Bahrain

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BAHRAIN

LOCATION, SIZE, AND EXTENT
TOPOGRAPHY
CLIMATE
FLORA AND FAUNA
ENVIRONMENT
POPULATION
MIGRATION
ETHNIC GROUPS
LANGUAGES
RELIGIONS
TRANSPORTATION
HISTORY
GOVERNMENT
POLITICAL PARTIES
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
JUDICIAL SYSTEM
ARMED FORCES
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
ECONOMY
INCOME
LABOR
AGRICULTURE
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
FISHING
FORESTRY
MINING
ENERGY AND POWER
INDUSTRY
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DOMESTIC TRADE
FOREIGN TRADE
BALANCE OF PAYMENTS
BANKING AND SECURITIES
INSURANCE
PUBLIC FINANCE
TAXATION
CUSTOMS AND DUTIES
FOREIGN INVESTMENT
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
HEALTH
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS
MEDIA
ORGANIZATIONS
TOURISM, TRAVEL, AND RECREATION
FAMOUS BAHRAINIS
DEPENDENCIES
BIBLIOGRAPHY

State of Bahrain

Dawlat al-Bahrayn

CAPITAL: Manama (Al-Manamah)

FLAG: Red with a white vertical stripe on the hoist, the edge between them being saw-toothed.

ANTHEM: Music without words.

MONETARY UNIT: The Bahrain dinar (bd) is divided into 1,000 fils. There are coins of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 fils and notes of 500 fils and 1, 5, 10, and 20 dinars. bd1 = $2.63158 (or $1 = bd0.38) as of 2005.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is used; local measures also are used.

HOLIDAYS: New Year's Day, 1 January; National Day, 16 December. Movable Muslim religious holidays include Hijra (Muslim New Year), 'Ashura, Prophet's Birthday, 'Id al-Fitr, and 'Id al-'Adha'.

TIME: 3 pm = noon GMT.

LOCATION, SIZE, AND EXTENT

Situated in the western Persian Gulf, 29 km (18 mi) nw of Qatar, the State of Bahrain consists of a group of 33 islands (6 inhabited) with a total area of 620 sq km (239 sq mi), extending 48 km (30 mi) ns and 19 km (12 mi) ew. Comparatively, Bahrain occupies slightly less than 3.5 times the area of Washington, DC. Bahrain, the main island, is linked by causeways and bridges to Muharraq and Sitra islands and to Saudi Arabia; other islands include the Hawar group, Nabih Salih, Umm an Nasān, and Jiddah. The total coastline is 161 km (100 mi). Bahrain's capital city, Manama, is located on the northeastern coast.

TOPOGRAPHY

A narrow strip of land along the north coast of Bahrain is irrigated by natural springs and artesian wells. South of the cultivable area, the land is barren. The landscape consists of low rolling hills with numerous rocky cliffs and wadis. From the shoreline the surface rises gradually toward the center, where it drops into a basin surrounded by steep cliffs. Toward the center of the basin is Jabal ad-Dukhan, a rocky, steep-sided hill that rises to 122 m (400 ft). Most of the lesser islands are flat and sandy, while Nabih Salih is covered with date groves.

CLIMATE

Summers in Bahrain are hot and humid, and winters are relatively cool. Daily average temperatures in July range from a minimum of 29°c (84°f) to a maximum of 37°c (99°f); the January minimum is 14°c (57°f), the maximum 20°c (68°f). Rainfall averages less than 10 cm (4 in) annually and occurs mostly from December to March. Prevailing southeast winds occasionally raise dust storms.

FLORA AND FAUNA

Outside the cultivated areas, numerous wild desert flowers appear, most noticeably after rain. Desert shrubs, grasses, and wild date palms are also found. Mammalian life is limited to the jerboa (desert rat), gazelle, mongoose, and hare; some 14 species of lizard and 4 types of land snake are also found. Bird life is especially varied. Larks, song thrushes, swallows, and terns are frequent visitors, and residents include the bulbul, hoopoe, parakeet, and warbler.

ENVIRONMENT

Bahrain's principal environmental problems are scarcity of fresh water, desertification, and pollution from oil production. Population growth and industrial development have reduced the amount of agricultural land and lowered the water table, leaving aquifers vulnerable to saline contamination. In recent years, the government has attempted to limit extraction of groundwater (in part by expansion of seawater desalinization facilities) and to protect vegetation from further erosion.

Bahrain has developed its oil resources at the expense of its agricultural lands. As a result, lands that might otherwise be productive are gradually claimed by the expansion of the desert. Pollution from oil production was accelerated by the Persian Gulf War and the resulting damage to oil-producing facilities in the Gulf area, which threatened the purity of both coastal and ground water, damaging coastlines, coral reefs, and marine vegetation through oil spills and other discharges.

According to a 2006 report issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), threatened species included 1 type of mammal, 7 species of birds, 4 types of reptiles, and 6 species of fish. A wildlife sanctuary established in 1980 was home to threatened and at-risk Gulf species, including the Arabian oryx, gazelle, zebra, giraffe, Defassa water-buck, addax, and lesser kudu. Bahrain has also established captive breeding centers for falcons and for the rare Houbara bustard. The goitered gazelle, the greater spotted eagle, and the green sea turtle are considered endangered species. There are two Ramsar international wetland sites in the country: the Hawar Islands and Tubli Bay.

POPULATION

The population of Bahrain in 2005 was estimated by the United Nations (UN) at 731,000, which placed it at number 158 in population among the 193 nations of the world. In 2005, approximately 3% of the population was over 65 years of age, with another 28% of the population under 15 years of age. There were 132 males for every 100 females in the country. According to the UN, the annual population rate of change for 200510 was expected to be 1.8%, a rate the government viewed as satisfactory. The projected population for the year 2025 was 965,000. The population density was 1,059 per sq km (2,744 per sq mi).

The UN estimated that 87% of the population lived in urban areas in 2005, and that urban areas were growing at an annual rate of 2.01%. The capital city, Manama (Al-Manamah), had a population of 139,000 in that year. Manama is connected by causeway with the other major city, Al Muharraq, population 91,939.

The vast majority of the population lives on the main island of Bahrain. Approximately 40% of the population is made up of immigrants who come for work in the country. Although the percentage of the population infected with HIV/AIDS is small (0.2%), the number of women ages 1549 with HIV/AIDS doubled between 2001 and 2003.

MIGRATION

The proportion of aliens increased from 20% of the total population in 1975 to an estimated 40% in 2000, and the expatriate labor force comprised nearly 69% of the labor force that year. Most are temporary workers from Iran, Pakistan, India, the Republic of Korea, and other Arab countries. Many skilled workers are Europeans. In 2005, the net migration rate was estimated as 1.04 migrants per 1,000 population. The government views these migration levels as satisfactory requiring no intervention.

A population of stateless inhabitants in Bahrain is the Bidun, a name derived from the Arabic expression meaning "without nationality." The Bidun have no proof of citizenship for their home country. In 2001, Bahrain granted the majority of 9,00015,000 Bidun citizenship status, giving them the right to own land, start a business, or get government loans. Most Bahraini Bidun are of Iranian origin, and are mostly Shiite, with some Christians.

ETHNIC GROUPS

According to a 2005 report, about 63% of the population consisted of indigenous Bahrainis, the vast majority of whom were of northern Arab (Adnani) stock, infused with black racial traits. Asians accounted for 19% of the population; other Arab groups (principally Omanis) 10%; Iranians 8%; and other ethnic groups 6%.

LANGUAGES

Arabic is the universal language; the Gulf dialect is spoken. English is widely understood. Farsi and Urdu are spoken by small groups of people.

RELIGIONS

In 2005, an estimated 98% of the country's citizens were Muslim, with about two-thirds practicing the Shia branch and the others Sunni. Foreigners make up 38% of the total population; roughly half are non-Muslim, including Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Baha'is. All are free to practice their own religions, keep their own places of worship, and display the symbols for their religions. Islam, however, is the official religion. Religious groups are required to obtain a license from the government through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, but small unlicensed groups have operated without government interference. Sunni Muslims, though a minority, seem to enjoy a favored status, as Shias face discrimination and disadvantage in social and economic realms.

TRANSPORTATION

The outline of the present road network was traced in the early 1930s, soon after the discovery of oil. The four main islands and all the towns and villages are linked by excellent roads. There were 3,498 km (2,176 mi) of roadways in 2003, of which 2,768 km (1,722 mi) were paved. A four-lane, 2.8-km (1.7-mi) causeway and bridge connect Manama with Al Muharraq, and another bridge joins Sitra to the main island. A four-lane highway atop a 24-km (15-mi) causeway, linking Bahrain with the Saudi Arabian mainland via Umm an Nasān, was completed in December 1986 and financed by Saudi Arabia. In 2003, there were 290,600 passenger vehicles and 124,500 commercial vehicles.

Bahrain's port of Mina Sulman can accommodate 16 oceangoing vessels drawing up to 11 m (36 ft). In 2005, Bahrain had a merchant fleet of eight ships of 1,000 GRT or over, totaling 219,083 GRT. Also in 2004, there were four airports. As of 2005, a total of three had paved runways, and there was a single heliport. The international airport near Al Muharraq can handle large jet aircraft and serves more than two dozen international airlines. In 1997, the airport was in the midst of a major expansion. Gulf Air, headquartered in Bahrain and owned equally by the governments of Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), flies to other Gulf countries, India, and Europe. In 2001, 1,250,100 passengers were carried on scheduled domestic and international flights.

HISTORY

The history of Bahrain has been traced back 5,000 years to Sumerian times. Known as Dilmun, Bahrain was a thriving trade center around 2000 bc; the islands were visited by the ships of Alexander the Great in the third century bc. Bahrain accepted Islam in the 7th century ad, after which it was ruled alternately by its own princes and by the caliphs' governors. The Portuguese occupied Bahrain from 1522 to 1602. The present ruling family, the Khalifa, who are related to the Sabah family of Kuwait and the Saudi royal family, captured Bahrain in 1782. Following an initial contact in 1805, the ruler of Bahrain signed the first treaty with Britain in 1820. A binding treaty of protection, similar to those with other Persian Gulf principalities, was concluded in 1861 and revised in 1892 and 1951. After World War II, Britain maintained at Bahrain its headquarters for treaty affairs in the lower Gulf. Claims to Bahrain pressed by Iran were abandoned in 1971 after a UN mission ascertained that the Bahrainis wished to remain independent of that nation.

Between 1968 and 1971, Bahrain participated in discussions aimed at forming a federation of the nine sheikhdoms of the southern Gulf. On 14 August 1971, Sheikh 'Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa declared that, in view of the failure of the larger federation to materialize, Bahrain would declare its independence. Its treaties with the United Kingdom were replaced by a treaty of friendship and cooperation, and on 15 August, the country became the sovereign State of Bahrain. Bahrain promulgated its first constitution in 1973, which occasioned the convening of an elective National Assembly; the legislature was dissolved in August 1975 amid charges of communist influence. The emir continued to set state policy, and his brother, Crown Prince Hamad bin 'Isa al-Khalifa, directed government administration. In 1993, Bahrain established an appointive Consultative Assembly (Majlis al-Shura). On 14 February 2001, a referendum was held that endorsed a return to constitutional rule. Under the constitution amended 14 February 2002, the country is no longer an emirate, but a constitutional monarchy. The emir was replaced by a king. A two-house National Assembly was established, along with an independent judiciary.

Owing to its small size, Bahrain generally takes its lead in foreign affairs from its Arab neighbors on the Gulf. A founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, it shares with the other five members a long-standing concern with pressures from Iran and Iraq. During the Iran-Iraq War, Bahrain joined most other Arab states in supporting Iraq. Subsequently, it has carefully tried to foster better relations with Iran through trade. When Iraq invaded Kuwait, Bahrain stood with the allies, contributing military support and facilities to the defeat of Iraq.

Bahrain has long assisted the American naval presence in the Persian Gulf. In 1977, a formal agreement for home-porting US naval ships was replaced by arrangements to continue ship visits and other security cooperation. Since the Gulf War, this cooperation has expanded with arms sales, plans for joint exercises, and US pre-positioning of military material for future contingencies. In 1991, the United States signed an agreement giving the Department of Defense access to facilities on the island. The country is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet.

Since 1994, Bahrain, like several traditional emirates of the Gulf, experienced sometimes severe civil disturbances from a Shiite-led resistance opposed to the ruling family and supportive of establishing an Islamic democracy. In 1996, a band of 44 Bahraini Islamists were arrested for allegedly planning a coup to overthrow the ruling family. The emirate broke relations with Iran, which the former accused of fomenting its civil disturbances which between 1994 and 1996 had resulted in 25 deaths. In 1997, the United States disclosed that it had uncovered a plot to attack its military forces stationed in the country.

On 6 March 1999, Sheikh 'Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa, who had ruled his country since its independence in 1971, died of a heart attack. He was succeeded on the throne by his son, Sheikh Hamad bin 'Isa al-Khalifa. Over the following year, there were signs that while the new ruler would continue his father's pro-Western foreign-policy orientation, domestically he would take a more liberal approach to government. In April, Sheikh Hamad released high-profile Shiite dissident, Sheik Abdul Amir al-Jamri, from jail together with hundreds of other political prisoners. Another broad pardon of dissidents took place in November. By February 2001, the emir had pardoned and released all political prisoners, detainees, and exiles.

On 16 March 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolved a territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar over the potential oil- and gas-rich Hawar Islands. The islands were controlled by Bahrain since the 1930s but were claimed by Qatar. Bahrain also claimed the town of Zubarah, which is on the mainland of Qatar. The dispute has lasted for decades and almost brought the two nations to the brink of war in 1986. In its judgment, the ICJ drew a single maritime boundary in the Gulf of Bahrain, delineating Bahrain and Qatar's territorial waters and sovereignty over the disputed islands within. The ICJ awarded Bahrain the largest disputed islands, the Hawar Islands, and Qit'at Jaradah Island. Qatar was given sovereignty over Janan Island and the low-tide elevation of Fasht ad Dibal. The Court reaffirmed Qatari sovereignty over the Zubarah Strip.

In August 2002, Hamad (now king) made the first state visit to Iran since the Islamic revolution in 1979. The two countries voiced their support for solidarity with the Iraqi people. Iraq was at that time under the threat of a military attack led by the United States for its possession of weapons of mass destruction. Bahrain and Iran urged Iraq to implement all UN resolutions then pending, so that Iraq's territorial integrity and sovereignty could be honored. President Mohammed Khatami of Iran and King Hamad also noted the importance of preserving security and stability in the region, and thus pledged to strengthen ties with one another. Several trade, taxation, and naval agreements were signed at the conclusion of the state visit. As well, both countries agreed to "open a new page" in their bilateral relations, previously strained due to Iran's support for Bahraini opposition movements, and Iran's criticism of the American military presence in Bahrain.

In January and March 2003, demonstrations took place in Bahrain in opposition to a potential US-led war with Iraq. By 13 January, there were approximately 150,000 US troops in the Gulf region, many of which were stationed in Bahrain, in addition to Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. US naval operations were headquartered in Bahrain with 4,000 US troops stationed aboard Fifth Fleet ships. As anti-American sentiment in the Gulf increased, the government arrested five men plotting attacks against Americans in February 2003; and by July 2004 Americans were warned to leave. In May 2003 the king was petitioned by thousands of victims of alleged torture to cancel the law which prevented them from suing suspected torturers. Bahrain signed a free trade pact with the United States in September 2004. Under the terms of the agreement 100% of bilateral trade in consumer and industrial products became duty-free. In addition, Bahrain and the United States provided immediate duty-free access on virtually all products in their tariff schedules and planned to phase out tariffs on the remaining handful of products within 10 years. Between March and June 2005, thousands attended protest marches led by Shiite opposition demanding a fully elected parliament. In Iraq, gunmen ambushed a senior Bahraini diplomat in July 2005. In this same month Bahrainis staged a demonstration about unemployment, estimated by economists to be at 20%.

GOVERNMENT

Under its constitution, amended 14 Februrary 2002, Bahrain is no longer an emirate but a constitutional hereditary monarchy. As a result of the change, the State of Bahrain became the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Sheikh Hamad bin 'Isa al-Khalifa became King Hamad, by his own decree. A referendum held on 14 February 2001 endorsed a return to constitutional rule by 98.4%.

The new legislature is called the National Assembly (Al-Majlis al-Watani). It consists of two houses, an appointed Consultative Council (Majlis al-Shura) and an elected Chamber of Deputies (Majlis al-Nawab). The Chamber of Deputies consists of 40 members, elected for a four-year term. The Chamber of Deputies elects a president and two vice presidents. The Consultative Council consists of 40 members appointed by the king for a four-year period. The king also appoints the Council speaker and the Shura Council elects two vice presidents. Both chambers must concur to pass legislation, which is then sent to the king for ratification. The king has the power to dissolve the Chamber of Deputies, but new elections are to be held within four months from the date of the dissolution; if they are not, the dissolved Chamber reassumes its constitutional powers and is reconvened. In April 2004 a woman was made health minister, the first woman to be appointed head of a government ministry.

The constitution specifies that Shariah (Islamic law) is a principal source of legislation but also pledges freedom of conscience. It guarantees equality of women with men "in political, social, cultural and economic spheres, without breaching the provisions of Shariah." The constitution states that every citizen is entitled to health care. It protects private property, but states that "all natural wealth and resources are state property." Discrimination is banned on the basis of sex, national origin, language, religion, or creed.

In the first parliamentary elections since 1973, 190 candidates ran for 40 seats in the Chamber of Deputies on 24 October 2002. In nearly half the races, runoff elections were held between the top two vote getters due to close election results. Under the new constitution, women have the right to vote and run for public office. Of the eight women seeking election in the October parliamentary elections, two forced runoff elections by being among the top two vote getters. As in municipal elections held in May 2002, women constituted over half of those voting. Leaders of Bahrain's Shia population and labor-oriented groups called for a boycott of the elections, claiming dissatisfaction with the structure of parliament. Voter turnout was 53.2%. Moderate Sunni Islamists and independents won 16 of 40 seats on 24 October. In a second round held on 31 October, the independents won 12 seats and the Islamists 9. In total, secular representatives or independents secured a total of 21 of the 40 seats, and Islamists 19.

