0.376 (2004)
Danish kroner (DKK) per US dollar - 5.0236 (2008 est.), 5.4797 (2007), 5.9468 (2006), 5.9969 (2005), 5.9911 (2004)
Military Budget as percentage of GDP
4.500%
1.300%
Beijing Olympics Medal Count
1
7
Location
Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia
Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, on a peninsula north of Germany (Jutland); also includes two major islands (Sjaelland and Fyn)
Area
760 km sq
43,094 km sq
Coastline
161 km
7,314 km
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
temperate; humid and overcast; mild, windy winters and cool summers
