7 Surprising Fun Facts About Bahrain

Bahrain may be the smallest country in the Middle East, but it packs in Formula One racing, the world’s largest underwater diving site, and a history stretching back 4,500 years.

One of the most unexpected aspects of Bahrain? It’s constantly growing. Land reclamation projects have expanded the nation’s 50 natural islands with 33 artificial ones, creating new land from the sea.

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Here are some key facts about Bahrain:

Here are seven surprising facts about Bahrain that might just inspire your next adventure.

1. Bahrain is the smallest country in the Middle East

Bahrain is the smallest independent Arab nation in the Middle East at 301 square miles (780 square kilometers). The nation consists of 33 islands as of 2025, with Bahrain Island making up 85% of the total landmass.

The number of islands changes due to land reclamation projects, where sand is dredged from surrounding waters and used to expand existing artificial islands or create new ones. This process involves extracting sand from designated locations and depositing it at reclamation sites, slowly building new land from the sea.

Bahrain Fort is one of the nation’s most historic landmarks. Visit Bahrain and check it out

2. Bahrain’s history dates back around 4,500 years

Bahrain’s history starts with the Dilmun civilization, which was established around 2500 BCE. This culture was a trading hub between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley for copper, precious stones and pearls. The area was often referred to in Sumerian texts as the “land of the living,” likely due to the freshwater springs located therein.

Qal’at al-Bahrain (Fort Bahrain) was the civilization’s capital and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. Though only 25% of the site has been excavated, archaeologists have uncovered residential, public, commercial, religious and military buildings in the complex. The site has the ruins of a 15th-century Portuguese fort, the best-preserved evidence of the Dilmun civilization and a large museum on site.

• Address: 892 3618, Karbabad, Bahrain
• Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm

3. Bahrain’s flag represents the country’s journey and history

Historically, Bahrain used a plain red flag, but a white stripe was added to distinguish it from similar flags used by pirates in the Gulf region. In 1932, a serrated edge was introduced to differentiate Bahrain’s flag from those of other nearby nations.

The number of serrations in the flag was reduced several times throughout the 20th century, and in 2002, they were officially standardized to five points, symbolizing the Five Pillars of Islam. The red color is traditionally associated with the Gulf region and represents Bahrain’s path to independence, while the white symbolizes peace.

The flag of Bahrain waves in the wind.

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4. Dive Bahrain is the world’s largest underwater diving site

Dive Bahrain opened in September 2019 as a huge artificial reef site designed for scuba divers. Located 10-20 meters under the Persian Gulf, the 25-acre site is claimed to be the world’s largest artificial underwater diving center.

The centerpiece is a decommissioned Boeing 747, specially prepared as an artificial reef. Groupers, snappers, coral colonies and other species have made the aircraft their home, creating an underwater ecosystem for wetsuit clad guests to wander through.

Pro Tips:

• Must be a certified scuba diver (Open Water level)
• Book through a registered dive center listed below

5. Bahrain’s government evolved from tribal rule to constitutional monarchy

The Al Khalifa family has ruled Bahrain since 1783, when they led the Utub tribal forces from Qatar to seize the islands. Bahrain became a constitutional monarchy in 2002, under King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and introduced reforms including a bicameral parliament.

Historical Timeline

Bahrain’s Government Structure (2024)

6. Bahrain brought Formula One racing to the Middle East

The Bahrain International Circuit opened in 2004 as the first Formula One track in the Middle East. The 15-turn, 3.36-mile (5.412 km) circuit was designed by German architect Hermann Tilke. The desert track seats 70,000 and is known for its long straights, heavy braking zones, and ability to host night races.