POLITICAL PARTIES

Political parties are illegal in Bahrain. Groups known as political societies, or blocs, remnants of the former Communist left and the Islamist right, hold some seats in parliament: National Islamic Society, Islamic Action Party, National Democratic Action, Democratic Bloc, Al Meethaq, National Action Charter Society, Progressive Democratic Front, Nationalist Democratic Rally Society. Several underground groups, including branches of Hizbollah and other pro-Iranian militant Islamic groups, have been active. Anti-regime dissidents have frequently been jailed or exiled. However, Sheikh Hamad bin 'Isa al-Khalifa in 1999 issued an amnesty for most political prisoners, ended the house arrest of Shiite opposition leader Sheikh Abdul Amir al-Jamri, and granted permission for the return of 108 people in exile. By February 2001, the emir had pardoned and released all political prisoners, detainees, and exiles. In addition, the reinstatement of dissidents fired from public sector jobs, the lifting of travel bans on political activists, and the abrogation of state security laws have all created a more open atmosphere for political expression.

Beginning with municipal elections in May 2002, candidates from a wide variety of political groups formed a more pluralistic political culture in Bahrain. These groups were not officially designated as political parties, but they had the attributes of democratic parties in the West: they fielded candidates in elections, organized activities, and campaigned freely. There are seven main political groups: the Arab-Islamic Wasat (Center) Society (AIWS); the Democratic Progressive Forum (DPF); the Islamic National Accord (INA); the National Action Charter Society (NACS); the National Democratic Action Society (NDAS); the National Democratic Gathering Society (NDGS); and the National Islamic Forum (NIF).

In addition, numerous other nongovernmental organizations were set up after the constitution was endorsed in February 2001, among them the Bahrain Human Rights Society, the Supreme Council for Bahraini Women, and the Organization Against Normalization with Israel. These organizations campaign on single-issue platforms, hold public discussions and meetings, consult with the government, and are members of Bahraini delegations to international forums.

The partially elected bicameral parliament that was approved in a referendum in 2001 held its first session in December 2002 after elections were held that October. In the 40-member directly-elected House of Deputies, independents took 21 seats, Sunni Islamists won 9 seats, and other groupings held 10 seats.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Under the new constitution, there are five municipal councils in Bahrain, each with 10 elected members and an appointed chairman. The first local elections since 1957 were held on 9 May 2002. In the five new municipal councils, 30 of the 50 seats contested were decided in the first round of voting, with the remaining 20 seatswhere no candidate received an absolute majoritybeing decided in a second round of voting on 16 May. Candidates with links to Islamist groups won the majority of seats. There were 31 women among 306 candidates in the first round of voting, but none won. After the elections, some political figures suggested that a quota system should be set up to assure that some women would obtain seats in the municipal councils. Out of the 50 municipal seats, 38 were won by candidates affiliated with Islamist parties. Voter turnout in the first round of voting was 51.3%.

The democratic municipalities are responsible for the provision of local goods and services, including transportation, waste disposal, street cleaning and beautification, and enforcing health and safety standards.

JUDICIAL SYSTEM

The law of Bahrain represents a mixture of Islamic religious law (Shariah), tribal law, and other civil codes and regulations. The new constitution promises an independent judiciary. A Higher Judicial Council supervises the courts. Courts have been granted the power of judicial review.

The new reforms establish a constitutional court, consisting of a president and six members, appointed by the king for a specified period. Members are not liable to dismissal. The government, or either house of the National Assembly, may challenge the constitutionality of any measure before the court. The king may refer to the court draft laws prior to their adoption, to determine their consitutionality.

Military courts are confined to military offenses only, and cannot be extended to others without the declaration of martial laws.

Shariah governs the personal legal rights of women, although the new constitution provides for women's political rights. Specific rights vary according to Shia or Sunni interpretations of Islamic law, as determined by the individual's faith, or by the courts in which various contracts, including marriage, have been made. While both Shia and Sunni women have the right to initiate a divorce, religious courts may refuse the request. Women of either branch of Islam may own and inherit property and may represent themselves in all public and legal matters. A Muslim woman legally may marry a non-Muslim man if the man converts to Islam. In such marriages, the children automatically are considered to be Muslim.

ARMED FORCES

In 2005 Bahrain's armed forces had 11,200 active members. The Army consisted of 8,500 personnel, equipped with 180 main battle tanks, 46 reconnaissance vehicles, 25 armored infantry fighting vehicles, more than 235 armored personnel carriers, and 69 artillery pieces. The Navy had 1,200 active personnel. Major naval units included one frigate, two corvettes, and eight patrol/coastal vessels. The Air Force had 1,500 active members and 33 combat capable aircraft including 12 fighters, 21 fighter ground attack aircraft, and 24 attack helicopters. Paramilitary troops consisted of an estimated 10,160 personnel, including the police, national guard, and coast guard. The defense budget in 2005 totaled $526 million.

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Bahrain joined the UN on 21 September 1971 and is a member of ESCWA, all major regional organizations, and several nonregional specialized agencies. It also belongs to the Arab League, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, OAPEC, the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Gulf Cooperation Council, and G-77. The country joined the WTO 1 January 1995. Bahrain was a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, inaugurated in 1981. The country is also a part of the Nonaligned Movement and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. In environmental cooperation, the country is part of the Basel Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity, Ramsar, the Montréal Protocol, and the UN Conventions on the Law of the Sea, Climate Change, and Desertification.

ECONOMY

For centuries, Bahrain depended almost exclusively on trade (or piracy), pearl diving, and agriculture. The discovery of oil on 1 June 1932 changed that. Although its economy has been based on oil for the last six decades, Bahrain's development has been tempered by relatively limited reserves. Proven reserves are 125 million barrels, all from one diminishing oil field, the Awali field. At current production levels, the field has a life of less than 10 years. Oil revenue accounted for 24.4% of GDP in 2003. Oil and petroleum products also made up 74.4% of export earnings in 2003.

Significant progress has been made in enhancing Bahrain as an entrepôt (trade center) and as a service and commercial center for the Gulf region. Bahrain provides ample warehousing for goods in transit and dry dock facilities for marine engine and ship repairs. Bahrain also acts as a major banking, telecommunications, and air transportation center. Bahrain also began diversifying its economy to rely on services to a higher degree after the Lebanese civil war in the late 1970s and early 1980s essentially ended that country's status as a safe, regulation-free banking environment. Services accounted for 56.9% of all economic activity in the country in 2005.

Although the Bahrain economy slowed considerably in the mid-1990s, foreign investment in the earlier part of that decade helped enable GDP to growth at an annualized rate of 4% between 1988 and 1998. Low world oil prices created a negative growth situation in 1998, but real growth has been steady since then. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that real GDP grew 4.3% in 1999, 5.3% in 2000, 4.5% in 2001, 5.1% in 2002, and 5.7% in 2003. The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimates 2005 GDP at $14.08 billion, and growth of 5.9%.

INCOME

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reports that in 2005 Bahrain's gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at $14.1 billion. The CIA defines GDP as the value of all final goods and services produced within a nation in a given year and computed on the basis of purchasing power parity (PPP) rather than value as measured on the basis of the rate of exchange based on current dollars. The per capita GDP was estimated at $20,500. The annual growth rate of GDP was estimated at 5.9%. The average inflation rate in 2005 was 2.7%. It was estimated that agriculture accounted for 0.6% of GDP, industry 42.5%, and services 56.9%.

Approximately 32% of household consumption was spent on food, 8% on fuel, 1% on health care, and 6% on education.

LABOR

The Bahraini labor force in 2005 was estimated at 380,000. In 1997 (the latest year for which data was available), employment by sector was estimated as follows: industry, commerce, and services accounted for 79%; government 20%; and agriculture 1%. In 1998, (the latest year for which data was available), unemployment was estimated at 15%. Nonnationals in 2005 made up an estimated 44% of the country's population between the ages of 15 and 64.

Although the constitution permits workers to organize, the government bans trade unions. With this absence of legitimate trade unions, no collective bargaining entities or collective agreements exist. Workers may express grievances through joint labor-management committees (JLCs). JLCs are generally created at each major company and have an equal number of labor and management representatives. As of 2000, there were a total of 20 JLCs. There are no internationally affiliated trade unions, and foreign workers are underrepresented in the General Committed of Bahrain workers which coordinates the JLCs.

The government set minimum wage scales for public sector employees and this generally provides a decent standard of living for workers and their families. The minimum wage for public-sector wages were specified on a contract basis. All foreign workers must be sponsored by Bahrainis or Bahrain-based companies, which can revoke the residence permit of anyone under their sponsorship. Migrant workers from developing countries are often unwilling to report health and safety abuses for fear of forced repatriation. Nor do labor laws apply to foreign workers, who often work far in excess of official maximum hour laws. The minimum age for working is 14 years and until age 16, special work conditions and hour limits apply to workers. There is general compliance with this in the industrial sector, but there is rampant abuse outside it, especially in family-owned businesses.

AGRICULTURE

Only 2.9% of the land is arable. Agriculture accounts for only about 1% of the GDP. Ninety farms and small holdings produce fruit and vegetables, as well as alfalfa for fodder. The date palm industry has declined sharply in recent years due to heavy demands on the limited water supply, and dates have become a luxury item. In 2004, 7,667 tons of vegetables and 19,000 tons of fruit crops were produced. The government's goal is for output to meet 16% of demand, compared with the current 6%.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

Most domestic meat consumption is supplied through imports of live cattle, goats, and sheep. About 9,000 head of cattle, 39,000 sheep, and 25,000 goats were kept for milk and meat production in 2004. A thriving poultry industry provided 13,500 tons of meat and 5,000 tons of eggs in 2004. A national dairy pasteurization plant has been established in order to centralize all milk processing and distribution. In 2004, milk production totaled 11,000 tons. An abattoir that opened in 1984 slaughters imported sheep and cattle.

FISHING

Although the more than 300 species of fish found in Bahraini waters constitute an important food source for much of the population, local fishing and pearl diving have declined because of industrial pollution. The catch totaled 13,641 tons in 2003. The government operates a fleet of seven trawlers. By encouraging traditional angling, giving incentives to fishermen, improving fishing and freezing equipment, and establishing cooperatives, the government is attempting to increase the annual catch. There is a modern fishing harbor at Al Muharraq, which provides docking and landing facilities, storage areas, an ice plant, and a water supply.

FORESTRY

There are no forests in Bahrain. Bahrain's imports of forest products amounted to $60.5 million in 2003. That year, Bahrain re-exported about $1.9 million of forest products, including about 1,000 tons of industrial roundwood.

MINING

Bahrain's oil-based economy produced few minerals other than crude oil and natural gas. In 2004, crude oil and refined petroleum products accounted for around $5.5 billion of the nation's $7.5 billion in exports. Cement production in 2004 was reported at 153,483 metric tons, up from 88,806 metric tons in 2000. Sulfur production totaled 71,258 metric tons in 2004.

ENERGY AND POWER

The Arabian Peninsula's first oil well was drilled in Bahrain in 1932, and production began in 1934. From the 1930s to the mid-1970s, oil development was a monopoly of the Bahrain Petroleum Co. (BAPCO), which in 1936 came under the ownership of Caltex, a corporation registered in Canada and jointly owned by Texaco and Standard Oil of California. In 1975, the Bahrain government acquired a 60% holding in BAPCO, and it later formed the Bahrain National Oil Co. (BANOCO) to take over full ownership. In 1980, BANOCO announced its acquisition of a 60% interest in Bahrain's main refinery, which had been wholly owned by Caltex.

Total daily crude petroleum production, after reaching a peak in 1970, has declined gradually. Crude oil production was estimated at 35,000 barrels per day in 2003, with proven oil reserves in Bahrain estimated at 125 million barrels as of 1 January 2004. From 1972 until 1996, Bahrain shared revenues from the Abu Safa oil field, which lies halfway within Saudi Arabian territorial waters, with Saudi Arabia. In 1996, the Saudi government ceded the remainder of its share of the field to Bahrain, increasing the government's revenue by about $200 million.

Bahrain gained the right to offer concessions in offshore oil fields in the Gulf of Bahrain after a territorial dispute with Qatar was settled by the International Court of Justice in March 2001 and Bahrain won control of the Hawar Islands. In November 2001 drilling rights were awarded to Petronas and Chevron Texaco, and oil exploration began in late 2002. As of early 2003 a $900 million modernization was planned for Bahrain's only refinery, Sitra, which had a capacity of 248,900 barrels per day. Plans to build a second refinery, approved in 1999, had been delayed due to financing problems.

Bahrain's natural gas resources were estimated at 90 billion cu m (3.2 trillion cu ft) as of end 2004. Production of gas was 9.8 billion cu m in 2004, most of which was associated with drilling in the Awali oil field.

The Directorate of Electricity operates plants at Manama, Sitra, and Rifaa. In 2002, electricity generation was 6.841 billion kWh, of which 100% came from fossil fuels. In the same year, consumption of electricity totaled 6.362 billion kWh. Total capacity at the beginning of 2002 was estimated at 1.4 gigawatts (GW). Power is principally derived from a municipal power station at Jufair, from the Sitra power and water station, from two gas turbines at Al Muharraq, and from the power station at East Rifaa, which was completed in 1985 and is the largest and most modern. BANOCO produces its own electricity from a 60 MW plant. Phase One of the Hidd power project, completed in 1999, created an additional 280 MW of gas-fired generating capacity. Completion of Phase Two would add another 630 MW.

INDUSTRY

Bahrain was the first Gulf state to discover oil and built the region's first refinery in 1935. Known as the Bahrain Oil Company, it has been 60% owned by the Bahrain National Oil Company and 40% owned by the US company Caltex since 1980. The Bahrain National Oil Company also maintains holdings in the Bahrain Petroleum Company, which was formed in 2002 through a merger with a government-owned petroleum enterprise. Most of the crude oil processed in Bahrain's refinery comes from Saudi Arabia. Because Bahrain's own oil reserves are relatively limited, an agreement with Saudi Arabia allows the country to receive revenues from Saudi Arabia's Abu Saafa offshore oilfield. Bahrain's oil production had stabilized at about 40,000 barrels per day in early 2006, and its reserves were expected to last 10 to 15 years.

Bahrain also has a gas liquefaction plant, operated by the Bahrain National Gas Company. Gas reserves are expected to last about 50 years.

Other petroleum enterprises include the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company, a joint venture of the petrochemical industries of Kuwait, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, and the Government of Bahrain, which produces ammonia and methanol for export. Bahrain also has awarded exploration rights to two multinational companiesPetronas from Malaysia and Chevron Texaco from the United States.

A government-controlled aluminum industry, Aluminum Bahrain BSC (ALBA), was launched in 1971 with an original smelter capacity of 120,000 tons annually; the successful completion of a 1997 expansion project increased production to more than 500,000 metric tons in 1998 and to 720,000 metric tons in 2005. It is the world's second-largest aluminum smelter, and is 77% owned by the government. Other aluminum factories include the Aluminum Extrusion Company and the Gulf Aluminum Rolling Mill. Bahrain also has an iron ore palletizing plant, and a shipbuilding and repair yard.

Overall industrial production accounts for 42.5% of GDP.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The economy depends heavily on advanced petrochemical technologies, and many Bahrainis have had or are receiving technical training. The University of Bahrain, at Isa Town, has a college of engineering and science. The Arabian Gulf University, founded in 1980 by the seven Gulf states, has colleges of medicine and applied sciences. The Bahrain Society of Engineers and the Bahrain Computer Society, in Manama, and the Bahrain Medical Society in Adliya, are leading professional groups. The College of Health Sciences, founded in 1976, had 528 students in 1996. The Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research, founded in 1981, conducts scientific study and research.

DOMESTIC TRADE

Bahraini shops have become increasingly modernized and specialized. American-style supermarkets are open in Manama and most supplies and services are available in shops throughout the country. Business hours for most shops are from 8:30 am to 12:30 and from 4 to 8 pm, Saturday through Wednesday, with a half day on Thursday. Government offices and banks are generally open Saturday through Thursday. Of all the Gulf states, Bahrain offers the most scope for consumer advertising through its publications, cinemas, direct mail facilities, and radio and television stations.

CountryExportsImportsBalance
World6,609.85,401.71,208.1
Area nes4,681.62,066.82,614.8
Saudi Arabia454.9315.5139.4
United States282.8189.093.8
Other Asia nes199.324.2175.1
India113.2132.0-18.8
United Arab Emirates106.5156.9-50.4
Qatar76.476.4
Japan63.8415.0-351.2
Kuwait60.135.924.2
Malaysia58.147.210.9
() data not available or not significant.

FOREIGN TRADE

Petroleum products drive Bahrain's economy and export market (70%). Aluminum, which is manufactured in government-controlled enterprises, ranks as the country's second-largest export commodity (14%). Other exports include apparel (4.6%), iron (3.5%), and chemicals (2.5%).

Bahrain exports its products widely throughout the world. As a

result, no one country commands a significant share of Bahrain's exports: its largest trading partners in 2004 were India (4.3%), Saudi Arabia (3%), the United States (2.9%), and the United Arab Emirates (2.2%). Imports come from Saudi Arabia (32.4%), Japan (7.3%), Germany (6.1%), the United States (5.6%), the United Kingdom (5.4%), and France (4.8%).

BALANCE OF PAYMENTS

Traditionally, Bahrain relied on a substantial influx of funds from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Iran to finance capital out-lays. In recent years, however, increased income from tourism and financial services, have placed Bahrain in a favorable payments position.

