Officially name: Kingdom of Bahrain
Capital: Manama
Largest city: Manama
Official language: Arabic
Government: Constitutional monarchy
The Constitution of Bahrain states that Islam is the official religion and that Shari'a (Islamic law) is a principal source for legislation. Article 22 of the Constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites and hold religious parades and meetings, in accordance with the customs observed in the country; however, the Government placed some limitations on the exercise of this right.
Engagement parties or “melchas” in Bahrain can also be “henna” or “jelwa” events. They either substitute or are followed by wedding parties few months (or a couple of years) later.