SPACEPHOTOS

The capital city of Al Manamah, situated on the northeast tip of the island country of Bahrain, can be seen in this west-looking view. With a population of over 155000, Al Manamah is an international banking center with oil refineries, light industry, and is a duty free port. Tourism has also become a major industry. The main island of Bahrain is 30 miles (48 km) long north to south, and 10 miles (16 km) wide east to west. The island name comes from the Arabic word meaning “two seas”. Bahrain is located 15 miles (24 km) off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf. The island is a low-lying barren desert with outcroppings of limestone that form low rolling hills, cliffs, and shallow ravines. The low rolling hills are called the Jabal Ad Dukhan (Mountains of Smoke) named for the mist that often wreathes the 543 foot-135 meters summit. Extending from the main island of Bahrain westward and exiting the view near the top center of the image is the causeway that connects Saudi Arabia to Bahrain.