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) reported that in 2005 the purchasing power parity of Bahrain's exports was $11.17 billion while imports totaled $7.83 billion. The country's current account balance was $1.569 billion in 2005. Bahrain's foreign reserves totaled $2.433 billion in 2005. Since 1992, Bahrain has received $150 million annually from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that in 2003 Bahrain had exports of $6.6 billion, of which $4.9 billion were petroleum products. Imports in 2003 totaled $5.5 billion.

BANKING AND SECURITIES

Bahrain is considered the preeminent fiancial services center in the Middle East. The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA), Bahrain's equivalent of a central bank, issues and redeems bank notes, regulates the value of the Bahrain dinar, supervises interest rates, and licenses and monitors the activities of money changers. One factor contributing to Bahrain's growth as a Middle Eastern financial services center is that unlike some of its larger, richer neighbors, there is no serious religious opposition to western banking practices-especially the accrual of interestwhich some Islamic scholars consider to be contrary to Muslim teachings. There are, however, several large banks in Bahrain classified as Islamic; they don't pay or charge interest, don't finance or otherwise support "un-Islamic" enterprises, and make a conscious effort to invest in socially productive enterprises. Another important factor influencing the growth of the financial sector is the tax-free environment.

The value of assets and liabilities held by Bahrain's commercial banks rose by 43%, and offshore banking units (DBUs) rose by 20% between 1991 and 1995. The consolidated assets and liabilities of commercial and offshore banks in Bahrain reached over $82 million in 1997. In 2000, Bahrain was home to 20 full commercial banks, 2 specialized banks, 52 offshore banks, 37 representative offices, 33 investment banks, 6 foreign exchange and money brokers, 8 investment and financial advisory services, and 18 money-changing companies. The International Monetary Fund reports that in 2001, currency and demand depositsan aggrgate

Current Account-68.4
     Balance on goods1,610.5
         Imports-5,079.3
         Exports6,689.8
     Balance on services197.0
     Balance on income-536.0
     Current transfers-1,340.0
Capital Account50.0
Financial Account-252.9
     Direct investment abroad-741.4
     Direct investment in Bahrain516.7
     Portfolio investment assets-3,064.4
     Portfolio investment liabilities688.4
     Financial derivatives
     Other investment assets-20,786.6
     Other investment liabilities23,134.3
Net Errors and Omissions314.9
Reserves and Related Items-43.7
() data not available or not significant.

commonly known as M1were equal to $1.5 billion. In that same year, M2an aggregate equal to M1 plus savings deposits, small time deposits, and money market mutual fundswas $6.3 billion. The money market rate, the rate at which financial institutions lend to one another in the short term, was 3.9%.

The Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) was planned in 1987 after the unofficial Kuwait Stock Exchange collapsed. The BSE has become an important Gulf center of share trading; volume or shares increased from its inception from 62 million in 1989 to almost 400 million in 1993. Beginning in 1995, the BSE listed foreign companies, bonds, and investment funds. Trading in foreign investment vehicles was made open to all Bahrainis, and resident and non-resident foreigners in late 1996. As of 2004, there were 42 companies listed on the BSE. Market capitalization as of December 2004 stood at $13.513 billion, with the BSE up 30.2% from the previous year.

INSURANCE

The total value of direct premiums underwritten in 2003 in Bahrain was $159 million, of which nonlife premiums accounted for the largest portion at $124 million. The country's top nonlife insurer that year had gross nonlife written premiums of $46 million, with Zürich the top life insurer, with gross life written premiums totaling $23.8 million in 2003.

PUBLIC FINANCE

The budget is presented biennually and regularly updated, and represents a large section of economic activity. More than half of government revenues come from oil production and refining; the oil industry is completely controlled by the government. The public deficit is covered by internal borrowing, loans from Arab funds, and the IDB; although privatization has become increasingly important to controlling the budget. The oil and aluminum industries are still controlled by the government, although utilities, banks, financial services, and telecommunications have started to fall into private hands.

The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) estimated that in 2005 Bahrain's central government took in revenues of approximately $4.6 billion and had expenditures of $3.4 billion. Revenues minus expenditures totaled approximately $1.2 billion. Public debt in 2005 amounted to 51.5% of GDP. Total external debt was $6.831 billion.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that in 2003, the most recent year for which it had data, central government revenues in millions of dinars were 1,144.8 and expenditures were 1,055.5. The value of revenues in millions of US dollars was $4,304 and expenditures $3,969, based on a official exchange rate for 2003 of. 26596 as reported by the IMF. Government outlays by function were as follows: general public services, 33.1%; defense, 16.5%; public order and safety, 10.6%; economic affairs, 1.9%; housing and community amenities, 9.9%; health, 7.6%; recreation, culture, and religion, 0.5%; education, 15.4%; and social protection, 4.4%.

TAXATION

The only taxes in Bahrain are an income tax on oil production and a municipal tax of 10% on residential rents. The rate is 7.5% on furnished rentals, office, and commercial rents. As an offshore tax haven, Bahrain allows foreign firms to remit accumulated profits and capital without taxation.

CUSTOMS AND DUTIES

Import licenses for items sold in Bahrain are issued only to local companies that are at least 51% Bahraini-owned. Principal prohibited items are arms, ammunition, liquor (except by authorized importers), and cultured pearls. Customs duties are 20% on corn and palm oil; 5% on foodstuffs and nonluxuries; 7.5% on consumer goods; 20% on cars and boats; 70% on tobacco and cigarettes; and 125% on authorized imports of liquor. A free transit zone operates at the port of Mina Sulman. Free trade is available with Gulf

Revenue and Grants1,144.8100.0%
     Tax revenue137.712.0%
     Social contributions554.8%
     Grants18.81.6%
     Other revenue933.381.5%
Expenditures1,055.5100.0%
     General public services349.533.1%
     Defense174.516.5%
     Public order and safety111.410.6%
     Economic affairs19.91.9%
     Environmental protection
     Housing and community amenities1059.9%
     Health80.67.6%
     Recreational, culture, and religion5.60.5%
     Education162.815.4%
     Social protection46.24.4%
() data not available or not significant.

Cooperation Council (GCC) countries if products have at least 40% local value-added content.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT

Bahrain has well-established communication and transport facilities. The strength of its infrastructure, along with the generous incentives it offers to foreign investors, have made the country home to many multinational companies doing business in the Persian Gulf. In recent years, the government has sought to control more of the country's key businesses. Bahrain, however, continues to court international investment; the country does not tax corporate or individual earnings. Only petroleum royalties are subject to taxation.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development reported foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bahrain of $865 million in 2004. FDI stocks totaled $7.585 billion in 2004, about 70.5% of GDP.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Since the late 1960s, the government has concentrated on policies and projects that will provide sufficient diversification in industrial, commercial, and financial activities to sustain growth in income, employment, and exports into the post-oil era. To this end, Bahrain in September 2004 became the first Gulf state to sign a Free Trade Agreement with the United States. The pact was ratified by the Bahraini parliament in July 2005 and by the US Congress in December 2005. US President George W. Bush signed the agreement into law in January 2006, and implementing legislation to allow full enactment was pending.

Despite diversification efforts, the oil and gas sectors remain the cornerstone of the economy. The reliance on oil poses one of Bahrain's biggest long-term economic challenges. Unemployment and a shortage of long-range water resources also are issues. Much of Bahrain's labor force, estimated in 2005 at 380,000, consists of non-Bahrainis. In hopes of encouraging more employment among its citizenry, the country has adopted a policy of matching job seekers with potential employers. It also is promoting training programs that would give young adults marketable skills. The country also is considering a labor law that would stress the value of vocational training and require that benefits for public and private sector employees be equal. It also is considering introduction of a minimum wage law.

The strongest possibility for growth in Bahrain lies in its financial sector. Bahrain leads an effort to develop Islamic financial services, and has 28 Islamic banks based in the country. More than 100 offshore banks also operate in Bahrain, helping to boost financial services activity to 24.2% of GDP in 2005. In hopes of keeping the sector both vibrant and efficient, it has consolidated regulation of banks, insurance companies, and capital markets under one umbrella.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Impoverished families receive subsistence allowances from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. Beginning in 2005 all establishments with one or more employees are covered by the social insurance system. A social security fund provides old age, disability, survivor, and accident insurance. Contributions amount to 5% of earnings by workers and 7% by employers. Work injury insurance exempts domestic servants, self-employed and agricultural workers.

Islamic law, either Shia or Sunni, dictates the legal rights of Bahraini women. Women may initiate divorce proceedings, although religious courts often refuse the request. Men retain legal rights over children, even in case of divorce. Custody of young children is granted to women, but fathers automatically regain custody when the children reach the age of nine (for daughters) and seven (for sons). Women make up approximately 17% of the labor force. The majority of working women are young and single, and most women cease working outside the home after marriage. Bahrain's labor law does not recognize the concept of equal pay for equal work, and women are often paid less than men. Sexual harassment is a common problem. As of 2004 spousal abuse remained widespread, especially in economically deprived areas. It is estimated that 30% of married women are victims of spousal abuse though few women seek assistance.

Bahrain's government regularly violates citizens' human rights. There was a continuation of torture, arbitrary arrest, denial of the right to a fair trial, and restrictions on freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, and workers' rights. The treatment of foreign workers, especially women employed as domestic help, is especially abusive.

HEALTH

In 1960, Bahrain inaugurated a free national health service, available to both foreign and indigenous segments of the population through a system of primary care health centers and modern hospital facilities. Bahraini patients who require sophisticated surgery or treatment are sent abroad at government expense.

Medical services are provided by the government and a small private sector. Health care centers are accessible to the population free of charge. In 1990, there were 4 government-operated hospitals (including a psychiatric hospital and a geriatric hospital), 5 maternity hospitals, 19 health centers, 6 environment health centers, and 16 maternity and child welfare centers. In 2004, there were an estimated 160 physicians, 413 nurses, 21 dentists, and 22 pharmacists per 100,000 people.

Infant mortality was estimated at 17.27 per 1,000 live births in 2005. In 1994, 93% of the country's one-year-old children were vaccinated against measles. In 1990, 100% of the population had access to health care services and 93% had access to safe drinking water. Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.23 years. Malaria was reported in 258 people while polio, measles, and neonatal tetanus were nonexistent. The HIV/AIDS prevalence was 3.00 per 100 adults in 2003. As of 2004, there were approximately 600 people living with HIV/AIDS in the country. There were an estimated 200 deaths from AIDS in 2003.

HOUSING

According to the 2001 government census, there were 105,686 housing units within the country. About 18% were private villas (single family, independent structure homes). There were 8,076 apartment buildings containing a total of about 36,320 flats. About 72% of all units were connected to the public water system. About 14.8% of homes relied on bottled water. About 63,374 units were occupied by single (nuclear) families. The greatest number of housing units (32,538) was available in Manama.

EDUCATION

Education is compulsory for students between the ages of 6 and 15. Primary education lasts for six years followed by an intermediate program of three years. Students may then choose from three options for their secondary education: general (science or literary tracks), technical, or commercial. Each secondary program is a three-year course of study. The academic year runs from October to August. The primary languages of instruction are Arabic and English. The Ministry of Education is the primary administrative body. As of 1995, public expenditure on education was estimated at 3.6% of GDP.

Primary school enrollment in 2003 was estimated at about 89.9% of age-eligible students; The same year, secondary school enrollment was about 87% of age-eligible students. Less than 1% of children ages three to five attend preschool programs. It is estimated that 99% of all students complete their primary education. The student-to-teacher ratio for primary school was at about 16:1 in 2003; the ratio for secondary school was about 12:1.

Bahrain's principal university is the University of Bahrain, established in 1986 after a merger between the University College and Gulf Polytechnic. It is comprised of five colleges and an English language center: colleges of arts, sciences, engineering, education, and business administration. The Arabian Gulf University (founded in 1980) has faculties in science, engineering and medicine, and is in fact a joint venture project among the six Gulf Cooperation Council members and Iraq. Each nation is allocated 10% of the seats (total 70%) and the remaining 30% are given to other countries. Also important is the Bahrain Training Institute, which currently has over 50% female students.

There are also 67 adult education centers in Bahrain, which have helped to reduce the illiteracy rate of the country. For promoting technical education, a "10,000 Training Plan" was launched in 1980. Nearly 6,500 students have participated in this program since its inception and scholarships are given to students to pursue higher studies at Bahrain or abroad. In 1994 all institutions of higher learning had 655 teachers and enrolled 7,147 students. The adult literacy rate in 2003 was estimated about 89.1%; 91.9% for men and 85% for women.

LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS

Manama Public Library was the first to open in the country in 1946; it contains the collection of United Nations related publications. The Bahrain National Bank Public Library in Muharraq (opened in 1969 as the Muharraq Public Library) includes the Mohammed Hassan Al-Hassan Collection of over 400 books on national and international law (with volumes in Arabic and English), a library for the blind, a children's library, and a special section on travel and tourism. The Central Public Library in Isa Town has 124,000 volumes. In 2005, there were nine public libraries nationwide under supervision of the Directorate of Public Libraries at the Ministry of Education. The University of Bahrain in Manama (1978) holds 140,000 volumes, while the Manama Central Library holds 155,000 volumes. In 2003, the first specialized law library opened at the University's Sakhir campus. The Educational Documentation Library in Manama holds the largest collection of educational research materials with about 22,000 books and nearly 200 periodicals; publications are available in Arabic and English. The Bahrain National Commission for Education, Science and Culture Library, also in Manama, was established in 1967, serving primarily as a research library; holdings include materials from four main international organizations: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States (ABEGS), and Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

The Bahrain National Museum in Manama holds art, archaeological, and historical exhibits, chronicling the rise of the Dilmun civilization. Muharraq Island hosts a few of traditional homes that are open to visitors. The Royal Tombs in A'ali are popular archeological sites.

MEDIA

Modern telephone, cable, and telex systems are available. In 2003, there were about 185,800 mainline telephones in use, along with 443,100 mobile phones. Basic service is provided by the National Telephone Company (BATELCO).

In 1998, there were two AM and three FM stations and four broadcast television stations, all of which were owned and operated by the government. In 1997 there were 499 radios and 420 television sets in use per 1,000 population. Internet service is provided through the national phone company, with 195,700 subscribers counted in 2003. Government control restricts access to some Internet sites considered with content that is considered anti-Islamic or antigovernment. Many districts of Manama have cyber cafes. It is estimated that about 22% of the population owns personal computers.

Bahrain's first daily newspaper in Arabic, Akhbar al-Khalij (circulation 17,000 in 2002), began publication in 1976, and the first English daily, the Gulf Daily News (50,000), was established in 1991. Al Ayam, an Arabic daily founded in 1989, had a 2002 circulation of 37,000.

Though the Bahraini constitution has provisions for freedom of expression, press criticism of the ruling family or government policy is strictly prohibited.

ORGANIZATIONS

In addition to the national Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bahrain is a committee member of the International Chamber of Commerce. There are numerous Bahraini and multinational groups, including the Bahrain Red Crescent Society and the Children's and Mothers' Welfare Society. Health and welfare organizations include the Bahrain Family Planning Association and the Bahrain Diabetic Association. Youth organizations include those representing the Youth Hostel Federation, Red Crescent Youth, the Boy Scouts of Bahrain and the Girl Guides, and Arab Student Aid International (ASAI). The Bahrain Olympic Committee coordinates activities for about 12 national youth sports federations.

TOURISM, TRAVEL, AND RECREATION

Bahrain has been a fast growing destination in the Middle East since the early 1990s. Tourist attractions include archeological sites, notably Qal-at Al-Bahrain (The Portuguese Fort), the National Museum, and the Heritage Center. Recreational riding and horse racing are both popular in Bahrain. Pearl diving is also part of Bahrain's heritage. In 2002, there were 4,830,943 tourist arrivals, almost 4,000,000 of whom were from other Middle Eastern countries, and tourism receipts totaled $985 million. Hotel rooms numbered 7,880 in 2002 with 10,759 beds and an occupancy rate of 53%. Most visitors need a visa and a valid passport.

FAMOUS BAHRAINIS

Sheikh 'Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa (193399) ruled from 1961 until his death in 1999. He was succeeded by his son, Sheikh Hamad bin 'Isa al-Khalifa (b.1950).

DEPENDENCIES

Bahrain has no territories or colonies.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Dun and Bradstreet's Export Guide to Bahrain. Parsippany, N.J.: Dun and Bradstreet, 1999.

Fakhro, Munira A. Women at Work in the Gulf: A Case Study of Bahrain Fakhro. London and New York: Kegan Paul International, 1990.

Gillespie, Carol Ann. Bahrain. Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 2002.

Holes, Clive. Dialect, Culture, and Society in Eastern Arabia. Boston: Brill, 2001.

Hourani, Albert Habib. A History of the Arab Peoples. Cambridge, Mass.: Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, 2002.

Seddon, David (ed.). A Political and Economic Dictionary of the Middle East. Philadelphia: Routledge/Taylor and Francis, 2004.

Terterov, Marat (ed.). Doing Business with Bahrain: A Guide to Investment Opportunities and Business Practice. 2nd ed. Sterling, Va.: Kogan Page, 2005.

Bahrain

views updated May 14 2018

BAHRAIN

Compiled from the November 2003 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.




Official Name:
Kingdom of Bahrain




PROFILE
HISTORY
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
PEOPLE
ECONOMY
DEFENSE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
U.S.-BAHRAINI RELATIONS
TRAVEL


PROFILE


Geography

Area: 710 sq. km. (274 sq. mi.); approximately four times the size of Washington, D.C. Bahrain is an archipelago of 36 islands located off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The four main islands are joined by causeways, and make up about 95% of the total land area.

Cities: Capital—Manama, pop. (2002 est.) 148,000. Other cities—Al Muharraq.

Terrain: Low desert plain (highest elevation point–122 m).

Climate: Hot and humid from May-September, with average highs ranging from 30-40 C (86-104 F). Maximum temperatures average 20-30C (68-86F) the remainder of the year.


People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Bahraini(s).

Population: (July 2003 est.) 667,238, including about 235,108 non-nationals.

