Manama ( ) is the capital and largest city of
Bahrain, with an approximate population of 157,000 people. Long an important trading center in the
Persian Gulf, Manama is home to a very diverse population. After periods of
Portuguese and
Persian control and invasions from the ruling dynasties of
Saudi Arabia and
Oman, Bahrain established itself as an
independent nation during the 19th century period of British hegemony.