Bahreïn Islands

Bahreïn Islands, or AVÁL ISLANDS, a group of islands lying in the Persian Gulf. The most important of these is Bahrein (pop. 40,000), about 33 miles long and 10 broad. It is hilly in the centre, but the soil generally is fertile. Manama, the capital, has a good harbour. The Bahrein Islands are chiefly remarkable for their pearl-fisheries, which were known in ancient times, and which employ, during the season, from 1000 to 2000 boats, each manned with from 8 to 20 men. The annual value of the pearls is estimated at upwards of £300,000. The islands are inhabited by Arabs, and since 1861 have been under English protection. Pop. about 70,000.