Manama

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Manama, Bahrain
Manama and Bahrain from space, June 1996.
Manama and Bahrain from space, June 1996.
Coordinates: 26°13′N 50°35′E
Governorate Capital Governorate
Government
 - Governor Humood bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa
Population (2001)
 - City 162,000
 - Density 5,304/km² (13,737.3/sq mi)
 - Metro 345,000
Website: http://www.capital.gov.bh/

Manama (Arabic: المنامة Al-Manāmah) is the capital city of Bahrain and is the country's largest city with a population of approximately 155,000, roughly a quarter of the country's entire population.

Manama has emerged as the capital of independent Bahrain after periods of domination by the Portuguese and Persians earlier in its history. Today, it is a modern capital with an economy based around the service sector, banking and finance as oil takes a less pronounced role in the economy. (See Economy of Bahrain.)

Contents

[edit] History

Main article: History of Manama

Manama was mentioned in Islamic chronicles at least as far back as 1345. It was conquered by the Portuguese in 1521 and then by the Persians in 1602.[1] Since 1783 it has been under the control of the Al-Khalifa dynasty. Manama was declared a free port in 1958, and in 1971 became the capital of independent Bahrain.[2]

[edit] Climate

In common with the rest of Bahrain, Manama has extremely hot, humid summers, and mild winters. Temperatures may rise as high as 38°C (100°F) in summer, as is the case in the rest of the country.[3] Winters are generally a lot milder, with average temperatures in January around 17°C (63°F).[4]

[edit] Geography

The city is located in the far north-eastern corner of Bahrain island on a small peninsula. As in the rest of Bahrain island, the land is generally flat (or gently rolling) and arid.

Manama is served by Bahrain International Airport on the nearby island of Al Muharraq, to which it is connected via a causeway.

Exhibition Avenue, Hoora
Exhibition Avenue, Hoora

The major places within Manama are:

[edit] Law and Government

Manama is part of the Capital Governorate, one of five Governorates of Bahrain. Until 2002 it was part of the municipality of Al-Manamah. Councils exist within the governorates; eight constituencies are voted upon within Capital Governorate in 2006. [5]

[edit] Economy

Manama, Bahrain's wealthy capital.
Manama, Bahrain's wealthy capital.

Manama is the focal point of the Bahraini economy. While oil has decreased in importance in recent years due to depleting reserves, petroleum is still the mainstay of the economy, while heavy industry (e.g. aluminum smelting, ship repair), banking and finance, and tourism are increasing in importance. Several multinationals have facilities and offices in and around Manama. [6]

The economic base for Manama itself is financial services, with over two hundred financial institutions and banks based in the Diplomatic Area. There is also a large retail sector in the shopping malls around Seef, while the centre of Manama is dominated by small workshops and traders.

[edit] Transport

Bahrain International Airport is located approximately 15 kilometers from the city.

[edit] Demographics

Manana forms the bulk of the Capital Governorate, the exact population of which was given in 2001 as 163,696. 103,235 of these were male, the other 60,641 female. The majority of Manama residents are non-Bahrainis: only 55,230 residents have Bahraini citizenship.[7]

[edit] Neighborhoods

The major neighborhoods within Manama are:

[edit] Culture

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Bahrain is strongly Islamic and Arabic; while Manama shares these traits, it also contains a large number of foreigners and foreign influences, with just under a third of the populace hailing from abroad.[8]. Alcohol is legal in the country, with bars and nightclubs operating in the city.

Soccer is a popular sport, with three teams from Manama participating in the Bahraini Premier League.

[edit] Education

The University of Bahrain has its main campus in Manama.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

[edit] Notes and references

  1. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica - Manama (retrieved 25 November 2006)
  2. ^ Encyclopaedia of the Orient - Manama (retrieved November 25 2006)
  3. ^ Lonely Planet - Bahrain - Weather (retrieved 2 December 2006)
  4. ^ AME Info - Bahrain Country Guide - Climate (retrieved 2 December 2006)
  5. ^ Bahrain News Agency - ELECTION 2006 (retrieved 2 December 2006)
  6. ^ CIA World Factbook - Bahrain (retrieved 2 December 2006)
  7. ^ Capital Governorate Databank - Population by Nationality and Sex (retrieved 25 November 2006)
  8. ^ - Trip Advisor - Manama Culture (retrieved 2 December 2006)
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