Bahrain ranks as a major banking center for the Persian Gulf region and as the financial center of the Middle East. Many large companies have their Middle East headquarters in Bahrain. Ship repairing is an important industry. Manufactured goods include aluminum and aluminum products, ammonia, iron, liquid natural gas, methanol, and refined petroleum products. Many Bahrainis hold government jobs.
Farmers grow dates, tomatoes, and other fruits and vegetables on irrigated land in northern Bahrain.
Some raise cattle and poultry. Fish and shrimp are caught in the coastal waters. Modern warehouse and port facilities help make Bahrain a major trading center of the Persian Gulf area. Petroleum products are the chief exports. The country imports clothing, crude petroleum for refining, food, industrial machinery, and motor vehicles.