Bahrain

Demographic Profile

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 low-lying islands situated midway down the Gulf – about 80 kms, from east coast of Saudia Arabia. Archaeological evidence indicates that contacts existed between the Dilmun and Indus Valley Civilisations 5000 years ago. Its total area is about 700 sq. kms. with an estimated population of 670,000 (including 270,000).

Economic profile

Bahrain’s strategic geographical position has made it a natural trading hub throughout its long history. For much of the 18th and early 19th centry, the country was also important as a pearl-fishing center. The collapse of the world pearl market coincided with the discovery of oil in 1932, enabling Bahrain to become the first state on the Arab side of the Gulf to exploit its hydrocarbons resources. However, unlike its neighbours, Bahrain’s reserves proved to be small, forcing it to diversify. The services sector (specially tourism and banking), refining and aluminium production have, therefore taken on particular importance.

With limited oil and gas reserves, the government sector is not as large in neighbouring states. Bahrain’s economy has benefited from aid from neighbouring countries. Since 1992 Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait have each donated around US$50 million a year to Bahrain. Saudi Arabia has since 1997 been ceding the income from the entire output of its Abu Saafa oilfield to Bahrain. Kuwait and Abu Dhabi have recently stepped up their aid support, and the Saudi-based Islamic Development Bank has advanced soft loans for infrastructure projects.

Oil and gas countries to be the major source of government revenue having strong impact on economic growth. GDP growth rates in Bahrain in recent decades have tended to mirror developments in the international energy markets. Real growth has been relatively strong at 4.8% in1998, 4.3% in 1999, a healthy 5.3% in 2000 when oil prices soared, 4.8% in 2001, 51.% in 2002 and 4.9% in 2003. The real GDP growth in 2004 is expected to rise to 5.4%. Bahrain’s growth pattern is similar to those seen elsewhere in the Gulf, but, the Kingdom has more diverse economic base.

However, it is so closely linked to the economics of its neighbours that contractions elsewhere in the Gulf quickly affect Bahrain. Business confidence continues to strengthen following a downturn attributable to the US-led invasion of Iraq. Work on a number of large-scale projects will gather pace. The Government is expected to press ahead with liberalization of the utilities, inviting private sector involvement into the power and possibly water sectors.

Higher education system, including enrolments

Bahrain’s education system

After 12 years of schooling (6 years elementary, 3 years intermediate and 3 years secondary), students spend 4 years for a degree course; two years for a Master’s degree and three years for a Ph.D course).

As a result of the relatively early development of Bahrain’s oil industry, the national education system is well established and of a high standard. Education for all Bahrains is free, and adult literacy is above 90%. Although adult literacy rates are higher for men than women, the gross enrolment ratio for females is higher than for males. Pupil/teacher ratios are steadily improving; in a academic year 2000/2001, for every teacher there were 16 students in government schools and 14 in private schools. Strong literacy rates have helped to place Bahrain ahead of the UAE and Kuwait on the UN’s human development index. However, the system has been criticized for turning out highly educated people who lack the skills needed in the local labour market, Bahrain is now planning to revamp its secondary schools to equip graduates to meet market needs. Among the changes being implemented in the unifying of all streams in government secondary schools from the new academic year, September this year. Students will be offered education through cyber classes. The focus is going to be on five subjects i.e. Arabic and English languages, mathematics, science and information technology.

Number of students going abroad for higher education

Information on the number of students going abroad for higher education is not readily available. We are trying to obtain it and shall it on as soon as it becomes available.

Popular countries of destination

Europe, particularly U.K., Australia, North America, India and other countries depending on the educational preferences.

Popular programmes of study

Arabic and English languages, Science and Arts, Mathematics, Information and Communication Technologies, Technical education, MBAs, etc.

What is it that could attract students to Indian higher education institutions?

Provision of sufficient information on educational opportunities in India would ultimately attract many Bahraini students to Indian higher education institutions. Recognition by foreign countries of the degrees issued by Indian Universities; high standard of education, one window help line at universities; world class hostels, recreational and health facilities would also encourage students to come to India.

What is that could restrain them from coming to India for higher education?

As far as Bahrain is concerned, one can say that incidents involving religious clashes leading to violence may restrain students coming to India.

What promotional strategy could be adopted?

As mentioned above, dissemination of updated information on educational opportunities in India as also related issues of travel, hostel accommodation, medical and health facilities, etc. would encourage students from foreign countries to choose India for meeting their educational requirements. At present, we do not have required information which could be aggressively distributed. In our view, utmost attention should be paid towards this aspect and information leaflets in sufficient numbers should be supplied to our missions for free distribution. Additionally, periodical publicity campaigns in foreign print media should also be undertaken to disseminate information.

General comments

Foreigners are aware, in general terms, of the fact that Indian educational institutions are imparting good education. However, information in specific terms is missing which needs to be compiled and made available.

Name, designation and address (e-mail) of the officer of the Embassy nominated for coordinating activities for promoting

Mr. H.R. Mohey
Counsellor
Embassy of India
Bahrain
Tel. : 00-973-17-714551
Fax : 00-973-17-715527
E-mail: counslrs@batelco.com.bh