Bahrain

Bahrain
Source: Drawn by SKopp, rewritten by Zscout370 · Public domain · source
Conventional long name	Kingdom of Bahrain
Capital	Manama
Official languages	Arabic
Government type	Unitary parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchy
Leader title1	King
Leader name1	Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Leader title2	Crown Prince
Leader name2	Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
Leader title3	Prime Minister
Leader name3	Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

Bahrain. An island nation in the Persian Gulf, it is an archipelago centered around Bahrain Island and connected to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway. Governed as a hereditary monarchy by the House of Khalifa, its capital and largest city is the financial hub of Manama. The country's history is deeply intertwined with the ancient Dilmun civilization, pearl diving, and its modern transformation driven by petroleum and banking.

History

The area was a core of the Bronze Age Dilmun civilization, a major trading center mentioned in Sumerian texts and linked to Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilisation. Later, it came under the influence of successive empires including the Assyrian Empire, Achaemenid Empire, and the Parthian Empire. In the 7th century, the region was incorporated into the expanding Islamic Caliphate. The islands were ruled by the Portuguese Empire after the Capture of Bahrain (1521) before falling to the Safavid dynasty of Persia. The current ruling dynasty, the Al Khalifa, captured the islands from Persia in 1783 with assistance from the Utub tribe. It became a British protectorate through a series of 19th-century treaties, notably with figures like Charles Belgrave. Following the withdrawal of British forces, it declared independence on 15 August 1971. Recent decades have seen significant political events, including the 1990s uprising in Bahrain, the Bahraini uprising of 2011 inspired by the Arab Spring, and the subsequent Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry.

Geography

The nation is an archipelago of 33 islands situated in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia and west of the Qatar peninsula. The largest island is Bahrain Island, which hosts the capital, Manama, and other major towns like Muharraq and Riffa. Significant geographical features include the Jebel Dukhan mountain, the highest point, and the vast, arid Dahran Desert. The artificial Amwaj Islands are notable for land reclamation projects. Environmental challenges include limited arable land, desertification, and concerns over coral reef health in the surrounding waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Government and politics

The country is a hereditary monarchy ruled by the Al Khalifa family, with the current monarch being King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The 2002 Constitution of Bahrain established a bicameral legislature, the National Assembly, consisting of an elected Council of Representatives and an appointed Shura Council. Executive power is vested in the Prime Minister, a position held since 1970 by Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa until 2020, and now by Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The legal system incorporates elements of Islamic law (Sharia) alongside secular courts. Major political societies include the now-dissolved Al Wefaq and Wa'ad, with the government facing criticism from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Economy

Historically dependent on pearl diving and trade, the economy was transformed after the discovery of oil in 1932 at the Bahrain oil field. While petroleum refining at facilities like Bapco remains crucial, the nation has developed into a leading financial centre, home to the Bahrain Bourse and many Islamic financial institutions. Major industrial projects are centered in the Bahrain International Investment Park and the Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) smelter. Other key sectors include tourism, bolstered by events like the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit, and telecommunications, led by Batelco. The economy is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia, particularly through the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.

Demographics

The population is predominantly Arab, with a significant proportion of foreign workers from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Egypt. The majority of citizens adhere to Islam, with the ruling family and a key segment of the population following the Sunni tradition, while a majority of the native Muslim population are Shi'a. This sectarian demographic has been a factor in domestic politics. The official language is Arabic, with English widely used in business. The population is highly urbanized, concentrated in cities such as Manama, Muharraq, and Riffa.

Culture

The culture is rooted in Arab and Islamic traditions, with the annual Spring of Culture festival showcasing arts. The islands are famous for their pearl diving heritage, celebrated at the Bahrain National Museum and the Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traditional music includes the rhythmic Fidjeri sung by pearl divers. The Bahrain International Circuit hosts the prestigious Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. Culinary highlights feature dishes like machboos (spiced rice with meat) and sweets such as halwa. The country is also known for its ancient burial mounds at sites like A'ali.