Annual growth rate: 1.61%.

Ethnic groups: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%.

Religions: 98% Muslim (Shi'a 70%, Sunni 30%), with small Christian, Jewish and Hindu communities.

Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.

Education: Education is not compulsory, but is provided free to Bahrainis and non-nationals at all levels, including higher education. Estimated net primary school attendance (1991-2001)—84%. Adult Literacy (age 15 and over) (2003 est.)—89.1% for the overall population (male 91.9% female 85%).

Health: Infant mortality rate—19.02 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy—71 yrs. males, 76 yrs. females.

Work force: (2001) 307,000 of which 59% are foreigners and 20.8% female.


Government

Type: Constitutional Monarchy.

Independence: August 15, 1971 (from the UK).

Constitution: Approved and promulgated May 26, 1973; suspended on August 26, 1975; amended and approved by a national popular referendum again on February 14-15, 2001.

Branches: Executive—King (chief of state); Prime Minister (head of government); Council of Ministers (cabinet) is appointed by the King and headed by the Prime Minister.

Legislative—The bicameral parliament (al-Majlis al-Watani) consists of a 40-member elected House of Deputies and a 40-member Shura Council appointed by the King. Members of both chambers serve four-year terms. Judicial—High Civil Appeals Court. The judiciary is independent with right of judicial review.

Administrative subdivisions: 12 municipalities (manatiq) Al Hidd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa'wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah.

Political parties: None. Formal parties are banned but political societies have been formally sanctioned since 2001.

Suffrage: Universal at age 18.


Economy

GDP: (2002) $7.7 billion.

Real GDP Growth Rate: (2002 est.) 5.1%.

Per capita GDP: (2002 est.) $14,000.

Natural resources: Oil, natural gas, fish, pearls.

Agriculture: (less than 1% of GDP) Products—With the exception of eggs, vegetables, dates, and fish, most food is imported. Types—oil and gas (16.5% of GDP), manufacturing (12.2% of GDP), aluminum.

Services: Finance (15.7% of GDP), transport and communications (8.9% of GDP), real estate (7.8% of GDP), Government Services(10.4% of GDP).

Trade: (2002—about 13.3% of GDP) Exports—$5.8 billion: oil and other mineral products, base metals, textiles. Major markets—India (4.5%), U.S. (3.2%), Saudi Arabia (2.3%), Japan (1.7%), South Korea (1.7%). Imports—$5.0 billion: crude oil, machinery and appliances, transport equipment, foodstuffs. Major suppliers—Saudi Arabia (30.2%), U.S. (11.7%), France (7.1%), U.K. (6.1%),Germany (5.6%).




HISTORY

The site of the ancient Bronze Age civilization of Dilmun, Bahrain was an important center linking trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley as early as 5,000 years ago. The Dilmun civilization began to decline about 2,000 B.C. as trade from India was cut off. From 750 B.C. on, Assyrian kings repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the islands. Shortly after 600 B.C., Dilmun was formally incorporated into the new Babylonian empire. There are no historical references to Bahrain until Alexander the Great's arrival in the Gulf in the 4th century B.C. Although Bahrain was ruled variously by the Arab tribes of Bani Wa'el and Persian governors, Bahrain continued to be known by its Greek name Tylos until the 7th century, when many of its inhabitants converted to Islam. A regional pearling and trade center, Bahrain came under the control of the Ummayad Caliphs of Syria, the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad, Persian, Omani and Portuguese forces at various times from the 7th century until the Al Khalifa family, a branch of the Bani Utbah tribe that have ruled Bahrain since the 18th century, succeeded in capturing Bahrain from a Persian garrison controlling the islands in 1783.


In the 1830s the Al Khalifa signed the first of many treaties establishing Bahrain as a British Protectorate. Similar to the binding treaties of protection entered into by other Persian Gulf principalities, the agreements entered into by the Al Khalifa prohibited them from disposing of territory and entering into relationships with any foreign government without British consent in exchange for British protection against the threat of military attack from Ottoman Turkey. The main British naval base in the region was moved to Bahrain in 1935 shortly after the start of large-scale oil production. from all aggression by sea and to lend support in case of land attack.

In 1968, when the British Government announced its decision (reaffirmed in March 1971) to end the treaty relationships with the Persian Gulf sheikdoms, Bahrain initially joined the other eight states (Qatar and the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms now the United Arab Emirates) under British protection in an effort to form a union of Arab emirates. The nine sheikhdoms still had not agreed on terms of union by 1971, however, prompting. Bahrain to declare itself fully independent on August 15, 1971.


Bahrain promulgated a constitution and elected its first parliament in 1973, but just two years later, in August 1975, the Amir disbanded the National Assembly after it attempted to legislate the end of Al-Khalifa rule and the expulsion of the U.S. Navy from Bahrain. In the 1990s, Bahrain suffered from repeated incidents of political violence stemming from the disaffection of the Shi'a majority. In response, the Amir instituted the first Bahraini cabinet change in 20 years in 1995 and also and increased the membership of the Consultative Council, which he had created in 1993 to provide advice and opinion on legislation proposed by the cabinet and, in certain cases, suggest new laws on its own, from 30 to 40 the following year. These steps led to an initial decline in violent incidents, but in early 1996 a number of hotels and restaurants were bombed, resulting in several fatalities. Over 1,000 people were arrested and held in detention without trial in connection with these disturbances. The government has since released these individuals (see Government and Political Conditions Section below for details).


GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa succeeded the throne in March 1999, after the death of his father Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's ruler since 1961. He championed a program of democratic reform shortly after his succession. In November 2000, Shaikh Hamad established a committee to create a blueprint transform Bahrain from a hereditary emirate to a constitutional monarchy within 2 years. The resulting "National Action Charter" was presented to the Bahraini public in a referendum in February 2001. The first public vote in Bahrain since the 1970s, held by universal suffrage, the charter was overwhelmingly endorsed by 94.8% of voters. That same month, Shaikh Hamad pardoned all political prisoners and detainees, including those who had been imprisoned, exiled or detained on security charges. He also abolished the State Security Law and the State Security Court, which had permitted the government to detain individuals without trial for up to 3 years.


On February 14, 2002, one year after the referendum endorsing his National Action Charter, Shaikh Hamad pronounced Bahrain a monarchy and changed his constitutional status from Amir to King. He simultaneously announced that the first municipal elections since 1957 would be held in May 2002, and that a bicameral parliament, with a representative lower house, would be reconstituted with parliamentary elections in October 2002. As part of these constitutional reforms, the government also created an independent financial watchdog empowered to investigate cases of embezzlement and violations of state expenditure in July 2002.


Turnout for the May 2002 municipal elections was 51%, with female voters making up 52% percent of voters. Turnout for the 2002 parliamentary elections—the first in almost three decades—was 53% in the first round and 43% in the second round, despite the fact that the four-largest Shi'a political societies organized a boycott to protest constitutional amendments enacted by the King that gave the appointed upper chamber of parliament voting rights equal to the elected lower chamber. Sunni Islamists won 19 of the 40 seats. Despite strong participation by female voters, none of the female candidates standing in these elections were returned. The new parliament held its first joint sitting in December 2002.


Bahrain has a complex system of courts, based on diverse legal sources, including Sunni and Shi'a Sharia (religious law), tribal law, and other civil codes and regulation created with the help of British advisers in the early 20th century. In 2001, Shaikh Hamad created the Supreme Judicial Council to regulate these courts and separate the administrative and judicial branches of government.


Principal Government Officials
Last Updated: 7/8/03


King: Khalifa, HAMAD, bin Isa Al

Prime Minister: Khalifa, KHALIFA, bin Salman Al

Dep. Prime Minister: Khalifa, MUHAMMAD, bin Mubarak Al

Dep. Prime Minister: Khalifa, ABDALLAH bin KHALID, Al

Min. of King's Court Affairs: Khalifa, ALI bin ISA, bin Salman Al

Min. of Cabinet Affairs: Mutawa, Muhammad bin Ibrahim al-

Min. of Commerce: Salih, Ali Salih Abdallah al-

Min. of Defense: Khalifa, KHALIFA bin AHMAD, Al, Maj. Gen.

Min. of Education: Nuaymi, Majid Ali al-, Dr.

Min. of Electricity & Water: Khalifa, DAIJ, bin Khalifa Al

Min. of Finance & National Economy: Saif, Abdallah Hasan al-

Min. of Foreign Affairs: Khalifa, MUHAMMAD, bin Mubarak Al

Min. of Health: Hasan, Khalil Ibrahim al-, Dr.

Min. of Housing: Khalifa, KHALID, bin Abdallah Al

Min. of Industry: Fakhru, Hasan Abdallah al-, Dr.

Min. of Information: Hamir, Nabil Yaqub al-

Min. of Interior: Khalifa, MUHAMMAD bin KHALIFA, bin Hamad Al

Min. of Justice & Islamic Affairs: Khalifa, ABDALLAH bin KHALID, Al

Min. of Labor & Social Affairs: Alawi, Majid Muhsin al-, Dr.

Min. of Municipalities & Agriculture: Sitri, Muhammad Ali al-, Dr.

Min. of Oil: Khalifa, ISA bin ALI, bin Hamad Al

Min. of Public Works: Jawdar, Fahmi Ali al-

Min. of State: Mirza, Abd al-Husayn Ali al-

Min. of State: Shuala, Abd al-Nabi al-

Min. of State for Foreign Affairs: ABD AL-GHAFFAR Abdallah, Muhammad, Dr.

Min. of State for Shura Council Affairs: Fadhil, Abd al-Aziz Muhammad al-

Min. of Transportation & Communication: Khalifa, ALI bin KHALIFA, bin Salman Al

Chmn., Bahrain Monetary Agency: Khalifa, KHALIFA, bin Salman Al

Governor, Bahrain Monetary Agency: Khalifa, AHMAD, bin Muhammad bin Hamad bin Abdallah Al

Director, Bahrain National Security Agency: Khalifa, Abd al-Aziz, Atiyattalah Al Dr.

Attorney General: Khalifa, ABD AL-RAHMAN, bin Jabir Al

Ambassador to the US: Khalifa, KHALIFA bin ALI, bin Rashid Al

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Mansoor, Tawfiq Ahmad al-



Bahrain maintains an embassy in the United States at 3502 International Drive N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; tel: [1] (202) 342-1111; fax: [1] (202) 362-2192. The Bahraini Mission to the UN is located at866 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; tel: [1] (212)223-6200; fax [1] (202) 319-0687.




PEOPLE

One of the most densely populated countries in the Middle East, about 89% of the population of Bahrain lives in the two principal cities of Manama and Al Muharraq. Approximately 66% of the indigenous population is originally from the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Bahrain currently has a sizeable foreign labor force (about 38% of the total population). The government's policies on naturalization remain controversial. In June 2002, the King issued a decree allowing citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to take up dual Bahraini nationality. Opposition political groups charge that the government is granting citizenship to foreign nationals who have served in the Bahraini armed forces and security services to alter the demographic balance of the country, which is primarily Shi'a. According to passport officials, about 40,000 individuals have been naturalized over the past 50 years (about 10% of the total population).

The indigenous population is 98% Muslim. Although more than twothirds of the indigenous population is Shi'a Muslim, the ruling family and the majority of government, military, and corporate leaders are Sunni Muslims. The small indigenous Christian and Jewish communities make up the remaining 2% of the population. Roughly half of foreign resident community are non-Muslim, and include Christians, Hindus, Baha'is, Buddhists and Sikhs.


Bahrain has invested its oil revenues in educational system development, and boasts an advanced educational system. The first public schools for girls and boys were opened in the 1920s. Schooling and related costs continue to be entirely paid for by the government. Although not compulsory, primary and secondary attendance rates are high and literacy rates are currently among the highest in the region. Higher education is available for secondary school graduates and can be obtained through the Bahrain University, Arabian Gulf University and specialized Institutes including the College of Health Sciences — operating under the direction of the Ministry of Health — which trains physicians, nurses,


pharmacists, and paramedics. The government has targeted provision of educational services to the Gulf Cooperation Council as a potential growth area, and is actively working to establish Bahrain as a regional center for higher education.


ECONOMY

The first Gulf state to discover oil, Bahrain has worked to diversify its economy over the past decade. Bahrain has stabilized its oil production at about 40,000 barrels per day (b/d), and reserves are expected to last 10-15 years. Revenues from oil and natural gas currently account for 16.5% of GDP and provide about 60% of government income. The Bahrain Oil Company refinery built in 1935, the first in the Gulf, has a capacity of about 250,000 b/d. Since 1980, 60% of the refinery has been owned by the Bahrain National Oil Company and 40% by the U.S. company Caltex. Saudi Arabia provides most of the crude for refinery operation via pipeline. Bahrain also receives a large portion of the net output and revenues from Saudi Arabia's Abu Saafa off shore oilfield. The Bahrain National Gas Company operates a gas liquefaction plant that utilizes gas piped directly from Bahrain's oilfields. Gas reserves should last about 50 years at present rates of consumption. The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company is a joint venture of the petrochemical industries of Kuwait, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, and the Government of Bahrain. The plant, completed in 1985, produces ammonia and methanol for export. Growth in the hydrocarbons sector will be contingent upon new discoveries — Bahrain awarded exploration rights to Malaysia's Petronas and the U.S.' Chevron Texaco after the resolution of its longstanding territorial dispute with Qatar, but no meaningful finds have been announced to date. Bahrain's other industries include the majority state-owned Aluminum Bahrain (Alba), which operates the largest aluminum smelter in the world outside Eastern Europe with an annual production of about 307,000 metric tons (mt)—and related factories, such as the Aluminum Extrusion Company and the Gulf Aluminum Rolling Mill. Other plants include the Arab Iron and Steel Company's iron ore pelletizing plant (4 million tons annually) and a shipbuilding and repair yard.

Bahrain's development as a major financial center has been the most widely heralded aspect of its diversification effort. Bahrain is a regional financial and business center. International financial institutions operate in Bahrain, both offshore and onshore, without impediments, and the financial sector is currently the second largest contributor to GDP. More than 100 offshore banking units and representative offices are located in Bahrain, as well as 65 American firms. Bahrain has also made a concerted effort to become the leading Islamic finance center in the world, standardizing regulations of the Islamic banking industry. It currently has 26 Islamic banks – the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions.


Bahrain is working to develop other service industries such as information technology, healthcare and education. The government has used its oil revenues to build an advanced infrastructure in transportation and telecommunications. The transport and communications sector grew by almost 9% in 2002 and is likely to expand as the government proceeds with liberalization of the state-owned telecommunications industry. The state monopoly – Batelco – was broken in April 2003. Bahrain's international airport is one of busiest in the Gulf, serving an average of 580 flights a week. A new air traffic control tower, part of a program to upgrade and modernize the airport, is due for completion in June 2004. A modern, busy port offers direct and frequent cargo shipping connections to the U.S., Europe, and the Far East.


Liberalization of the water and power industries is also planned.


Regional tourism is also a significant source of income. The government continues to favor large-scale tourism projects. In 2003 it awarded several contracts to develop a state-of-the art international horse racing track and tourist complex.


Government revenues continue to be largely dependent on the oil industry. Bahrain has received significant budgetary support and project grants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. The reconstituted parliamentary process has produced spirited debate over government spending, particularly defense spending, but no actual reductions. Ministry of Defense spending will account for 20% of current spending in 2003 and 2004 based on the budget approved by parliament in May 2003. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of the Interior are the second and third largest spenders. The bulk of capital outlays have been allocated to improving housing and infrastructure in line with government efforts to raise the standard of living of the Shi'a population and to attract foreign investment.

The government has also started to extend protections to workers. Private sector employees won permission to form unions in late 2002; King Hamad has given his tentative approval for the formation of unions in government departments.




DEFENSE

The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) numbers about 9,000 personnel and consists of army, navy, air force, air defense, and royal guard units. The public security forces and the coast guard are separate from the BDF and report to the Ministry of the Interior. Bahrain's defense spending since 1999 has been steady. The government spends around $440 million annually on their military, about 20% of current expenditures. The reconstituted parliamentary process has produced spirited debate over government spending, particularly defense spending, but no actual reductions.


With the help of the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bahrain has made significant efforts to upgrade its defense systems and increase the modernity of its armed forces over the last 20 years. In 1982, the GCC gave Bahrain $1.7 billion for this purpose. Since the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S. has provided military and defense technical assistance and training to Bahrain from foreign military sales (FMS), commercial sources, excess defense article sales (EDA) and under the International Military and Education Training (IMET) program. The U.S. Office of Military Cooperation in Bahrain is attached to the U.S. Embassy and manages the security assistance mission. U.S. military sales to Bahrain currently total $1.6 billion. Principal U.S. military systems purchased by the BDF include eight Apache helicopters, 54 M60A3 tanks, 12 F-16C/D aircraft, 14 Cobra helicopters, and the TPS-59 radar system. Bahrain has received $200 million in U.S. EDA since 1995.

Joint air and ground exercises have been planned and executed to increase readiness throughout the Gulf.




FOREIGN RELATIONS

Since achieving in dependence in 1971, Bahrain has pursued a policy of close consultation with neighboring states. Bahrain became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. In 1981 it joined its five neighbors—Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar–-to form the strategic Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Bahrain has complied with GCC efforts steps to coordinate economic development and defense and security planning. In December 1994, for example, Bahrain concurred with the GCC decision to drop secondary and tertiary boycotts against Israel. Bahrain also responded positively to Kuwait's request to deploy the GCC collective defense force, "Peninsula Shield," during the build up and execution of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003.


In addition to maintaining strong relations with its largest financial backers, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE, Bahrain has worked to improve its relations with Qatar and Iran in recent years. Bahrain-Iran relations have been strained since the discovery in 1981 of an Iran-sponsored coup plot in Bahrain. Bahraini suspicions of the Iranian role in local unrest in the mid-1990s remain. However, with the decline of Iraq as a regional powerbroker, Bahrain has begun taking steps to improve relations. These efforts have included encouraging Bahrain-Iran trade and maritime security cooperation.

