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Country in News: Bahrain
Overview of Bahrain:
- Official Name: Kingdom of Bahrain (Mamlakat al Bahrayn).
- The name “Bahrain” comes from the Arabic term “al-baḥrayn,” meaning “two seas.”
- Location: The island country is in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia and north of Qatar. It consists of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands.
- Capital: Manama
- Currency: Bahraini dinar.
- Language: Arabic (official), also widely spoken English.
- Religion: Predominantly Muslim (70% Shia, 30% Sunni).
- Topography: The main island features rocky and barren central regions, low-lying southern and western plains, and fertile northern and northwestern coasts. Highest Point: Al-Dukhān Hill at 440 feet.
- Ancient Kingdom: Believed to be the site of the ancient kingdom of Dilmun. Khalīfah Dynasty: Ruled by the Khalīfah family since the late 18th century, who opened the port to foreign naval fleets, including the United States.
- Cultural Conservatism: Despite its modernity, Bahrain remains conservative in lifestyle, emphasising family, religion, ethics, and patriotism.
History and Politics:
- Early Oil Discovery: One of the first Gulf states to discover oil and build a refinery. Located in a chief oil-producing region but with limited petroleum reserves. The economy relies on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries.
- Governance: Ruled by a Sunni king, political tension between Shia majority and Sunni rulers.
- Political Reform: Initially seen as a model for political reform, Bahrain’s monarchy has restricted political rights and civil liberties since suppressing a pro-democracy protest in 2011.
- Strategic Importance: Bahrain hosts US military bases and has been designated a major non-NATO ally by the US.
