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. Sheikh HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa, who came to power in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece of Sheikh HAMAD's political liberalization program. In February 2002, Sheikh HAMAD pronounced Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and changed his status from amir to king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly.
Country profile: Bahrain
Bahrain - whose name means "two seas" - was once viewed by the ancient Sumerians as an island paradise to which the wise and the brave were taken to enjoy eternal life.It was one of the first states in the Gulf to discover oil and to build a refinery; as such, it benefited from oil wealth before most of its neighbours.
But Bahrain never reached the levels of production enjoyed by Kuwait or Saudi Arabia and has been forced to diversify its economy.
AT-A-GLANCE- Politics: The al-Khalifah family has ruled since 1783; Bahrain is now a constitutional monarchy with an elected legislative assembly; majority Shiites are demanding more power from Sunni-led government; elections are due in November 2006
- Economy: Bahrain is a banking and financial services centre; its small and reasonably prosperous economy is less dependent on oil than most Gulf states
The country has been headed since 1783 by the al-Khalifah family, members of the Bani Utbah tribe, who expelled the Persians. From 1861, when a treaty was signed with Britain, until independence in 1971, Bahrain was virtually a British protectorate.
The king is the supreme authority and members of the Sunni Muslim ruling family hold the main political and military posts. There are long-running tensions between Bahrain's Sunnis and the Shia Muslim majority. On occasion, these have spilled over into civil unrest.
In 2001 Bahrainis strongly backed proposals put by the emir - now the king - to turn the country into a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament and an independent judiciary.
Elections were duly held in 2002 for a 40-member parliament, the Council of Deputies. It was the first such poll in nearly 30 years. The new body included a dozen Shia MPs.
The country has enjoyed increasing freedom of expression, and monitors say the human rights situation has improved. However, opposition groups and campaigners continue to press for political reforms, including greater powers for the elected assembly.
Bahrain - a chain of around 30 islands - is a haven for tourists from the region, who take advantage of its relaxed social environment. A close ally of the US, it is home to the American navy's Fifth Fleet.
- Full name: Kingdom of Bahrain
- Population: 754,000 (UN, 2005)
- Capital: Manama
- Area: 717 sq km (277 sq miles)
- Major language: Arabic
- Major religion: Islam
- Life expectancy: 73 years (men), 76 years (women) (UN)
- Monetary unit: 1 Bahraini dinar = 1,000 fils
- Main exports: Petroleum and petroleum products, aluminium
- GNI per capita: US $14,370 (World Bank, 2006)
- Internet domain: .bh
- International dialling code: +973
King: Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah
Sheikh Hamad's title changed to king when Bahrain switched from being an emirate to a monarchy in February 2002.
He had been crown prince since 1964, when, on the death of his father Sheikh Isa in March 1999, he became emir.
Born in 1950, he was educated at a public school in Cambridge, England, and went on to study at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, England, and at the US Army Command and Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
In 1968, he founded and became commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). He served as minister of defence from 1971 to 1988.
Bahrain is keen to promote itself as a regional media hub; the London-based pan-Arab satellite broadcaster MBC chose it as the base for its MBC-2 channel.
Bahrain's radio and TV stations are state-run. The country's first private radio station - Sawt al-Ghad - launched in 2005, but the authorities shut it down in 2006, alleging irregularities.
A press law guarantees the right of journalists to operate independently and to publish information. But they are liable to jail terms for offences which include insulting the king, and self-censorship is practised.
The press
Television
Radio
News agency
Petroleum production and refining account for about 60% of Bahrain's export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the Gulf. A large share of exports consists of petroleum products made from refining imported crude. Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems. In 2005 Bahrain and the US ratified a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first FTA between the US and a Gulf state.
Bahraini natural resources include oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls
close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean
Bahraini religion is Muslim (Shi'a and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census).
Natural hazards in Bahrain include periodic droughts; dust storms.
Travel Advice on Bahrain
SUMMARY
- You should be aware of the threat from terrorism. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
- You should review your security arrangements carefully. You should remain vigilant, particularly in public places.
- You should avoid all public demonstrations and gatherings in Bahrain, some of which have turned violent.
- The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Bahrain are immigration-related offences, drink/driving arrests and child custody issues.
- Please be aware that since September 2006, the local weekend in Bahrain changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday. Schools and local businesses have changed over to the new weekend.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Some 7,000 British nationals live in Bahrain, and thousands more visit each year. Most visits are trouble free. Although incidents are not common, female visitors should take care when travelling alone at night and are advised to use one of the reputable taxi companies.
Political Situation
Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. You should be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. You should follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances. You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, some of which have turned violent.
Road Safety
Driving is permitted on a valid UK licence for three months, and indefinitely on an international driver's licence.
Bahrain operates a zero tolerance to drink/driving. If you are caught you will be arrested, put into the drivers prison and your case will not be heard until the next working day. First time offenders will have to pay a minimum £700 fine and could be banned from driving in Bahrain. British visitors from Saudi Arabia will subject to the same punishment but with the addition of a driving ban there also. For repeat offenders the costs and ban will be far harsher.
Sea Safety
On 30 March 2006, a Dhow capsized in Bahrain. There were 58 fatalities including 12 British nationals. The incident is being investigated by the Bahraini authorities. You should exercise care when travelling by Dhow, as the safety of these vessels may not be up to UK standards. You should also ensure that life jackets are available.
Many areas of the Gulf are highly sensitive, including near maritime boundaries and the islands of Abu Musa and the Tunbs in the southern Gulf. Vessels entering these areas have been detained and inspected; and there have been occasional arrests. Mariners should make careful enquiries before entering these waters or considering visiting ports.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
HEALTH
GENERAL