Bahrain

[bah-reyn, -rahyn, buh-] /bɑˈreɪn, -ˈraɪn, bə-/
noun
1.
a sheikdom in the Persian Gulf, consisting of a group of islands: formerly a British protectorate; declared independent 1971. 232 sq. mi. (601 sq. km).
Capital: Manama.
2.
the largest island in this group: oil fields. 213 sq. mi. (552 sq. km).
Also, Bahrein.
British Dictionary definitions for Bahrain

Bahrain

/bɑːˈreɪn/
noun
1.
an independent sheikhdom on the Persian Gulf, consisting of several islands: under British protection until the declaration of independence in 1971. It has large oil reserves. Language: Arabic. Religion: Muslim. Currency: dinar. Capital: Manama. Pop: 1 281 332 (2013 est). Area: 678 sq km (262 sq miles)
Bahrain in Culture
Bahrain [(bah-rayn)]

Island kingdom in the Persian Gulf off the coasts of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Note: British protectorate from 1820 to 1971.
Note: Revenues from oil reserves, first discovered in 1931, have funded some of the most progressive programs in the Arabian nations.