As a result, air conditioners and refrigerators are common in Bahrain. Clothing styles, especially among the young, reflect Western influence. But many still wear Arab dress. Chief foods include dates, fish, fruit, milk, and rice. Arabic is the official language of Bahrain.
Many people also speak English and Farsi.
Newspapers and magazines are published in both Arabic and English. Bahrain has one of the highest literacy rates in the Persian Gulf area. Education is free, and children are required by law to attend primary school. The University College of Arts, Science and Education, and the University of the Arab Gulf provide higher education. The government of Bahrain provides free medical care.