Page 514 - 6 Persian Trade rep BUSHIRE 2_Neat

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V.—BAHRAIN.
Goncral.—The Bahrain group of Islands is situated or
Arab side of the Gulf not far from the coast of Arabia.
chief and largest of these islands, called Manama, is aboi
miles long by io miles wide; the second largest, Maharrag
an area of about five miles. On this latter island is situate*
Imperial Ainvays aerodrome.
The islands are ruled by an Arab Sheikh in special t
relations with His Majesty's Government and the Govern
of India who are represented by a Political Agent.
Cultivation of the soil is rare owing to a scarcity of \v
The bulk of the population earn a livelihood as petty tn
and merchants, pearl divers and employees of the Bal
Petroleum Company.
Landing facilities.—Like all other ports in the Persian
ships have to discharge their cargoes a few miles from the $
into dhows owing to the shallow water. Wharves arc prim
and in rough weather goods are very liable to damage di
actual unloading operations or from salt water.
Transport.—The roads of the island arc fairly good and n
cars and light lorries use them freely. Donkeys and camels
however, still used for carrying goods for short distaj
especially in the town itself, owing to the cheapness of
method of transport. The number of cars is steadily increa
There arc now about 200 cars and 25 lorries in use of whic
per cent, are of United States of America manufacture.
Climate and population.—The climate of Bahrain in the i
mer (May-Octobcr) is very hot, humid and unpleasant,
permanent population of the islands is estimated at a
120,000.
Customs Tariff.—This is fixed by treaty at 5 per cent
valorem on general merchandise, 10 per cent, on certain arl
of luxury and 15 per cent, on alcohol, tobacco and cigars
Transit dues on goods landed at Bahrain for the mainland 1
been reduced from 2 per cent to if per cent., and an e>
duty of ten rupees per bundle of hides and two rupees
basket of dates is charged.
The Customs Department is controlled by a European Din
under the orders of the Ruler of Bahrain.
State of Trade.—The pearl industry, on which the maj<
of the inhabitants used to depend, is still depressed, alth<
exports for 1935-36 were somewhat better than those for 193*
The effects of the depression arc, however, being substant
offset by the activities of the Bahrain Petroleum Comp
which, as well as paying large sums in wages makes consider