an independent sheikhdom on the Persian Gulf, consisting of several islands: under British protection until the declaration of independence in 1971. It has large oil reserves. Language: Arabic. Religion: Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Manama. Pop: 1 492 584 (2017 est). Area: 678 sq km (262 sq miles)
Former spelling: Bahrein
Bahrain in American English
(bɑˈreɪn)
country on a group of islands in the Persian Gulf, between Qatar & the E coast of Saudi Arabia: formerly a British protectorate, it became an independent state in 1971: 266 sq mi (688 sq km); pop. 518,000; cap. Manama