Unique Facts About Bahrain You Need To Know

Bahrain's unique facts (Natanaelginting-Freepik image)

YOGYAKARTA - The schedule for the Indonesian national team's match against Bahrain in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will take place tonight, Thursday (10/10/2024), with kick-offs at 23.00 WIB. In the next few hours, the Garuda squad led by Shin Tae-yong will return to compete in the 2026 World Cup Qualification round in the Asia Group C zone.

This time, the Indonesian national team will face Bahrain, a country that is ranked 76th in the world, at home to them, Bahrain National Stadium, Riffa. However, behind that, Bahrain as an opposing country has many unique facts about Bahrain that people may not know much about.

A Brief History Of Bahrain

Bahrain is a small island nation located in the Persian Gulf, and borders big countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Although it covers only about 760 square km, Bahrain has a long history rooted in ancient civilization. This island has been inhabited since the bronze era and is known as the main trade center in the area. Historical records, Bahrain was once part of the Persian Empire as well as the Caliphate of Islam before finally independence from Britain in 1971. Since then, Bahrain grew into one of the countries with a fairly stable economy in the Middle East.

Bahrain's first unique fact is that this country is the smallest archipelagic country in the Persian Gulf region. However, this country consists of more than 30 small islands, with Bahrain Island as the largest island. Because of its small size, Bahrain is often said to be the "mutiara of the Gulf," because in the past, Bahrain waters were famous for the pearl industry which became the center of the country's economy before the discovery of oil.

Unlike neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, Bahrain has a much smaller oil reserves. However, Bahrain was the first country in the Gulf region to find oil reserves in 1932. Even though the oil reserves were limited, Bahrain succeeded in increasing the financial and tourism sector to diversify its economy, so it did not depend much on these natural resources.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy country, which means the country is led by a king but has a constitution that limits the rule of the king. Currently, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa leads Bahrain, who was sworn in in 2002. Under her leadership, Bahrain has experienced several political reforms, including the introduction of a 2-room parliament, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Shura Council, and the allowing women to participate in politics.

Although the results of the football match between Indonesia and Bahrain in the World Cup selection have been in the spotlight, diplomatic relations between the two countries are always harmonious. Bahrain and Indonesia have had good bonds that have existed for a long time, especially in terms of economic and educational cooperation. Many Indonesian students study in Bahrain, and vice versa, some Bahrain people also often visit Indonesia for business or tourism affairs.

Another unique fact of Bahrain is the openness of this country in receiving influence from outside. Bahrain is known as one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East region. For example, even though this country is mostly Muslim, there are many other religious communities that live peacefully in Bahrain. Not only that, Bahrain has a fairly developing tourism sector, with many tourists coming to enjoy the beach, nightlife, and cultural festivals in this country.

Another unique fact of Bahrain that may not be widely known is that this country will host the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Middle East region. The Bahrain International Circuit, which was formed in the middle of the desert, first held this prestigious racing event in 2004. This race is an international attraction that brings in many tourists from all over the world every year.

Even though it is small in size, Bahrain has a very rich cultural heritage. One of the most important historical sites in Bahrain is Qalat al-Bahrain, or Bahrain Fort, which is the former capital city of the Kingdom of Dilmun, an ancient civilization that had developed rapidly in this area. This site is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage and is one of the main cultural tourism destinations in Bahrain.

In addition, read also: Bahrain vs Indonesia Schedule in the Third Round of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

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