In 1783, the al-Khalifa family captured Bahrain from the Persians. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its independence in 1971. Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa, after coming to power in 1999, pushed economic and political reforms to improve relations with the Shia community. Shia political societies participated in 2006 parliamentary and municipal elections. Al Wifaq, the largest Shia political society, won the largest number of seats in the elected chamber of the legislature. However, Shia discontent has resurfaced in recent years with street demonstrations and occasional low-level violence.
Country Name
Conventional long form:Kingdom of Bahrain
Conventional short form:Bahrain
Local long form:Mamlakat al Bahrayn
Local short form: Al Bahrayn
Former:Dilmun
Government Type
constitutional monarchy
Capital
Name: Manama
Geographic coordinates:26 14 N, 50 34 E
Time difference:UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Administrative divisions
5 governorates; Asamah, Janubiyah, Muharraq, Shamaliyah, Wasat
note: each governorate administered by an appointed governor
Independence
15 August 1971 (from the UK)
National Holiday
National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection
Constitution
adopted 14 February 2002
Legal system
based on Islamic law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage
20 years of age; universal
Executive branch
Chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969)
Head of government:Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al-Khalifa (since 1971); Deputy Prime Ministers ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Jawad al-ARAIDH
Cabinet:Cabinet appointed by the monarch
(For more information visit the World Leaders website)
Elections:the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch
Legislative branch
bicameral legislature consists of the Consultative Council (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of Representatives or Chamber of Deputies (40 seats; members directly elected to serve four-year terms)
Elections:Council of Representatives - last held in November-December 2006 (next election to be held in November 2010)
Election results:Council of Representatives - percent of vote by society - NA; seats by society - al Wifaq (Shia) 17, al Asala (Sunni Salafi) 5, al Minbar (Sunni Muslim Brotherhood) 7, independents 11; note - seats by society as of February 2007 - al Wifaq 17, al Asala 8, al Minbar 7, al Mustaqbal (Moderate Sunni pro-government) 4, unassociated independents (all Sunni) 3, independent affiliated with al Wifaq (Sunni oppositionist) 1
Judicial branch
High Civil Appeals Court
Political Parties and Leaders
political parties prohibited but political societies were legalized per a July 2005 law
Political pressure groups and leaders
Shia activists; Sunni Islamist legislators
Other:other: several small leftist and other groups are active
International organization participation
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission:Ambassador Houda Ibrahim Ezra NUNU
Chancery:3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone:[1] (202) 342-1111
FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192
Consulate(s) general:New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission:Ambassador Joseph Adam ERELI
Embassy:Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 331, Zinj District, Manama
Mailing address:PSC 451, Box 660, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama
Telephone:[973] 1724-2700
FAX:[973] 1727-0547
Flag description
red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states, with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam
