Manama - City of Bahrain

Manama is the capital and largest city of Bahrain with an approximate population of 155,000 people, roughly a quarter of the country's population. Manama has emerged as the capital of independent Bahrain after periods of domination by Portugal and Persians earlier in its history. Today, it is a modern capital with an economy based around the sales promotion industry as crude oil takes a less pronounced role in the economy. (See Economy of Bahrain). Because of its thriving economy, a Danish firm has proposed a skyscraper that would be over 1 km (3,281 ft) tall, called the Murjan Tower, currently only a concept, if built it would be the world's tallest man-made structure.

Manama was mentioned in Islamic chronicles at least as far back as 1345. It was conquered by Portugal in 1521 and then by the Persians in 1602. Since [1783] it has been under the control of the Al-Khalifa dynasty. Manama was declared a free port in 1958, and in 1971 it became the capital of independent Bahrain.

In common with the rest of Bahrain, Manama experiences extreme climatic conditions, with summer temperatures upto 48 °C (118 °F), and winter as low as 15 °C (59 °F) with even hail at rare occations. Average temperatures of the summer and winter seasons are generally from 17 °C (63 °F) to about 45 °C (113 °F). The most pleasant time in Bahrain is autumn when sunshine is low, along with warm temperatures tempered by soft breezes.

Bahrain is not fully Islamic and Arabic, the country attracts a large number of foreigners and foreign influences. Alcohol is legal in the country, with bars and nightclubs operating in the city. This is in contrast neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which bans alcohol under all circumstances. This is seen as a sign by most people that while both Manama and Bahrain are strongly Islamic, they are open-minded and tolerant with others and other cultures. Soccer is a popular sport, with three teams from Manama participating in the Bahraini Premier League.

Colleges & Universities
Ahlia University
AMA International University, Bahrain
Applied Science University
Arab Open University
Arabian Gulf University
Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF)
College of Health Sciences
Delmon University
The Kingdom University
New York Institute of Technology