Reddit has done it again!

A thread about Bahrain turned into an epic treasure chest of mind-blowing facts you probably never saw coming. Did you know global icons like Shakira and Michael Jackson once called Bahrain home? Yep, true story!

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From quirky tidbits about the country’s geography to jaw-dropping historical gems, Reddit users came together to spill the tea on everything that makes Bahrain uniquely fascinating.

Keep reading because you’re about to learn some seriously rare and surprising facts…

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Shakira and Micheal Jackson lived here for a while…

Did you know Shakira spent part of her high school years in Bahrain? That’s right—before becoming a global superstar, she was hitting the books on this island! And let’s not forget the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who made Bahrain his home for a while back in 2005. Another fun fact is that UK folk pop singer Frank Turner was also born here! MIND BLOWING.

Here’s some interesting religious history about the island…

Bahrain holds a remarkable place in history as the first region to embrace Islam peacefully, without any bloodshed—a true testament to its early spirit of harmony. Over the centuries, the Kingdom has evolved into a hub of religious tolerance, welcoming diverse beliefs and practices. Today, Bahrain is home to mosques, churches, temples, and more, reflecting its commitment to coexistence and respect for all faiths.

As much as you think the name has relevance to rain, it really doesn’t!

Contrary to popular belief, Bahrain’s name has nothing to do with the English word “rain.” The real story lies in its Arabic roots! The name Bahrain comes from the words “Bahr” (meaning sea) and “ain” (meaning two), which together translate to “two seas.” This refers to the island’s unique position surrounded by two bodies of water—saltwater from the sea and freshwater springs beneath. It’s a poetic nod to Bahrain’s geography and a fun fact to clear up the rainy misconception!

The chicken to human ratio is MIND boggling!

In Bahrain, the chicken-to-human ratio is wild—there are about 40 chickens for every person! That’s right, the feathered residents far outnumber the human ones. Some jokers on the internet are even saying that if the chickens ever decided to unite, they could practically rule the Kingdom. OOPS.