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Bahrain Island

geography Maturity 5-7 Next article →

Bahrain Island, known as Jazīrah al-Baḥrayn, is a central part of the Bahrain archipelago. It is also called Awal Island or formerly Bahrein. This island forms the primary land mass for the nation of Bahrain. Most of the country's population lives on this specific island. It sits within the Persian Gulf, specifically in a shallow inlet called the Gulf of Bahrain. The island is a vital hub for the country's economy and its people.

The geography of the island is defined by its low-lying, barren desert landscape. Much of the terrain is composed of limestone outcroppings. These formations create low rolling hills, stubby cliffs, and shallow ravines. The limestone is often covered by saline sand, which is very salty. This saltiness means only the hardiest desert vegetation can survive there. You might see thorn trees and various types of scrubs growing in these conditions. However, a fertile strip exists along the northern coast. This area supports almond, fig, and pomegranate trees.

In the interior, the land rises in a feature called an escarpment. This rise leads to the highest point on the island. This peak is known as the Mountain of Smoke. It earned this name because mists often wreathe the summit. This specific area is also very important for industry. Most of the country's oil wells are located near this mountain. The seabed near the island is also quite distinct. It is rocky and features extensive coral reefs, especially off the northern coast.

The climate on Bahrain Island is classified as arid. This means the environment is very dry. The average annual temperature is 28 °C. Temperatures change depending on the month. August is the warmest month, with an average temperature of 38 °C. January is the coldest month, averaging 18 °C. Rainfall is also quite low, with an average of only 144 millimeters per year. The rainiest month is November, which sees 38 mm of precipitation. In contrast, October is the driest month with only 1 mm of precipitation.

Human activity and administration are concentrated on the island. The capital city, Manama, is located on the northeastern tip. The island is divided into three distinct areas called Governorates. Major commercial centers and oil refining facilities are located here. The main port, Mina Salman, also sits on the island. On the eastern shore lies Sitrah. This area contains an oil export terminal. It is connected to the main island by a bridge over a narrow channel.

Transportation is essential for connecting the island to its neighbors. Various causeways and bridges link Bahrain to the mainland of Saudi Arabia and other islands. The oldest causeway was built in 1929 to connect Bahrain to Al Muharraq. Al Muharraq is the third largest island in the archipelago. There are three specific ways to travel from Muharraq to Manama. These are the Shaikh Hamad Bridge, the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Causeway, and the Shaikh Khalifa Bridge. These routes connect areas like Muharraq City, Busaiteen, Hidd, and the Diplomatic Area.

Further connections exist to the west and south. A causeway connects the island to Umm an Nasan. This island is the private property of the king and serves as his personal game preserve. From Umm an Nasan, the King Fahd Causeway continues to the Saudi mainland town of Al Khubar. These massive engineering projects allow for the movement of people and goods across the water. They link the island's desert landscape to the wider region of the Persian Gulf.

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