The Kingdom of Bahrain—a name that translates as 'Two Seas'—is actually an archipelago of 33 low-lying islands located in the heart of the Gulf. Situated along major Arabian and international trade routes between Asia and the West, the Kingdom has, for millennia, served as an important port and centre of business.

Today, the capital city of Manama is a vibrant cosmopolitan centre offering an open economy. Though modest in population, land area and resources, Bahrain has achieved considerable social and economic status.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has paid particular attention to the education sector considered to be one of the most important sectors of human development in this country. Bahrain introduced government-sponsored education in 1919, the first country in the GCC to do so.

Bahrain places considerable emphasis on investment in vocational training. This is both part of the policy of Bahrainisation to lower unemployment amongst nationals and reduce reliance on expatriates.

Training is co-ordinated by the Ministry of Labour, High Council for Vocational Training, and several specific councils for training. The Bahraini Government is endeavouring to establish the country as a regional centre for further education training in the Gulf.

Find out about the 'Economic Vision 2030' for Bahrain.