On March 16, 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced its judgment on the long-standing maritime delimitation and territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar. The binding judgment awarded sovereignty over the Hawar Islands and Qit'at Jaradah to Bahrain and sovereignty over Zubarah (part of the Qatar Peninsula), Janan Island and Fasht ad Dibal to Qatar. The peaceful settlement of this dispute has allowed for renewed co-operation.


Bahrain's strategic partnership with the U.S. has intensified since 1991. Bahraini pilots flew strikes in Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War, and the island was used as a base for military operations in the Gulf. Bahrain also provided logistical and basing support to international Maritime Interdiction effo rts to enforce UN sanctions and prevent illegal smuggling of oil from Iraq in the 1990s. Bahrain also provided extensive basing and over flight clearances for a multitude of U.S. aircraft operating in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Bahrain is currently offering humanitarian support and technical training to support the reconstruction of the Iraqi banking sector. Bahrain has also cooperated effectively on criminal investigation issues in support of the campaign on terrorism; the Bahrain Monetary Agency moved quickly to restrict terrorists' ability to transfer funds through Bahrain's financial system.




U.S.-BAHRAINI RELATIONS

The American Mission Hospital, affiliated with the National Evangelical Church, has operated continuously in Bahrain for more than a century. Bahrain has also been a base for U.S. naval activity in the Gulf since 1947. When Bahrain became independent, the U.S.-Bahrain relationship was formalized with the establishment of diplomatic relations. The U.S. embassy at Manama was opened September 21, 1971, and a resident ambassador was sent in 1974. The Bahraini embassy in Washington, DC, opened in 1977. In October 1991, Amir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa made a state visit to Washington. In 2001, Amir Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa made his first visit to the U.S. after succeeding his father in 1999. He returned to Washington on an official visit in January 2003.

Bahrain and the United States signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement in October 1991 granting U.S. forces access to Bahraini facilities and ensuring the right to pre-position material for future crises. Currently the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, the U.S. designated Bahrain a Major Non-NATO Ally in October 2001.


U.S.-Bahraini economic ties have grown steadily since 1932, when Americans participated in the development of Bahrain's oil industry. Bahrain is a regional base for numerous American banks and firms. Formal negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) are due to begin in early 2004.


Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

Manama (E), Building No. 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District • AmEmbassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE 09834-5100; International Mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama, Bahrain, Tel [973] 273-300, after-hours Tel 275-126, Fax 272-594; ADM Fax 275-418; ECO/COM Fax 256-717; PAO Tel 276-180, Fax 270-547; OMC Tel 276-962, Fax 276-046. Website: www.usembassy.com.bh

AMB:Ronald E. Neumann
AMB OMS:Kathleen A. Peterson
DCM:Robert S. Ford
POL:Gregory N. Hicks
POL/MIL:Darryll P. Baker
ECO:Desiree A. Baron
CON:Brian L. Simmons
MGT:Helen H. Hahn
RSO:Timothy G. Haley
PAO:Aleta F. Wenger
IMO:Matthew E. McClammy
OMC:COL David R. Morte
FAA:Paul H. Feldman (res. Brussels)
FAA/CASLO:Gregory Joyner (res. Rome)
LEGATT:Wilfred S. Rattigan (res. Riyadh)
ATO:Michael T. Henney (res. Dubai)
IRS:Frederick D. Pablo (res. Rome)
ENV:Rana Safadi (res. Amman)
DEA:Jeffrey Stamm (res. Islamabad)

Last Modified: Monday, December 15, 2003




TRAVEL


Consular Information Sheet
January 8, 2004


Americans planning travel to Bahrain should read the Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement and the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://travel.state.gov.


Country Description: Bahrain is a hereditary kingdom, governed by the Al-Khalifa family. In 2002, the country became a monarchy with a constitution that reinstated a legislative body, one of whose chambers is elected. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. In Bahrain, which is a modern developed country, tourist facilities are widely available. The capital is Manama.


Entry and Exit Requirements: Passports and visas are required. Two-week visas may be obtained for a fee upon arrival at the airport. Prior to travel, visitors may obtain from Bahraini embassies overseas fiveyear multiple entry visas valid for stays as long as one month. Visitors who fail to depart the country at the end of their authorized stay are heavily fined. The exact amount of the fine is determined by a formula related to the visa type, duration, and location of issuance. A small exit tax BD 3.000 is charged all travelers upon departure. Diplomatic passport holders do not pay exit tax. Residents of Bahrain who intend to return must obtain a re-entry permit before departing. For further information on entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the State of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 342-0741; or the Bahrain Permanent Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, East 44th St., New York, N. Y. 10017, telephone (212) 223-6200. Information also may be obtained from the Embassy's Internet home page at http://www.bahrainembassy.org.


In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of the relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.


Dual Nationality: The Bahrain government does not recognize dual nationality except for nationals of the GCC. Bahrain authorities have confiscated the U.S. passports of dual (Bahrain/U.S.) nationals when they applied for a Bahrain passport. This does not constitute loss of U.S. citizenship, but it should be reported to the U.S. Embassy in Manama. For additional information, please refer to the Consular Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/ and click on the Dual Nationality flyer.


Safety and Security: Americans in Bahrain should maintain a high level of security awareness. The security situation in Bahrain has changed significantly since the September 11, 2001 attack against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the initiation of U.S. military operations in Iraq, and the onset of the current cycle of violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Several anti-American demonstrations occurred in 2002, one of which resulted in the U.S. Embassy being attacked with firebombs, and in 2003 at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Isolated incidents of aggressive or violent confrontations with individual Americans also have occurred. Events in the region can spark a mass response locally and further inflame current sentiments. Visiting U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Manama upon arrival and to maintain a low profile. The U.S. Embassy in Manama recommends that visitors limit their activities to tourist attractions and major urban commercial districts, particularly at night. The U.S. Embassy in Manama suggests that all Americans maintain an unpredictable schedule and vary travel routes whenever possible. Americans also are urged to treat mail from unfamiliar sources with caution and to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects. Please report any suspicious activity, individuals, vehicles, or objects to the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Office at telephone 00973-1724-2700 or 1727 or 5126 after hours.

The Embassy informs the registered resident American community of security matters through a warden system (please see the registration section below for more information).


Crime: The crime rate in Bahrain is low and violent crime is rare. However, burglary, petty theft, and robberies do occur. Visiting Americans are urged to take the same security precautions in Bahrain that one would practice in the United States. Hotel room doors should be locked when visitors are in the rooms, and travelers are encouraged to store valuables in hotel room safes when they are available. Women are encouraged to keep their purses firmly under their arm, and men should avoid keeping their wallets in their hip pocket while in the old market area (Souk). The U.S. Embassy in Manama recommends that travelers using local taxis insist on the use of a meter since unexpectedly high fares may otherwise be charged. Bahrain has a professional police force, and visitors are encouraged to contact the police if problems are encountered.


The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist finding appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds can be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens should refer to the Department of State's pamphlets, A Safe Trip Abroad and Tips for Travelers to the Middle East and North Africa, for ways to promote a troublefree journey. The pamphlets are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.


Medical Facilities: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in Bahrain. Two government hospitals, several private hospitals, and numerous private clinics located throughout the country offer a wide range of medical services. Cardiac care, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics and dentistry services are readily available, as are x-rays, CT-scan and MRI testing. The government hospitals both house trauma and ICU units. Pharmacies are common throughout Bahrain and carry a wide range of medications. Prescriptions are normally required.


Payment at all medical facilities is due at the time of service. Some hospitals have limited direct billing capability for certain insurance carriers. Billing and insurance practices vary among the medical facilities.


Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.


When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the United States may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, please ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.


Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.


Other Health Information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, please consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information concerning Bahrain is provided for general reference only and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.


Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside/Ambulance Assistance: Fair


Travel by road in Bahrain is generally safe although unsafe driving practices are common. Highways and major roads in the northern third of Bahrain are four to six lanes wide and well maintained; roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow and twisting. As in the United States, Bahrain traffic moves on the right. Roundabouts (traffic circles) follow the British system, with those automobiles within the traffic circle having right of way over those attempting to enter. While there is a fine of at least 50 Bahrain Dinars for speeding (speed limits range from 50 to 100 km per hour), it is not uncommon to be passed by cars traveling 120 to 140 km per hour on the highway. A car flashing its high beams is generally asking for a chance to pass.


Under Bahraini law, any sign of having consumed alcohol may be taken as prima facie evidence of driving under the influence, which can lead to imprisonment and/or fines of up to 1,000 Dinars (2,700 U.S. dollars). If involved in an accident, drivers may not move their vehicles until a report has been filed with the traffic police. This is true even in cases of single-car accidents. Insurance companies may not provide coverage if the cars are moved. Both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country until the matter is resolved if an accident results in legal proceedings.

Emergency numbers are as follows:


Fire/Ambulance/Police: 999

Traffic/Accidents: 17688-888


Passers-by commonly stop to assist stranded drivers; many have mobile phones and will offer to call for assistance. Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) can call for assistance from the red and white Automobile Association boxes located on highways.


Hitchhikers are common in Bahrain. While most hitchhikers pose little threat, visitors should resist offering rides to strangers, especially in groups. While rare, young men posing as hitchhikers have carried out carjackings.


For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.


Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers, nor economic authority to operate such service between the United States and Bahrain, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Bahrain's civil aviation authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the United States at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/.


The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at telephone (618) 229-4801.


Customs Regulations: Bahrain customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import or export of items such as: firearms, knives, ammunition, or other weapons; pornography or seditious literature; and habit-forming or hallucinatory drugs. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of the State of Bahrain in Washington, D.C. or Bahrain's Consulate in New York for specific information regarding customs requirements.


Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Bahrain's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bahrain are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.


Special Circumstances: Individuals subject to Bahraini court orders arising from indebtedness, labor disagreements, or other legal disputes may be prohibited from departing Bahrain until their cases are resolved. Instances have occurred in which departure was prohibited for several years, since the legal process can be both lengthy and complex. A list of local attorneys capable of representing Americans in such matters is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manama. Businesses and banks in Bahrain no longer accept old-style U.S. one hundred dollar bills.


Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000. Adoption is extremely rare in Bahrain.


Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living in or visiting Bahrain are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manama and obtain updated information on travel and security within Bahrain. The U.S. Embassy is located at Bldg. 979, Road no. 3119, Zinj District (next to Al Ahli Sports Club). (The mailing address is P.O. Box 26431, Manama, Bahrain.) The telephone number is 00973-1724-2700. The Consular Section fax number is 973-1725-6242. The Embassy's website, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Bahrain, is http//:www.usembassy.bh.gov. The workweek in Bahrain is Saturday through Wednesday.


International Parental Child Abduction
January 2, 2002


The information below has been edited from the report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, American Citizen Services. For more information, please read the Guarding Against International Child Abduction section of this book and review current reports online at travel.state.gov


General Information: Bahrain is not a party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, nor are there any international or bilateral treaties in force between Bahrain and the United States dealing with international parental child abduction. American citizens who travel to Bahrain are subject to the jurisdiction of Bahraini courts, as well as to the country's laws and regulations. This holds true for all legal matters including child custody. Parents planning to travel with their children to Bahrain should bear this in mind.


Custody Disputes: There is no specific law in Bahrain governing child custody, with each dispute examined on a case-by-case basis. When child custody disputes arise between parents, one of whom is a citizen of Bahrain, custody decisions are based on Islamic (Shari'a) law. Two separate Islamic courts, representing the jurisprudence of the Sunni and Shi'a Islamic sects, enforce divergent interpretations of Islamic law. In general, the marriage contract determines which court will exercise jurisdiction. If the contract is silent on this issue, the court representing the husband's sect will have jurisdiction. Non-Bahraini nationals, whether married to a Bahraini or other national, may file custody cases through a lawyer approved to practice in Bahrain in the court in which the marriage was legalized, whether Sunni, Shia or civil. Non-Muslims are permitted to file cases in the Bahrain civil court.

In determining issues of custody, Bahraini courts consider the parents' religion, place of permanent residence, income, and the mother's subsequent marital status. Priority is generally given to a Muslim father, irrespective of his nationality. Under Shari'a law a Muslim mother is usually granted custody of girls under the age of nine and boys under the age of seven, at which time custody is transferred to the father. If the mother is unavailable, an infant may be given to the grandmother on the mother's side until s/he reaches the age of seven or nine.


If the court finds the mother "incompetent," custody of the child, regardless of age, can be given to the father, or to the child's paternal grandmother. A finding of incompetence is left to the discretion of the Shari'a judge. Shari'a courts have found parents incompetent if they are not Muslim or if they engage in behavior that is considered to be inconsistent with the Islamic faith. Remarriage to a non-Bahraini may be considered grounds for a finding of incompetence. Under Shari'a law, if a mother removes a child from the father thus denying him access, the mother's custody rights can be severed. If both the mother and father are ruled incompetent, custody of the children is given to the women on the father's side of the family.


If a child has attained the "age of discretion," that child may be allowed to choose the parent with whom he or she wishes to live. Since the "age of discretion" has no clear definition, a Bahraini lawyer should be contacted to discuss any specific case.


Persons who wish to pursue a child custody claim in a Bahraini court should retain an attorney in Bahrain. The U.S. Embassy in Manama maintains a list of attorneys willing to represent American clients. A copy of this list may be obtained by contacting the Embassy or the U.S. Department of State. U.S. government officials cannot recommend an attorney and make no claim as to the professional ability or integrity of the attorneys on this list. The U.S. government does not pay legal expenses. A copy of this list may be obtained by contacting the following offices.


U.S. Embassy Manama
American Embassy
Box 26431
Manama, Bahrain
Phone: 973-273-300
After hours: 973-275-126
Fax: 973-272-594
Work Week: Saturday through Wednesday


U.S. Department of State
Office of Children's Issues
SA-29 U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520-2818
Phone: (202) 312-9700
Fax: (202) 312-9743

Specific questions regarding child custody in Bahrain should be addressed to a Bahraini attorney or to the Embassy of Bahrain at:

Embassy of the State of Bahrain
3502 International Drive, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Phone: (202) 342-0741
Fax: (202) 362-2192


Enforcement of Foreign Judgments: Custody orders and judgments of foreign courts are not enforceable in Bahrain if they potentially contradict or violate local laws and practices. For example, an order from a U.S. court granting custody to an American mother may not be honored in Bahrain if the mother intends to take the child to live outside Bahrain. Courts in Bahrain will not enforce U.S. court decrees ordering a parent in Bahrain to pay child support.


Visitation Rights: Non-custodial parents (both the mother and father) are entitled to visitation by prior arrangement of the competent court. Neither the court nor a custodial parent has the authority to stop a non-Bahraini parent from entering Bahrain to visit the child.

Dual Nationality: Dual nationality is not recognized under Bahraini law. Children of Bahraini fathers automatically acquire Bahraini citizenship at birth, regardless of where the child was born. Bahraini women can only transmit citizenship in rare instances when there is official intervention from the Bahraini government. Bahrainis must enter and leave the country on Bahraini passports even if they are entitled to hold the passport of another country.


Travel Restrictions: No exit visas are required to leave Bahrain. When a custody case is before the local court, children, regardless of their nationality, are generally subject to court-imposed travel restrictions. Either parent can request that a court issue an order restricting the travel of minor children, and immigration authorities will enforce that travel restriction. This travel restriction applies to children who are American citizens.

Bahrain

views updated May 18 2018

Bahrain

PROFILE
PEOPLE
HISTORY
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
ECONOMY
DEFENSE
FOREIGN RELATIONS
U.S.-BAHRAINI RELATIONS
TRAVEL

Compiled from the October 2007 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:

Kingdom of Bahrain

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 727 sq. km. (274 sq. mi.); approximately four times the size of Washington, DC. Bahrain is an archipelago of 36 islands located off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The four main islands are joined by causeways, and make up about 95% of the total land area.

Cities: Capital—Manama, pop. (2002 est.) 148,000. Other cities—Al Muharraq.

Terrain: Low desert plain (highest elevation point—122 m).

Climate: Hot and humid from May-September, with average highs ranging from 30°-40° C (86°-104° F). Maximum temperatures average 20°-30° C (68°-86° F) the remainder of the year.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Bahraini(s).

Population: (July 2007 est.) 708,535, including about 235,108 non-nationals.

Annual growth rate: (2007 est.) 1.39%.

Ethnic groups: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%.

Religions: 98% Muslim (approximately Shi'a 70%, Sunni 30%), with small Christian, Jewish and Hindu communities.

Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.

Education: Education is not compulsory, but is provided free to Bahrainis and non-nationals at all levels, including higher education. Estimated net primary school attendance (1991-2001)-84%. Adult literacy, age 15 and over (2003 est.)-89.1% for the overall population (male 91.9%, female 85%).

Health: Infant mortality rate (2007 est.)-16.18 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy-72 yrs. males, 77 yrs. females.

Work force: (2006 est.) 352,000 of which 44% are foreigners.

Government

Type: Constitutional hereditary monarchy.

Independence: August 15, 1971 (from the United Kingdom).

Constitution: Approved and promulgated May 26, 1973; suspended on August 26, 1975; the National Action Charter was approved by a national popular referendum on February 14-15, 2001, and a new constitution was issued on February 14, 2002.

Government branches: Executive—King (chief of state); Prime Minister (head of government); Council of Ministers (cabinet) is appointed by the King and headed by the Prime Minister. Legislative—The bicameral parliament (al-Majlis al-Watani) consists of a 40-member elected Council of Representatives (elected in December 2006; next election scheduled for 2010) and a 40-member Shura (Consultative) Council appointed by the King. Members of both chambers serve four-year terms. Judicial—High Civil Appeals Court. The judiciary is independent with right ofjudicial review.

Political subdivisions: 12 municipalities (manatiq) Al Hidd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa′ wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat ′Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah.

