What is Manama?
[[File:Bahrain-Al Manamah.png|left|Map of Bahrain showing Al Manama]] [[File:manama bahrain.jpg|thumb|310px|Bahrain from space, June 1996]] '''Manama''' is the [[capital (city)|capital city]] of [[Bahrain]]. It is also the largest city in Bahrain, having almost 150,000 residents. == History == Manama has been a city since at least the 1300s, when it was mentioned in [[Islam]]ic books. It was owned by [[Portugal]] from 1521 to 1602, by [[Persia]] from 1602 to 1783, and by the Al-Khalifa family for a long time after that. In 1971, Manama became the capital city of Bahrain. == Areas of Manama == The city is divided into a few parts: * The '''Diplomatic Area''' has most of the banks and government offices. This area is very important, because most of Bahrain's economy is connected to banks. * '''Gudabiya''' is the oldest area of the city, and it has the building where the [[parliament]] meets. * '''Hoora''' is where most visitors go. There are many parties in the clubs here at night. {{Arab Capital of Culture}} {{geo-stub}} [[Category:National capitals in Asia]] [[Category:Settlements in Bahrain]] [[Category:Capital Governorate, Bahrain]]