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Customs Tariff.—The customs office is under an European
Director in the service of the Sheikh.
All goods imported into Bahrein are subject to an ad valorem
duty of 5 per cent. This is sometimes paid in kind. No general
export duty is levied. A charge of 2 percent, ad valorem is made
on goods re-exported to the Arab coast, provided re-export takes
place within 20 days of arrival and provided the goods are clearly
marked 44 in transit.” An export duty of Rs.10/- per bundle on
hides and Rs.2/- per basket on dates is also charged.
Transport.—Motor roads passable to light cars exist over the
greater part of the islands, and at the end of 1928 there were in
Bahrein about 200 cars of various makes, including several avail­
able for hire.
Motor boats run regularly between Bahrein, Qatar and Qatif.
The landing of goods is, as elsewhere in the Gulf, difficult and
unsatisfactory as steamers have to lie from two to five miles off
shore and discharge into dhows; the weather is often rough, and
the wharfage is primitive and inadequate. The introduction of
motor dhows in recent years has improved matters considerably.
Motor dhows are usually fitted with Kelvin engines.

Climate and Population.—The climate of Bahrein, although
never excessively hoc or cold, is unhealthy and very disagreeable
owing to the extreme humidity. In summer wet and dry bulb
readings are often practically the same.
The population of the islands may be roughly estimated at
100,000, of which rather over half are resident in four principal
villages as follows:—
Awal Island.
Manama, the port of Bahrein 25.000
Budaiya ........................... • •• 8,000
Muharkaq Island.
Muharraq • •• • •• 20.000
Hadd 8,000
There is always a large floating population in Bahrein com*
posed of merchants and traders from Persia, ‘Iraq, Qatar and the
Trucial Oman. ~

Currency.—The currency of Bahrein is the Indian rupee and
its silver and copper fractions. Indian rupee notes also circulate
freely. The Maria Theresa dollar, once popular in the islands, is
no longer so, and only a few continue in circulation owing to trade
relations with the Arab mainland.
The Eastern Bank has a branch in Manama, but is not allowed
to pay interest on current or deposit accounts, There is also a
wireless station and a British Post Office.
Trade.—The principal imports in order of value are:—(1)
‘ <2) rice; (3) cotton piece-goods; (4) sugar; (5) coffee.