Political parties: al Wifag, al Asala, al Minbar, al Mustaqbil.

Suffrage: Universal at age 18.

Economy

GDP: (2006 est.) $12.07 billion.

Real GDP growth rate: (2006 est.) 7.1%.

Per capita GDP: (2006 est.) $20,600.

Natural resources: Oil, aluminum, textiles, natural gas, fish, pearls.

Agriculture: (less than 1% of GDP) Products—fruit, vegetables, poultry, dairy products, shrimp, fish.

Industry: Types—oil and gas (13.1% of GDP), manufacturing (12.4% of GDP), aluminum.

Services: Finance (24.2% of GDP), transport and communications (8.9% of GDP), real estate (9.2% of GDP); government services (14.8% of GDP).

Trade: (2006 est.) Exports—$12.62 billion: oil and other mineral products, aluminum, textiles. Major markets— Saudi Arabia (3.2%), U.S. (3%), Japan (2.3%). Imports—$9.04 billion: crude oil, machinery and appliances, transport equipment, foodstuffs. Major suppliers—Saudi Arabia (37.3%), Japan (6.8%), U.S. (6.2%), U.K. (6.2%), Germany (5%), U.A.E. (4.2%).

PEOPLE

Bahrain is one of the most densely populated countries in the world; about 89% of the population lives in the two principal cities of Manama and Al Muharraq. Approximately 66% of the indigenous population is originally from the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Bahrain currently has a sizeable foreign labor force (about 34% of the total population). The government's policies on naturalization remain controversial. In June 2002, the King issued a decree allowing citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to take up dual Bahraini nationality. Opposition political groups charge that the government is granting citizenship to foreign nationals who have served in the Bahraini armed forces and security services to alter the demographic balance of the country, which is primarily Shi’a. According to passport officials, about 40,000 individuals have been naturalized over the past 50 years (about 10% of the total population).

The indigenous population is 98% Muslim. Although some two-thirds of the indigenous population is Shi’a Muslim, the ruling family and the majority of government, military, and corporate leaders are Sunni Muslims. The small indigenous Christian and Jewish communities make up the remaining 2% of the population. Roughly half of foreign resident community are non-Muslim, and include Christians, Hindus, Baha’is, Buddhists and Sikhs.

Bahrain has invested its oil revenues in developing an advanced educational system. The first public schools for girls and boys were opened in the 1920s. The government continues to pay for all schooling costs. Although school attendance is not compulsory, primary and secondary attendance rates are high, and literacy rates are currently among the highest in the region. Higher education is available for secondary school graduates at the Bahrain University, Arabian Gulf University and specialized institutes including the College of Health Sciences—operating under the direction of the Ministry of Health—which trains physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and paramedics. The government has identified providing educational services to the Gulf Cooperation Council as a potential economic growth area, and is actively working to establish Bahrain as a regional center for higher education.

HISTORY

The site of the ancient Bronze Age civilization of Dilmun, Bahrain was an important center linking trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley as early as 5,000 years ago. The Dilmun civilization began to decline about 2,000 B.C. as trade from India was cut off. From 750 B.C. on, Assyrian kings repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the islands. Shortly after 600 B.C., Dilmun was formally incorporated into the new Babylonian empire. There are no historical references to Bahrain until Alexander the Great's arrival in the Gulf in the 4th century B.C. Although Bahrain was ruled variously by the Arab tribes of Bani Wa’el and Persian governors, Bahrain continued to be known by its Greek name Tylos until the 7th century, when many of its inhabitants converted to Islam. A regional pearling and trade center, Bahrain came under the control of the Ummayad Caliphs of Syria, the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad, Persian, Omani and Portuguese forces at various times from the 7th century until the Al Khalifa family, a branch of the Bani Utbah tribe that have ruled Bahrain since the 18th century, succeeded in capturing Bahrain from a Persian garrison controlling the islands in 1783.

In the 1830s the Al Khalifa signed the first of many treaties establishing Bahrain as a British Protectorate. Similar to the binding treaties of protection entered into by other Persian Gulf principalities, the agreements entered into by the Al Khalifa prohibited them from disposing of territory and entering into relationships with any foreign government without British consent in exchange for British protection against the threat of military attack from Ottoman Turkey. The main British naval base in the region was moved to Bahrain in 1935 shortly after the start of large-scale oil production.

In 1968, when the British Government announced its decision (reaffirmed in March 1971) to end the treaty relationships with the Persian Gulf sheikdoms, Bahrain initially joined the other eight states (Qatar and the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms now the United Arab Emirates) under British protection in an effort to form a union of Arab emirates. The nine sheikhdoms still had not agreed on terms of union by 1971, however, prompting Bahrain to declare itself fully independent on August 15, 1971.

Bahrain promulgated a constitution and elected its first parliament in 1973, but just two years later, in August 1975, the Amir disbanded the National Assembly after it attempted to legislate the end of Al-Khalifa rule and the expulsion of the U.S. Navy from Bahrain. In the 1990s, Bahrain suffered from repeated incidents of political violence stemming from the disaffection of the Shi’a majority. In response, the Amir instituted the first Bahraini cabinet change in 20 years in 1995 and also and increased the membership of the Consultative Council, which he had created in 1993 to provide advice and opinion on legislation proposed by the cabinet and, in certain cases, suggest new laws on its own, from 30 to 40 the following year. These steps led to an initial decline in violent incidents, but in early 1996 a number of hotels and restaurants were bombed, resulting in several fatalities. Over 1,000 people were arrested and held in detention without trial in connection with these disturbances. The government has since released these individuals.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa succeeded the throne in March 1999, after the death of his father Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's ruler since 1961. He championed a program of democratic reform shortly after his succession. In November 2000, Shaikh Hamad established a committee to create a blueprint to transform Bahrain from a hereditary emirate to a constitutional monarchy within 2 years.

The resulting “National Action Charter” was presented to the Bahraini public in a referendum in February 2001. In the first comprehensive public vote in Bahrain since the 1970s, 94.8% of voters overwhelmingly endorsed the charter.

That same month, Shaikh Hamad pardoned all political prisoners and detainees, including those who had been imprisoned, exiled or detained on security charges. He also abolished the State Security Law and the State Security Court, which had permitted the government to detain individuals without trial for up to 3 years.

On February 14, 2002, one year after the referendum endorsing his National Action Charter, Shaikh Hamad pronounced Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and changed his status from Amir to King. He simultaneously announced that the first municipal elections since 1957 would be held in May 2002, and that a bicameral parliament, with a representative lower house, would be reconstituted with parliamentary

elections in October 2002. As part of these constitutional reforms, the government also created an independent financial watchdog empowered to investigate cases of embezzlement and violations of state expenditure in July 2002.

Turnout for the May 2002 municipal elections was 51%, with female voters making up 52% percent of voters. Turnout for the 2002 parliamentary elections—the first in almost three decades—was 53% in the first round and 43% in the second round, despite the fact that four political societies, including the largest Shi’a society, organized a boycott to protest constitutional provisions enacted by the King that gave the appointed upper chamber of parliament voting rights equal to the elected lower chamber. The new parliament held its first joint sitting in December 2002. Bahrain held its second set of parliamentary and municipal elections in November and December 2006. All registered political societies participated in the elections and a Shia society, Al Wifaq, now represents the largest single bloc inside the Council of Representatives. Thirty-two of the Council's 40 members represent Sunni and Shia Islamist societies. One woman, Lateefah Al-Qauod, ran uncontested and became the first woman elected to parliament in Bahrain.

Bahrain has a complex system of courts, based on diverse legal sources, including Sunni and Shi’a Sharia (religious law), tribal law, and other civil codes and regulations created with the help of British advisers in the early 20th century. In 2001, Shaikh Hamad created the Supreme Judicial Council to regulate these courts and separate the administrative and judicial branches of government.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 2/1/2008

King: HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa

Prime Min.: KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa

Dep. Prime Min.: ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa

Dep. Prime Min.: Jawad al-ARAIDH

Dep. Prime Min.: MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak al-Khalifa

Min. of King's Court Affairs: ALI bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa

Min. of Communication: ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa

Min. of Defense: KHALIFA bin Ahmad al-Khalifa, Maj. Gen.

Min. of Education: Majid bin Ali Hasan al-NUAYMI

Min. of Electricity & Water: ABDALLAH bin Salman al-Khalifa

Min. of Finance & Economy: AHMAD bin Muhammad bin Hamad bin Abdallah al-Khalifa

Min. of Foreign Affairs: KHALID bin Ahmad al-Khalifa

Min. of Health: Faysal al-HAMMER, Dr.

Min. of Industry & Commerce: HASAN bin Abdallah al-Fakhru

Min. of Information: Jihad BUKAMAL

Min. of Interior: RASHID bin Abdallah bin Ahmad al-Khalifa

Min. of Islamic Affairs: KHALID bin Ali al-Khalifa

Min. of Justice: KHALID bin Ali al-Khalifa

Min. of Labor: Majid bin Muhsin al-ALAWI

Min. of Municipalities & AgriculturalAffairs: Mansur bin RAJAB

Min. of Oil & Gas: Abd al-HusaynMIRZA

Min. of Public Works & Housing: Fahmibin Ali al-JAWDAR

Min. of Social Affairs: Fatima bintAhmad al-BALUSHI

Min. of Transportation: ALI bin Khalifaal-Khalifa

Min. of State for Cabinet Affairs: AHMADbin Atiyatallah al-Khalifa

Min. of State for Defense: MUHAMMADbin Abdallah al-Khalifa

Min. of State for Foreign Affairs: Nizar al-BAHARNA

Min. of State for Shura Council Affairs & Parliament: Abd al-Aziz bin Muhammad al-FADHIL

Attorney Gen.: ABD al-Rahman bin Jabir al-Khalifa

Dir., Bahrain National Security Agency: KHALIFA bin Ali bin Rashid

Chmn., Central Bank of Bahrain: KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa

Governor, Central Bank of Bahrain: Rashid bin Muhammad al-MARAJ

Ambassador to the US: Nasir bin Muhammad al-BALUSHI

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Tawfiq Ahmad Khalil al-MANSUR

Bahrain maintains an embassy in the United States at 3502 International Drive N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; tel: [1] (202) 342-1111; fax: [1] (202) 362-2192. The Bahraini Mission to the UN is located at 866 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; tel: [1] (212)223-6200; fax [1] (212) 319-0687.

ECONOMY

The first Gulf state to discover oil, Bahrain's reserves are expected to run out in 10-15 years. Accordingly, Bahrain has worked to diversify its economy over the past decade and has stabilized its oil production at about 40,000 barrels per day (b/d). Revenues from oil and natural gas currently account for 11.1% of GDP yet currently provide about 76% of government income. The state-owned Bahrain Petroleum Company refinery built in 1935, the first in the Gulf, has a capacity of about 260,000 b/d. Saudi Arabia provides most of the crude for refinery operation via pipeline. Through an agreement with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain also receives half of the net output and revenues from Saudi Arabia's Abu Saafa offshore oilfield.

The Bahrain National Gas Company operates a gas liquefaction plant that utilizes gas piped directly from Bahrain's oilfields. Gas reserves should last about 50 years at present rates of consumption. However, rising domestic demand spurred by a recent development boom has highlighted the need to increase gas supplies. The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company is a joint venture of the petrochemical industries of Kuwait, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, and the Government of Bahrain. The plant, completed in 1985, produces ammonia and methanol for export. Growth in the hydrocarbons sector will be contingent upon new discoveries—Bahrain awarded exploration rights to Malaysia's Petronas and the U.S.'s Chevron Texaco after the resolution of Bahrain's long-standing territorial dispute with Qatar, but no meaningful finds have been announced to date. Bahrain's other industries include the majority state-owned Aluminum Bahrain (Alba)—which operates the largest aluminum smelter in the world outside Eastern Europe with an annual production of about 843,000 metric tons (mt) in 2005 after the completion of an expansion program—and related factories, such as the Aluminum Extrusion Company and the Gulf Aluminum Rolling Mill. Other plants include the Arab Iron and Steel Company's iron ore pelletizing plant (4 million tons annually) and a shipbuilding and repair yard.

Bahrain's development as a major financial center has been the most widely heralded aspect of its diversification effort. Bahrain is a regional financial and business center; international financial institutions operate in Bahrain, both offshore and onshore, without impediments, and the financial sector is currently the largest contributor to GDP at 27.6%. Some 370 offshore banking units and representative offices are located in Bahrain, as well as 65 American firms. Bahrain has also made a concerted effort to become the leading Islamic finance center in the Arab world, standardizing regulations of the Islamic banking industry. It currently has 32 Islamic commercial, investment and leasing banks as well as Islamic insurance (takaful) companies—the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions in the Middle East.

Bahrain is working to develop other service industries such as information technology, healthcare and education. The government has used its oil revenues to build an advanced infrastructure in transportation and telecommunications. The state monopoly—Batelco—was broken in April 2003 following the establishment of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). Since that time, the TRA has granted some 63 licenses in the interest of promoting healthy industry competition.

Bahrain plans to expand its airport, one of the busiest in the Gulf. More than 4.8 million passengers transited Bahrain International Airport in 2005. A modern, busy port offers direct and frequent cargo shipping connections to the U.S., Europe, and the Far East. To boost its competitiveness as a regional center, Bahrain is building a new port and has privatized port operations.

The government of Bahrain moved toward privatizing the production of electricity and water by licensing Al Ezzal to construct an independent power plant at a cost of $500 million. The company commenced operations in May 2006. In January 2006, the government announced the sale of the Al Hidd Power Plant for $738 million to Hidd Power Company, a consortium of British, Japanese, and Belgian companies.

Regional tourism is also a significant source of income. The government continues to favor large-scale tourism projects. It opened the only Formula One race track in the Middle East in 2004, and has awarded tenders for several tourist complexes. New hotel and spa projects are progressing within the context of broader real estate development, much of which is geared toward attracting increased tourism.

Government revenues continue to be largely dependent on the oil industry. Bahrain has received significant budgetary support and project grants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Buoyed by rising oil revenues, the 2007-2008 budget approved by the parliament in July 2006 provides for sizable increases in urban development, education, and social spending. Ministry of Defense spending will account for 13% of current spending in 2007 and 2008 based on the new budget. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of the Interior also receive substantial budget allocations. Significant capital outlays have been allocated to improving housing and infrastructure in line with government efforts to raise the standard of living of the Shi’a population and to attract foreign investment.

The government has also started to extend protections to workers. Private sector employees won permission to form unions in late 2002; King Hamad has given his tentative approval for the formation of unions in government departments. In June 2006, Bahrain passed laws legalizing the existence of multiple trade federations and codifying several protections for workers engaged in union activity. As part of the government's labor reform program, it has formed a Labor Market Regulatory Authority and established a fund to support the training of Bahraini workers. In 2006, bilateral trade exceeded $1 billion for the first time, representing almost 50% growth over 2005. The U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement took effect on August 1, 2006 and is generating increased U.S. commercial interest in Bahrain.

DEFENSE

The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) numbers about 12,000 personnel and consists of army, navy, air force, air defense, and royal guard units. The public security forces and the coast guard are separate from the BDF and report to the Ministry of the Interior. Bahrain also has a national guard that consists of about 1,200 personnel. Bahrain's defense spending since 1999 has been steady. The government spends around $630 million annually on the military, about 20% of current expenditures. The parliamentary process has produced spirited debate over government spending, particularly defense spending, but no actual reductions.

With the help of the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bahrain has made significant efforts to upgrade its defense systems and modernize its armed forces over the last 20 years. In 1982, the GCC gave Bahrain $1.7 billion for this purpose. Since the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S. has provided military and defense technical assistance and training to Bahrain from Foreign Military Sales (FMS), commercial sources, excess defense article sales (EDA) and under the International Military and Education Training (IMET) program. The U.S. Office of Military Cooperation in Bahrain is attached to the U.S. Embassy and manages the security assistance mission.

U.S. military sales to Bahrain since 2000 total $608.9 million. Principal U.S. military systems acquired by the BDF include eight Apache helicopters, 54 M60A3 tanks, 22 F-16C/D aircraft, 20 Cobra helicopters, 20 M109A5 Howitzers, 1 Avenger AD system, and the TPS-59 radar system. Bahrain has received $410 million in U.S. EDA acquisition value delivered since the U.S.-Bahraini program began in 1993.

Military exercises are conducted on a regular basis to increase the BDF's readiness and improve coordination with the U.S. and other GCC forces. The BDF also sends personnel to the United States for military training. This training includes courses from graduate level professional military education down to entry level technical training.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Since achieving independence in 1971, Bahrain has pursued a policy of close consultation with neighboring states. Bahrain became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. In 1981 it joined its five neighbors—Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the U.A.E. and Qatar—to form the strategic Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Bahrain has complied with GCC efforts steps to coordinate economic development and defense and security planning. In December 1994, for example, Bahrain concurred with the GCC decision to drop secondary and tertiary boycotts against Israel. Bahrain also responded positively to Kuwait's request to deploy the GCC collective defense force, “Peninsula Shield,” during the build up and execution of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003.

In addition to maintaining strong relations with its largest financial backers, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the U.A.E., Bahrain has worked to improve its relations with Qatar and has proper, but not warm, relations with Iran. Bahrain-Iran relations have been strained since the discovery in 1981 of an Iran-sponsored coup plot in Bahrain. Bahraini suspicions of the Iranian role in local unrest in the mid-1990s remain. On March 16, 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced its judgment on the long-standing maritime delimitation and territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar. The binding judgment awarded sovereignty over the Hawar Islands and Qit'at Jaradah to Bahrain and sovereignty over Zubarah (part of the Qatar Peninsula), Janan Island and Fasht ad Dibal to Qatar. The peaceful settlement of this dispute has allowed for renewed co-operation, including plans to construct a causeway between the two countries.

