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Predominantly Shi’a Muslim, Bahrain is considered an outpost of social and political freedom compared to neighbours like Saudi Arabia and Iran.

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As with its neighbours the challenge is now to diversify the economy to reduce unemployment and to sustain GDP levels once the oil dries up. Tourism is therefore seen as one part of the solution.

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Bahrain’s star has recently ascended even higher having secured the lucrative contract that saw it become the only the country in the region to play host to a Formula One Grand Prix in April 2004. Since then, the race has been an annual fixture and a point of great pride for Bahrain, having fought off stiff competition to host the event from the likes of the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

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