Bahrain is a small island country (about ten miles wide and about thirty miles long) located just to the north of Qatar and only a few miles off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. There is actually an overseas highway linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. The country is about the size of a large American county and the capital city of Manama is about the size of Birmingham, Alabama. The general appearance and climate of the country resembles the Florida peninsula's Gulf Coast -- high rise hotels and condos, marinas full of expensive boats, and even a Hard Rock Cafe. The Bahraini students have told me that, for about $5,000(US) per month, one can rent a fully furnished villa with a large swimming pool, five or six bedrooms, household staff and groundskeepers, private beachfront on the Persian Gulf, and all the amenities you can imagine.

The United States Navy's Fifth Fleet calls on Bahrain often in the course of its duties in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean. As a result of the heavy tourism and frequent visits of American military personnel, Bahrain is one of the very few Muslim countries which permit the sale of alcoholic beverages in the hotel bars.

Most educated Bahrainis speak English quite well since Bahrain was under British rule at one time, and two of three major newspapers are published in English. (It has also been under Portugese and Arabian rule at various times.)

Beginning with the Fall Semester of 1999-2000, a significant number of citizens of Bahrain have started arriving at Jefferson State. By January of 2000 six Bahrainis had enrolled and at least six more had applied for admission. And it seems likely that we will continue see new applications from Bahrain.

1. The Bahrain Bird Report. The most noticeable animal life in Bahrain is the bird population. This site has many pictures of the birds of Bahrain. This site reviewed on April 26, 2000.
2. Destination: Bahrain! This is the Lonely Planet site and it has many links and much "inside" info for people planning to visit Bahrain. This site reviewed on April 26, 2000.
3. Summary of Library of Congress Country Study for Bahrain. This is a thorough site for serious students. This site reviewed on March 27, 2000.
4. Click Here to visit The Bahrain National Museum. Learn about Bahrain's pre-oil history and other aspects of Bahraini life and history. This site reviewed on March 26, 2000.
5. General Overview of Bahrain. This site contains history, geography, and other general almanac style information about Bahrain. This site reviewed on March 23, 2000.
6. The InfoPlease Overview of Bahrain. Another site with lots of info about Bahrain.This site reviewed on March 23, 2000.