Bahrain's strategic partnership with the U.S. has intensified since 1991. Bahraini pilots flew strikes in Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War, and the country was used as a base for military operations in the Gulf. Bahrain also provided logistical and basing support to international Maritime Interdiction efforts to enforce UN sanctions and prevent illegal smuggling of oil from Iraq in the 1990s. Bahrain also provided extensive basing and overflight clearances for a multitude of U.S. aircraft operating in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Bahrain also deployed forces in support of Coalition operations during both OEF and OIF. Bahrain has delivered humanitarian support and technical training to support the reconstruction of the Iraqi banking sector, and has offered support for each stage of Iraq's political transformation. Bahrain has also cooperated effectively on criminal investigation issues in support of the campaign on terrorism; the Bahrain Monetary Agency (which became the Central Bank of Bahrain in September 2006) moved quickly to restrict terrorists’ ability to transfer funds through Bahrain's financial system. In October 2006, Bahrain joined the U.S. and 23 other countries in a Proliferation Security Initiative interdiction exercise in the Persian Gulf.

U.S.-BAHRAINI RELATIONS

The American Mission Hospital, affiliated with the National Evangelical Church, has operated continuously in Bahrain for more than a century. Bahrain has also been a base for U.S. naval activity in the Gulf since 1947. When Bahrain became independent, the U.S.-Bahrain relationship was formalized with the establishment of diplomatic relations. The U.S. embassy at Manama was opened September 21, 1971, and a resident ambassador was sent in 1974. The Bahraini embassy in Washington, DC, opened in 1977. In October 1991, Amir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa made a state visit to Washington. In 2001, Amir Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa made his first visit to the U.S. after succeeding his father in 1999. He returned to Washington on an official visit in January 2003. King Hamad made an official visit to Washington in November 2004 to meet with President Bush and cabinet-level officials.

Bahrain and the United States signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement in October 1991 granting U.S. forces access to Bahraini facilities and ensuring the right to pre-position material for future crises. Bahrain is the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet. The U.S. designated Bahrain a Major Non-NATO Ally in October 2001.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

Last Updated: 2/19/2008

MANAMA (E) Building 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District, APO/ FPO Unit 6210 Box 103 FPO AE 09809-0103, 973-1724-2700/ VoIP:202-448-5131, Fax 973-1727-2594, Workweek: Sun to Thurs, 0800-1700, Website: http://manama.usembassy.gov.

DCM OMS:Carolyn Jacobs
AMB OMS:Jennifer Harrison
ECO:Steve Simpson
FM:Ricardo Cruz
HRO:Joy Davies
MGT:Raymond Kengott
POL ECO:Steve Butler
AMB:Adam J. Ereli
CON:Phillip Richards
DCM:Christopher Henzel
PAO:Helen Lafave
GSO:Sue Ostrem
RSO:Lance Bailey
ATO:Mike Henney (Res. Dubai)
CLO:Jeanette Newell
DAO:Ivar S. Tait
DEA:Donald Barnes (Res. Cairo)
FAA:Paul Feldman (Res. Brussels)
FAA/CASLO:Karl Brown (Res Rome)

ICASS:
Chair Ivar S. Tait
IMO:William T Bonnett, II
IPO:Craig Carter
IRS:Kathy J. Beck (Res. In Paris)
ISO:Christophe Hickey
ISSO:Christophe Hickey
LEGATT:Danny Harrell (Res. Riyadh)
MLO COL:Kevin Kyger

The U.S. Embassy in Bahrain is located off Sheikh Isa Highway, at Building 979, Road 3119, Block 321, Zinj, Manama, Bahrain. The mailing address is P.O. Box 26431, Manama, Bahrain; tel: [973] 242-700; fax: [973] 272-594. The embassy's hours of operation outside of Ramadan are 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sundays-Thursdays.

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

November 23, 2007

Country Description: Bahrain is a hereditary kingdom governed by the Al-Khalifa family. In 2002, the country adopted a new constitution that reinstated a parliament, which consists of one elected and one appointed chamber. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Bahrain is a modern, developed country and tourist facilities are widely available. The capital is Manama.

Entry Requirements: A passport and a visa are required. Passports should be valid for at least six months after date of arrival. U.S. passport holders outside of Bahrain may apply and pay for a two-week tourist visa online through the Bahraini government web site at http://www.evisa.gov.bh, or may obtain it upon arrival at the airport. U.S. diplomatic passport holders receive a no-fee two-week visa. Prior to travel, visitors may obtain five-year multiple-entry visas valid for stays as long as one month from Bahraini embassies overseas. Bahrain assesses heavy fines on visitors who fail to depart Bahrain at the end of their authorized stay. The amount of the fine is determined by a formula related to the visa type, duration, and location of issuance. An exit tax is included in the ticket price for flights out of Bahrain, and no additional exit fees are required upon departure. Residents of Bahrain who intend to return must obtain a reentry permit before departing. For further information on entry/exit requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 342-1111; or the Bahrain Permanent Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, East 44th St., New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 223-6200. Visit the Embassy of Bahrain web site at www.bahrainembassy.org for the most current visa information.

Safety and Security: Americans in Bahrain should maintain a high level of security awareness. Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Bahrain from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Information regarding demonstrations in Bahrain can be found on the U.S. Embassy Manama's web site at http://bahrain.usembassy.gov/information_for_travelers.html. Visiting U.S. citizens should register with the U.S. Embassy in Manama upon arrival. The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with caution. In addition, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of the objects to local authorities. Please report any security concerns to the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Office at telephone (973) 1724-2700 during office hours or (973) 1727-5126 after hours.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site, where the current Worldwide Caution Travel Alert, Middle East and North Africa Travel Alert, Travel Warnings and other Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.

Crime: The crime rate in Bahrain is low and violent crime is rare. However, burglary, petty theft, and robberies do occur. Visiting Americans are urged to take the same security precautions in Bahrain that one would practice in the United States. Hotel room doors should be locked when visitors are in their rooms, and travelers are encouraged to store valuables in hotel room safes when they are available. Women are encouraged to keep their purses firmly under their arms, and men should avoid keeping their wallets in their hip pockets while in the old market area. The U.S. Embassy in Manama recommends that travelers using local taxis insist on the use of a meter since unexpectedly high fares may otherwise be charged. Bahrain has a professional police force, and visitors are encouraged to contact the police if problems are encountered.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the U.S. Embassy. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance. The Embassy staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how to transfer funds. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in Bahrain. Two government hospitals, several private hospitals, and numerous private clinics located throughout the country offer a wide range of medical services. Cardiac care, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics and dentistry services are readily available, as are x-rays, CT-scan and MRI testing. The government hospitals house both trauma and ICU units. Pharmacies are common throughout Bahrain and carry a wide range of medications. Prescriptions are normally required.

Payment at all medical facilities is due at the time of service. Some hospitals have limited direct billing capability for certain insurance carriers. Billing and insurance practices vary among the medical facilities.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bahrain is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Travel by road in Bahrain is generally safe although unsafe driving practices are common. Highways and major roads in the northern third of Bahrain are four to six lanes wide and well maintained; roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow and twisting. As in the United States, traffic in Bahrain moves on the right. Roundabouts (traffic circles) follow the British system, with those automobiles within the traffic circle having right of way over those attempting to enter. Although the Bahraini penal code calls for fines of up to 100 dinars ($270.00) or imprisonment of up to six months for driving above posted speed limits, it is not uncommon for drivers to drive well over the posted speed limits of 50-120 km per hour. The law allows the police to detain drivers for traffic violations until they can appear before a magistrate. It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving.

Under Bahraini law, any sign of having consumed alcohol may be taken as prima facie evidence of driving under the influence, which can lead to imprisonment and/or fines of up to 1,000 Bahraini Dinars (2,700 U.S. dollars). Except for minor accidents, drivers may not move their vehicles after an accident until a report has been filed with the traffic police. This is true even in cases of single-car accidents. Insurance companies may not provide coverage if the cars are moved. However, drivers involved in minor, non-injury accidents no longer need to wait at the scene for the police. Individuals should get their vehicles off the road to avoid further accidents. Drivers can call the accident hotline at 199 (if there are no injuries) or 999 (when someone is injured) where they will be directed to one of five centers to file the accident report. This report must be file within 24 hours of the accident. Both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country until the matter is resolved if an accident results in legal proceedings. The main switchboard at the traffic department is 1787-2222.

Emergency numbers are as follows:
Fire/Ambulance/Police: 999
Traffic/Accidents: 199 (no injuries) OR 999 (injuries)

Visit the web site of Bahrain's national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.traffic.gov.bh/main.htm.

Aviation Safety Oversight: Asthere is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Bahrain, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Bahrain's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's web site at http://www.faa.gov.

Special Circumstances: Individuals subject to Bahraini court orders arising from indebtedness, labor disagreements, or other legal disputes may be prevented from departing Bahrain until their cases are resolved. Instances have occurred in which departure was prohibited for several years, since the legal process can be both lengthy and complex. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manama maintains a list of local attorneys capable of representing Americans.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Persons violating Bahrain's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Disrespect to officials in word or deed can result in heavy fines. Travelers who are driving should be aware that one drink may be sufficient grounds for a DUI arrest. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bahrain are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues : For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family.

Registration and Embassy Locations: Americans living or traveling in Bahrain are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bahrain. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Bldg. 979, Road no. 3119, Zinj District (next to Al Ahli Sports Club). The mailing address is P.O. Box 26431, Manama, Bahrain. The telephone number is (973) 1724-2700. The after-hours number is (973) 1727-5126. The Consular Section's fax number is (973) 1725-6242. The Embassy's website, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Bahrain, is at http://bahrain.usembassy.gov. The workweek in Bahrain is Sunday through Thursday.

International Adoption

June 2001

The information in this section has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at http://travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer: The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.

The Ministry of Islamic and Justice Affairs has informed the American Embassy in Manama, that adoption is not possible in Bahrain. Muslims from birth may support a child whose father is not known, however, the child cannot inherit or take the name of the family providing support, nor can the child depart Bahrain with this family. These restrictions extend to third country national children, who are considered citizens of Bahrain when the biological father is not known. Prospective American Guardians may want to review our Shari’a Adoption Flyer on Guardianship in Muslim Countries.

Specific questions regarding adoption issues may be addressed to:

Embassy of the State of Bahrain
3502 International Drive, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: (202) 342-0741
Fax: (202) 362-2192
Bahrain also has a consulate in New York City, New York.

U.S. Embassy Manama
Box 26431
Manama, Bahrain
Zinj, Bahrain

Additional Information: Prospective adoptive parents are strongly encouraged to consult USCIS publication M-249, The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children, as well as the Department of State publication, International Adoptions for general information on international adoptions.

Questions: Specific questions regarding adoption in Bahrain may be addressed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Bahrain. You may also contact the Office of Children's Issues, SA-29, 2201 C Street, NW, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-2818, telephone 1-888-407-4747 with specific questions.

Bahrain

views updated Jun 11 2018

Bahrain

Compiled from the October 2006 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Kingdom of Bahrain

PROFILE

PEOPLE

HISTORY

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

ECONOMY

DEFENSE

FOREIGN RELATIONS

U.S.-BAHRAINI RELATIONS

TRAVEL

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 727 sq. km. (274 sq. mi.); approximately four times the size of Washington, DC. Bahrain is an archipelago of 36 islands located off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The four main islands are joined by causeways, and make up about 95% of the total land area.

Cities: Capital—Manama, pop. (2002 est.) 148,000. Other cities—Al Muharraq.

Terrain: Low desert plain (highest elevation point—122 m).

Climate: Hot and humid from May-September, with average highs ranging from 30o-40o C (86o-104o F). Maximum temperatures average 20o-30o C (68o-86o F) the remainder of the year.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Bahraini(s).

Population: (July 2005 est.) 688,345, including about 235,108 non-nationals.

Annual growth rate: (2005 est.) 1.51%.

Ethnic groups: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%.

Religions: 98% Muslim (Shi’a 70%, Sunni 30%), with small Christian, Jewish and Hindu communities.

Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.

Education: Education is not compulsory, but is provided free to Bahrainis and non-nationals at all levels, including higher education. Estimated net primary school attendance (1991-2001)—84%. Adult literacy, age 15 and over (2003 est.)—89.1% for the overall population (male 91.9%, female 85%).

Health: Infant mortality rate (2005 est.)—17.27 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy—72 yrs. males, 77 yrs. females.

Work force: (2005 est.) 380,000 of which 59% are foreigners and 20.8% female.

Government

Type: Constitutional hereditary monarchy.

Independence: August 15, 1971 (from the United Kingdom).

Constitution: Approved and promulgated May 26, 1973; suspended on August 26, 1975; the National Action Charter was approved by a national popular referendum on February 14-15, 2001, and a new constitution was issued on February 14, 2002.

Government branches: Executive—King (chief of state); Prime Minister (head of government); Council of Ministers (cabinet) is appointed by the King and headed by the Prime Minister. Legislative—The bicameral parliament (al-Majlis al-Watani) consists of a 40-member elected House of Deputies and a 40-member Shura Council appointed by the King. Members of both chambers serve four-year terms. Judicial—High Civil Appeals Court. The judiciary is independent with right of judicial review.

Political subdivisions: 12 municipalities (manatiq) Al Hidd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa’ wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat ‘Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah.

Political parties: None. Formal parties are banned, but political societies have been sanctioned since 2001 and were formally allowed to register per a July 2005 law.

Suffrage: Universal at age 18.

Economy

GDP: (2005 est.) $11.58 billion.

Real GDP growth rate: (2005 est.) 5.9%.

Per capita GDP: (2005 est.) $20,500.

Natural resources: Oil, natural gas, fish, pearls.

Agriculture: (less than 1% of GDP) Products—fruit, vegetables, poultry, dairy products, shrimp, fish.

Industry: Types—oil and gas (13.1% of GDP), manufacturing (12.4% of GDP), aluminum.

Services: Finance (24.2% of GDP), transport and communications (8.9% of GDP), real estate (9.2% of GDP); government services (14.8% of GDP).

Trade: (2004—12.4% of GDP) Exports—$8.14 billion: oil and other mineral products, base metals, textiles. Major markets—India (4.3%), U.S. (2.9%), Saudi Arabia (3.0%), Japan (1.7%), South Korea (1.4%). Imports—$7.83 billion: crude oil, machinery and appliances, transport equipment, foodstuffs. Major suppliers—Saudi Arabia (32.4%), U.S. (5.6%), France (4.8%), U.K. (6.1%), Germany (6.1%), Japan (7.3%).

PEOPLE

Bahrain is one of the most densely populated countries in the Middle East; about 89% of the population lives in the two principal cities of Manama and Al Muharraq. Approximately 66% of the indigenous population is originally from the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Bahrain currently has a sizeable foreign labor force (about 34% of the total population). The government’s policies on naturalization remain controversial. In June 2002, the King issued a decree allowing citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to take up dual Bahraini nationality. Opposition political groups charge that the government is granting citizenship to foreign nationals who have served in the Bahraini armed forces and security services to alter the demographic balance of the country, which is primarily Shi’a. According to passport officials, about 40,000 individuals have been naturalized over the past 50 years (about 10% of the total population).

The indigenous population is 98% Muslim. Although more than two-thirds of the indigenous population is Shi’a Muslim, the ruling family and the majority of government, military, and corporate leaders are Sunni Muslims. The small indigenous Christian and Jewish communities make up the remaining 2% of the population. Roughly half of foreign resident community are non-Muslim, and include Christians, Hindus, Baha’is, Buddhists and Sikhs.

Bahrain has invested its oil revenues in developing an advanced educational system. The first public schools for girls and boys were opened in the 1920s. The government continues to pay for all schooling costs. Although school attendance is not compulsory, primary and secondary attendance rates are high, and literacy rates are currently among the highest in the region. Higher education is available for secondary school graduates at the Bahrain University, Arabian Gulf University and specialized institutes including the College of Health Sciences—operating under the direction of the Ministry of Health—which trains physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and paramedics. The government has identified providing educational services to the Gulf Cooperation Council as a potential economic growth area, and is actively working to establish Bahrain as a regional center for higher education.

HISTORY

The site of the ancient Bronze Age civilization of Dilmun, Bahrain was an important center linking trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley as early as 5,000 years ago. The Dilmun civilization began to decline about 2,000 B.C. as trade from India was cut off. From 750 B.C. on, Assyrian kings repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the islands. Shortly after 600 B.C., Dilmun was formally incorporated into the new Babylonian empire. There are no historical references to Bahrain until Alexander the Great’s arrival in the Gulf in the 4th century B.C. Although Bahrain was ruled variously by the Arab tribes of Bani Wa’el and Persian governors, Bahrain continued to be known by its Greek name Tylos until the 7th century, when many of its inhabitants converted to Islam. A regional pearling and trade center, Bahrain came under the control of the Ummayad Caliphs of Syria, the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad, Persian, Omani and Portuguese forces at various times from the 7th century until the Al Khalifa family, a branch of the Bani Utbah tribe that have ruled Bahrain since the 18th century, succeeded in capturing Bahrain from a Persian garrison controlling the islands in 1783.

In the 1830s the Al Khalifa signed the first of many treaties establishing Bahrain as a British Protectorate. Similar to the binding treaties of protection entered into by other Persian Gulf principalities, the agreements entered into by the Al Khalifa prohibited them from disposing of territory and entering into relationships with any foreign government without British consent in exchange for British protection against the threat of military attack from Ottoman Turkey. The main British naval base in the region was moved to Bahrain in 1935 shortly after the start of large-scale oil production.

In 1968, when the British Government announced its decision (reaffirmed in March 1971) to end the treaty relationships with the Persian Gulf sheikdoms, Bahrain initially joined the other eight states (Qatar and the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms now the United Arab Emirates) under British protection in an effort to form a union of Arab emirates. The nine sheikhdoms still had not agreed on terms of union by 1971, however, prompting Bahrain to declare itself fully independent on August 15, 1971.

