Asia Capitals Quiz
Test your knowledge of Asian countries and their capital cities.
🇧🇠Bahrain
Capital: Manama
Manama, the capital of Bahrain on the northern coast of Bahrain Island
Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain, located on the northern coast of Bahrain Island. The city developed as a Gulf trading and pearling center and grew further during the 20th century as Bahrain’s oil, banking and commercial sectors expanded. Manama is distinct from the much older Dilmun center at Qal’at al-Bahrain, which lies west of the modern capital and preserves archaeological evidence of settlement dating back to the third millennium BC.
đź“ś Timeline of Manama
1345: Manama is mentioned by name in a medieval written source, providing one of the earliest documented references to the city.
1527: Portuguese forces capture Manama during their period of control in Bahrain.
1783: The Al Khalifa dynasty gains control of Bahrain. Manama later grows as a major commercial center, while Muharraq remains the principal administrative town during much of the 19th century.
1958: Manama is declared a free port, reinforcing its role in regional trade.
1971: Bahrain gains independence from the United Kingdom on August 15, with Manama as the capital of the independent state.
Today: Manama is Bahrain’s main government, financial and commercial center.
đź“Š Quick Stats
Earliest Documented Mention
1345
Language
Arabic (official), English widely used
Currency
Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
Geography
Northern coast of Bahrain Island
Time Zone
Arabian Standard Time (UTC+3)
Calling Code
+973
Driving Side
Right-hand traffic
🏛️ Notable Landmarks
Bahrain National Museum
Opened in 1988 on Manama’s eastern waterfront, the museum presents archaeological finds and exhibits covering about 6,000 years of Bahrain’s history, along with displays on local customs and traditional crafts.
Al-Fateh Grand Mosque
Located in Manama, the mosque covers about 6,500 square meters and can accommodate approximately 7,000 worshippers. It also contains a library and Islamic educational facilities.
Qal’at al-Bahrain
Located about 5.5 kilometers west of Manama, this UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves the remains of the ancient harbor and capital of Dilmun, with occupation documented from around 2300 BC.
Manama developed from a Gulf port and pearling center into Bahrain’s principal administrative and financial city. Its modern role is tied to trade, government and banking, while archaeological sites near the capital preserve evidence of Bahrain’s much older Dilmun history.
đź“– Sources & References
- 🇧🇠Bahrain National Portal – About Bahrain
- 🏺 Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities – Bahrain History Timeline
- 🏛️ Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities – Bahrain National Museum
- 🕌 Bahrain Tourism – Al-Fateh Grand Mosque
- 🌍 UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Qal’at al-Bahrain
