Bahrain has only a small petroleum supply. But its oil refinery, on the island of Sitrah, ranks as one of the largest and most modern in the world. This refinery processes all the country's crude petroleum, as well as much oil that comes from Saudi Arabia by pipeline. Bahrain also has valuable natural gas reserves. 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.