What is Bahrain like for women?
Women in Bahrain are generally more publicly active than women in other Arab countries. They are highly educated, and are represented in all the major professions, womens societies, and womens organizations. They have the right to vote, and around one-quarter of women in Bahrain hold jobs outside of the household.
Are women allowed to vote in Bahrain?
Womens rights have been a cornerstone of the political reforms initiated by King Hamad, with women gaining the right to vote and stand as candidates in national elections for the first time after the constitution was amended in 2002.
Do women have to wear a hijab in Bahrain?
Generally, the citizens of Bahrain dress conservatively. By tradition, women wear the Abaya (long dress) and Hijab (head scarf), while men wear the Thobe (dress-like apparel) and Ghitraa (head scarf). Meanwhile, non-Muslims are free to wear any modest, comfortable clothing, depending on the location.
Can females drive in Bahrain?
Manama: Bahraini women will be able to drive over the King Fahd Causeway and in Saudi Arabia without the need for a guardian, the Saudi ambassador has said.
What is it like to live in Bahrain?
The culture in Bahrain is very open minded and liberal. Culture is very rich and is influenced by many expats living here – as well as Western expats there are also lots of Indians and Filipinos. The Arabic culture is rich and welcoming.
How many Muslims are there in Bahrain?
70.2% of the total population of Bahrain is Muslims and 29.8% are adherents of other religions and beliefs, such as Christians (10.2%) and Jews (0.21%). This is in addition to Hindus, Bahais, Buddhists, Sikhs and others who are mostly from South Asia and other Arab countries. 99.8% of Bahraini citizens are Muslims.
What language is spoken in Bahrain?
Arabic Bahrain/Official languages Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, but English is widely spoken. It is used in business and is a compulsory second language in schools. Among the non-Bahraini population, many people speak Farsi, the official language of Iran, or Urdu, the official language of Pakistan.
What is Bahrains culture?
Bahrains culture is very similar to that of its Arab neighbors in the Gulf, and is largely based around its Islamic heritage. These days, though, it is very cosmopolitan as a result of the expat population that heavily outnumbers the indigenous Bahrainis.