Kingdom of Bahrain

Kingdom of Bahrain
Source: Drawn by SKopp, rewritten by Zscout370 · Public domain · source
Native name	مملكلة البحرين
Conventional long name	Kingdom of Bahrain
Capital	Manama
Largest city	Manama
Official languages	Arabic
Area km2	765
Population estimate	1.7 million
Currency	Bahraini dinar
Government	Constitutional monarchy
Monarch	Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

Kingdom of Bahrain Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf centered on Manama and the archipelago including Muharraq and Sitra. Historically a trading entrepôt connecting Basra, Bombay, and Zanzibar, Bahrain is known for oil development, financial services, and the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix. Its strategic location near the Strait of Hormuz has linked Bahrain to Persian Empire, Sassanid Empire, Umayyad Caliphate, and British Empire maritime networks.

History

Bahrain's antiquity includes settlements tied to Dilmun, Magan maritime trade, and archaeological remains at Qal'at al-Bahrain and Bahrain Fort. Medieval history shows influence from Qarmatians, contact with the Abbasid Caliphate, and later rule by the Ummayad-linked dynasties before the arrival of the Portuguese Empire and the Safavid dynasty. In the 18th century the Al Khalifa family established control, contested by the Persian Empire and local tribal confederations; the Anglo-Bahraini Treaty of 1861 and subsequent protectorate arrangements tied Bahrain to the United Kingdom until independence in 1971. Post-independence developments include the 1973 Constituent Assembly, the 1990s uprising involving figures such as Sheikh Isa Qassim and the 2001 National Action Charter under Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The 2011 Arab Spring protests brought confrontation involving Security forces (Bahrain), intervention requests referenced to Gulf Cooperation Council neighbors, notably Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.

Geography and Environment

Bahrain comprises the main island with landforms like Jazirat al Muharraq and reclaimed islands including Durrat Al Bahrain and Amwaj Islands. Its climate is arid with salt flats at Al Khor Island and mangrove stands near Hawar Islands. Environmental challenges include coastal erosion affecting Bahraini wetlands, aquifer salinization documented by studies from Arabian Peninsula researchers, and biodiversity impacts on species like the hawksbill sea turtle and migratory Sooty falcon. Bahrain participates in regional initiatives with Gulf Cooperation Council states on marine conservation and desalination projects linked to infrastructure at BAPCO and Al Dur Power and Water Plant.

Politics and Government

The state is a monarchy under the Al Khalifa dynasty, with the monarch, the Supreme Council for Defence and a bicameral legislature comprising the Consultative Council (Shura) and the Council of Representatives. Key agencies include the Ministry of Interior (Bahrain), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bahrain), and the Central Bank of Bahrain. Political life features parties and movements such as Al Wefaq, Asalah, and civil society actors including Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, with notable international scrutiny by organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Bahrain maintains strategic defense ties with the United States Navy via the United States Naval Forces Central Command base at Naval Support Activity Bahrain and bilateral agreements with United Kingdom Armed Forces.

Economy

Bahrain's economy shifted from pearling to petroleum after discoveries linked to Bahrain Petroleum Company (BAPCO) and later diversification into finance with institutions such as the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Bahrain Stock Exchange. The nation hosts regional hubs including Gulf Air and free zones like Bahrain International Investment Park and Manama Souq-area commerce. Key sectors include banking with firms like National Bank of Bahrain and Gulf International Bank, petrochemicals at Bapco Modernisation Program, and tourism anchored by events including the Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit. Economic policy instruments encompass the Economic Development Board (Bahrain), bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and partners such as China and India, and infrastructure investment projects financed through entities like the Public Investment Fund (Bahrain).

Demographics and Society

The population includes Bahraini nationals and expatriates from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, and Syria, concentrated in urban centers like Isa Town and Riffa. Religious communities include adherents of Shi'a Islam and Sunni Islam with shrines such as Babiya al-Khalifa and institutions like Al Fateh Grand Mosque; small communities of Christianity in Bahrain and Hinduism in Bahrain maintain places of worship. Social services are administered via agencies like the Ministry of Health (Bahrain) and Bahrain Defence Force Royal Medical Services; education systems include universities such as University of Bahrain, Bahrain Polytechnic, and international campuses like Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) — Bahrain.

Culture and Heritage

Cultural heritage preserves traditions in pearl-diving documented in works at the Bahrain National Museum and folk music tied to the Arabian Gulf maritime repertoire. Architectural landmarks include Qal'at al-Bahrain, the Bahrain Fort, and modern structures like Bahrain World Trade Center and Seef Mall. Festivals and arts involve institutions such as the Bahrain Arts Society, events like the Spring of Culture festival, and culinary traditions blending Persian Gulf flavors with dishes found in Manama Souq. Bahrain's media landscape includes outlets like Al-Wasat (newspaper), Gulf Daily News, and broadcasters such as Bahrain Radio and Bahrain Television.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transport infrastructure includes Bahrain International Airport in Muharraq, the King Fahd Causeway connecting to Saudi Arabia, and port facilities at Mina Salman and Hamad Town Port. Urban transit initiatives reference projects connecting Isa Town to Manama and road networks upgraded through agencies like the Public Transport Network planning offices. Energy and utilities involve facilities such as Bapco refineries, the Al Dur Power and Water Plant, and telecommunications regulated by the Bahrain Telecommunications Regulatory Authority; international connectivity includes undersea cables linking to Gulf Cooperation Council neighbours and global networks.

Category:Countries of Asia