Bahrain promulgated a constitution and elected its first parliament in 1973, but just two years later, in August 1975, the Amir disbanded the National Assembly after it attempted to legislate the end of Al-Khalifa rule and the expulsion of the U.S. Navy from Bahrain. In the 1990s, Bahrain suffered from repeated incidents of political violence stemming from the disaffection of the Shi’a majority. In response, the Amir instituted the first Bahraini cabinet change in 20 years in 1995 and also and increased the membership of the Consultative

Council, which he had created in 1993 to provide advice and opinion on legislation proposed by the cabinet and, in certain cases, suggest new laws on its own, from 30 to 40 the following year. These steps led to an initial decline in violent incidents, but in early 1996 a number of hotels and restaurants were bombed, resulting in several fatalities. Over 1,000 people were arrested and held in detention without trial in connection with these disturbances. The government has since released these individuals (see Government and Political Conditions Section below for details).

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa succeeded the throne in March 1999, after the death of his father Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s ruler since 1961. He championed a program of democratic reform shortly after his succession. In November 2000, Shaikh Hamad established a committee to create a blueprint to transform Bahrain from a hereditary emirate to a constitutional monarchy within 2 years. The resulting “National Action Charter” was presented to the Bahraini public in a referendum in February 2001. In the first comprehensive public vote in Bahrain since the 1970s, 94.8% of voters overwhelmingly endorsed the charter. That same month, Shaikh Hamad pardoned all political prisoners and detainees, including those who had been imprisoned, exiled or detained on security charges. He also abolished the State Security Law and the State Security Court, which had permitted the government to detain individuals without trial for up to 3 years.

On February 14, 2002, one year after the referendum endorsing his National Action Charter, Shaikh Hamad pronounced Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and changed his status from Amir to King. He simultaneously announced that the first municipal elections since 1957 would be held in May 2002, and that a bicameral parliament, with a representative lower house, would be reconstituted with parliamentary elections in October 2002. As part of these constitutional reforms, the government also created an independent financial watchdog empowered to investigate cases of embezzlement and violations of state expenditure in July 2002.

Turnout for the May 2002 municipal elections was 51%, with female voters making up 52% percent of voters. Turnout for the 2002 parliamentary elections—the first in almost three decades—was 53% in the first round and 43% in the second round, despite the fact that four political societies, including the largest Shi’a society, organized a boycott to protest constitutional amendments enacted by the King that gave the appointed upper chamber of parliament voting rights equal to the elected lower chamber. Sunni Islamists won 19 of the 40 seats. Despite strong participation by female voters, none of the female candidates standing in these elections won a parliamentary seat. The new parliament held its first joint sitting in December 2002. Bahrain will hold elections for the five municipal councils and the 40 seats in the lower house of parliament in November 2006.

Bahrain has a complex system of courts, based on diverse legal sources, including Sunni and Shi’a Sharia (religious law), tribal law, and other civil codes and regulations created with the help of British advisers in the early 20th century. In 2001, Shaikh Hamad created the Supreme Judicial Council to regulate these courts and separate the administrative and judicial branches of government.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 1/16/2007

Bahrain

King: HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa

Prime Minister: KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa

Dep. Prime Minister: ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa

Dep. Prime Minister: Jawad al-ARAIDH Dep. Prime Minister: MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak al-Khalifa

Min. of King’s Court Affairs: ALI bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa

Min. of Communication: ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa

Min. of Defense: KHALIFA bin Ahmad al-Khalifa Maj. Gen.

Min. of Education: Majid bin Ali Hasan al-NUAYMI

Min. of Electricity & Water: ABDALLAH bin Salman al-Khalifa

Min. of Finance & Economy: AHMAD bin Muhammad bin Hamad bin Abdallah al-Khalifa

Min. of Foreign Affairs: KHALID bin Ahmad al-Khalifa

Min. of Health: Nada bint Abbas HAFADH, Dr.

Min. of Industry & Commerce: HASAN bin Abdallah al-Fakhru

Min. of Information: Muhammad Abd al-GHAFFAR

Min. of Interior: RASHID bin Abdallah bin Ahmad al-Khalifa

Min. of Islamic Affairs: KHALID bin Ali al-Khalifa

Min. of Justice: KHALID bin Ali al-Khalifa

Min. of Labor: Majid bin Muhsin al-ALAWI

Min. of Municipalities & Agricultural Affairs: Mansur bin RAJAB

Min. of Oil & Gas: Abd al-Husayn MIRZA

Min. of Public Works & Housing: Fahmi bin Ali al-JAWDAR

Min. of Social Affairs: Fatima bint Ahmad al-BALUSHI

Min. of Transportation: ALI bin Khalifa al-Khalifa

Min. of State for Cabinet Affairs: AHMAD bin Atiyatallah al-Khalifa

Min. of State for Defense: MUHAMMAD bin Abdallah al-Khalifa

Min. of State for Foreign Affairs: Nizar al-BAHARNA

Min. of State for Shura Council Affairs & Parliament: Abd al-Aziz bin Muhammad al-FADHIL

Attorney General: ABD al-Rahman bin Jabir al-Khalifa

Director, Bahrain National Security Agency: KHALIFA bin Ali bin Rashid

Chmn., Bahrain Monetary Agency: KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa

Governor, Bahrain Monetary Agency: Rashid al-MARAJ

Ambassador to the US: Nasir bin Muhammad al-BALUSHI

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Tawfiq Ahmad Khalil al-MANSUR

Bahrain maintains an embassy in the United States at 3502 International Drive N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; tel: [1] (202) 342-1111; fax: [1] (202) 362-2192. The Bahraini Mission to the UN is located at 866 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; tel: [1] (212)223-6200; fax [1] (212) 319-0687.

ECONOMY

The first Gulf state to discover oil, Bahrain’s reserves are expected to run out in 10-15 years. Accordingly, Bahrain has worked to diversify its economy over the past decade and has stabilized its oil production at about 40,000 barrels per day (b/d). Revenues from oil and natural gas currently account for 11.1% of GDP yet currently provide about 76% of government income. The state-owned Bahrain Oil Company refinery built in 1935, the first in the Gulf, has a capacity of about 260,000 b/d. Saudi Arabia provides most of the crude for refinery operation via pipeline. Through an agreement with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain also receives half of the net output and revenues from Saudi Arabia’s Abu Saafa offshore oilfield.

The Bahrain National Gas Company operates a gas liquefaction plant that utilizes gas piped directly from Bahrain’s oilfields. Gas reserves should last about 50 years at present rates of consumption. However, rising domestic demand spurred by a recent development boom has highlighted the need to increase gas supplies. The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company is a joint venture of the petrochemical industries of Kuwait, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, and the Government of Bahrain. The plant, completed in 1985, produces ammonia and methanol for export. Growth in the hydrocarbons sector will be contingent upon new discoveries—Bahrain awarded exploration rights to Malaysia’s Petronas and the U.S.’ Chevron Texaco after the resolution of Bahrain’s long-standing territorial dispute with Qatar, but no meaningful finds have been announced to date. Bahrain’s other industries include the majority state-owned Aluminum Bahrain (Alba)—which operates the largest aluminum smelter in the world outside Eastern Europe with an annual production of about 843,000 metric tons (mt) in 2005 after the completion of an expansion program—and related factories, such as the Aluminum Extrusion Company and the Gulf Aluminum Rolling Mill. Other plants include the Arab Iron and Steel Company’s iron ore pelletizing plant (4 million tons annually) and a shipbuilding and repair yard.

Bahrain’s development as a major financial center has been the most widely heralded aspect of its diversification effort. Bahrain is a regional financial and business center; international financial institutions operate in Bahrain, both offshore and onshore, without impediments, and the financial sector is currently the largest contributor to GDP at 27.6%. Some 370 offshore banking units and representative offices are located in Bahrain, as well as 65 American firms. Bahrain has also made a concerted effort to become the leading Islamic finance center in the world, standardizing regulations of the Islamic banking industry. It currently has 32 Islamic commercial, investment and leasing banks as well as Islamic insurance (takaful) companies —the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions in the Middle East.

Bahrain is working to develop other service industries such as information technology, healthcare and education. The government has used its oil revenues to build an advanced infrastructure in transportation and telecommunications. The state monopoly—Batelco—was broken in April 2003 following the establishment of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA). Since that time, the TRA has granted some 63 licenses in the interest of promoting healthy industry competition.

Bahrain plans to expand its airport, one of the busiest in the Gulf. More than 4.8 million passengers transited Bahrain International Airport in 2005. A modern, busy port offers direct and frequent cargo shipping connections to the U.S., Europe, and the Far East. To boost its competitiveness as a regional center, Bahrain is building a new port and has privatized port operations.

The government of Bahrain moved toward privatizing the production of electricity and water by licensing Al Ezzal to construct an independent power plant at a cost of $500 million. The company commenced operations in May 2006. In January 2006, the government announced the sale of the Al Hidd Power Plant for $738 million to Hidd Power Company, a consortium of British, Japanese, and Belgian companies.

Regional tourism is also a significant source of income. The government continues to favor large-scale tourism projects. It opened the only Formula One race track in the Middle East in 2004, and has awarded tenders for several tourist complexes. New hotel and spa projects are progressing within the context of broader real estate development, much of which is geared toward attracting increased tourism.

Government revenues continue to be largely dependent on the oil industry. Bahrain has received significant budgetary support and project grants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Bouyed by rising oil revenues, the 2007-08 budget approved by the parliament in July 2006 provides for sizable increases in urban development, education, and social spending. Ministry of Defense spending will account for 13% of current spending in 2007 and 2008 based on the new budget. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of the Interior also receive substantial budget allocations. Significant capital outlays have been allocated to improving housing and infrastructure in line with government efforts to raise the standard of living of the Shi’a population and to attract foreign investment.

The government has also started to extend protections to workers. Private sector employees won permission to form unions in late 2002; King Hamad has given his tentative approval for the formation of unions in government departments. In June 2006, Bahrain passed laws legalizing the existence of multiple trade federations and codifying several protections for workers engaged in union activity. As part of the government’s labor reform program, it has formed a Labor Market Regulatory Authority and established a fund to support the training of Bahraini workers. In the first seven months of 2006, Bahraini exports to the U.S. totaled $399 million and U.S. exports to Bahrain reached $267 million, with trade volume up 64% over the same period in 2005. In 2006, bilateral trade is expected to exceed $1 billion for the first time. The U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement took effect on August 1, 2006 and is generating increased U.S. commercial interest in Bahrain.

DEFENSE

The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) numbers about 12,000 personnel and consists of army, navy, air force, air defense, and royal guard units. The public security forces and the coast guard are separate from the BDF and report to the Ministry of the Interior. Bahrain also has a national guard that consists of about 1,200 personnel. Bahrain’s defense spending since 1999 has been steady. The government spends around $630 million annually on their military, about 20% of current expenditures. The reconstituted parliamentary process has produced spirited debate over government spending, particularly defense spending, but no actual reductions.

With the help of the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bahrain has made significant efforts to upgrade its defense systems and modernize its armed forces over the last 20 years. In 1982, the GCC gave Bahrain $1.7 billion for this purpose. Since the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S. has provided military and defense technical assistance and training to Bahrain from Foreign Military Sales (FMS), commercial sources, excess defense article sales (EDA) and under the International Military and Education Training (IMET) program. The U.S. Office of Military Cooperation in Bahrain is attached to the U.S. Embassy and manages the security assistance mission. U.S. military sales to Bahrain since 2000 total $608.9 million. Principal U.S. military systems acquired by the BDF include eight Apache helicopters, 54 M60A3 tanks, 22 F-16C/D aircraft, 20 Cobra helicopters, 20 M109A5 Howitzers, 1 Avenger AD system, and the TPS-59 radar system. Bahrain has received $410 million in U.S. EDA acquisition value delivered since the U.S.-Bahraini program began in 1993.

Military exercises are conducted on a regular basis to increase the BDF’s readiness and improve coordination with the U.S. and other GCC forces. The BDF also sends personnel to the United States for military training. This training includes courses from graduate level professional military education down to entry level technical training.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Since achieving independence in 1971, Bahrain has pursued a policy of close consultation with neighboring states. Bahrain became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. In 1981 it joined its five neighbors—Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the U.A.E. and Qatar—to form the strategic Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Bahrain has complied with GCC efforts steps to coordinate economic development and defense and security planning. In December 1994, for example, Bahrain concurred with the GCC decision to drop secondary and tertiary boycotts against Israel. Bahrain also responded positively to Kuwait’s request to deploy the GCC collective defense force, “Peninsula Shield,” during the build up and execution of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003.

In addition to maintaining strong relations with its largest financial backers, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the U.A.E., Bahrain has worked to improve its relations with Qatar and Iran in recent years. Bahrain-Iran relations have been strained since the discovery in 1981 of an Iran-sponsored coup plot in Bahrain. Bahraini suspicions of the Iranian role in local unrest in the mid-1990s remain. On March 16, 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced its judgment on the long-standing maritime delimitation and territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar. The binding judgment awarded sovereignty over the Hawar Islands and Qit’at Jaradah to Bahrain and sovereignty over Zubarah (part of the Qatar Peninsula), Janan Island and Fasht ad Dibal to Qatar. The peaceful settlement of this dispute has allowed for renewed co-operation. Bahrain’s strategic partnership with the U.S. has intensified since 1991. Bahraini pilots flew strikes in Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War, and the island was used as a base for military operations in the Gulf. Bahrain also provided logistical and basing support to international Maritime Interdiction efforts to enforce UN sanctions and prevent illegal smuggling of oil from Iraq in the 1990s. Bahrain also provided extensive basing and overflight clearances for a multitude of U.S. aircraft operating in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Bahrain also deployed forces in support of Coalition operations during both OEF and OIF. Bahrain has delivered humanitarian support and technical training to support the reconstruction of the Iraqi banking sector, and has offered support for each stage of Iraq’s political transformation. Bahrain has also cooperated effectively on criminal investigation issues in support of the campaign on terrorism; the Bahrain Monetary Agency (which became the Central Bank of Bahrain in September 2006) moved quickly to restrict terrorists’ ability to transfer funds through Bahrain’s financial system.

U.S.-BAHRAINI RELATIONS

The American Mission Hospital, affiliated with the National Evangelical Church, has operated continuously in Bahrain for more than a century. Bahrain has also been a base for U.S. naval activity in the Gulf since 1947. When Bahrain became independent, the U.S.-Bahrain relationship was formalized with the establishment of diplomatic relations. The U.S. embassy at Manama was opened September 21, 1971, and a resident ambassador was sent in 1974. The Bahraini embassy in Washington, DC, opened in 1977. In October 1991, Amir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa made a state visit to Washington. In 2001, Amir Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa made his first visit to the U.S. after succeeding his father in 1999. He returned to Washington on an official visit in January 2003. King Hamad made an official visit to Washington in November 2004 to meet with President Bush and cabinet-level officials. Bahrain and the United States signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement in October 1991 granting U.S. forces access to Bahraini facilities and ensuring the right to pre-position material for future crises. Currently the headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, the U.S. designated Bahrain a Major Non-NATO Ally in October 2001.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

MANAMA (E) Address: Building 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District; APO/FPO: PSC 451 Box 660, FPO AE 09834; Phone: 973-1724-2700; Fax: 973-1727-2594; Workweek: Sun to Thurs, 0800-1700; Website: www.usembassy.com.bh.

AMB:William T. Monroe
DCM:Susan L. Ziadeh
DCM OMS:Carolyn Jacobs
POL/ECO:Steve Bondy
CON:Phillip Richards
MGT:Raymond Kengott
ATO:Mike Henney (res. Dubai)
CLO:Meghan Bondy
DAO:Ivar S. Tait
DEA:Jeffery J. Fitzpatrick (res. Islamabad)
ECO:Steve Simpson
FAA:Paul H. Feldman (res. Brussels)
FAA/CASLO:Karl R. Brown (res. Rome)
FMO:Sherrie Szymeczek
GSO:Sue Ostrem
ICASS Chair:Ivar S. Tait
IMO:Bill Bonnett
IPO:Brian Ahern
IRS:Kathy J. Beck (res. in Paris)
ISO:Craig Carter
ISSO:Brian Ahern
LEGATT:Fred Brink (res. Riyadh)
PAO:Helen LaFave
RSO:Keith Swinehart

Last Updated: 11/14/2006

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet : October 2, 2006

Country Description: Bahrain is a hereditary kingdom governed by the Al-Khalifa family. In 2002, the country became a monarchy with a new constitution that reinstated a legislative body with one elected and one appointed chamber. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country’s customs, laws and practices. Bahrain is a modern, developed country and tourist facilities are widely available. The capital is Manama.

Entry/Exit Requirements: Passports and visas are required. U.S. citizens may obtain a two-week visa for a fee upon arrival at the airport. U.S. diplomatic passport holders receive a no-fee two-week visa. Prior to travel, visitors may obtain five-year multiple entry visas valid for stays as long as one month from Bahraini embassies overseas. Bahrain assesses heavy fines on visitors who fail to depart Bahrain at the end of their authorized stay. The exact amount of the fine is determined by a formula related to the visa type, duration, and location of issuance. An exit tax is included in the ticket price for flights out of Bahrain, and no additional exit fees are required upon departure. Residents of Bahrain who intend to return must obtain a re-entry permit before departing. For further information on entry/exit requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 342-1111; or the Bahrain Permanent Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, East 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 223-6200.

Visit the Embassy of Bahrain web site at www.bahrainembassy.org for the most current visa information.

Safety and Security: Americans in Bahrain should maintain a high level of security awareness. The security situation in Bahrain has changed significantly since the September 11, 2001 attack against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the initiation of U.S. military operations in Iraq in 2003, and the onset of the current cycle of violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Several anti-American demonstrations occurred in 2002, one of which resulted in the U.S. Embassy being attacked with firebombs, and in 2003 at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Isolated incidents of aggressive or violent confrontations with individual Americans have also occurred. Events in the region can spark a mass response locally and further inflame current sentiments. Spontaneous demonstrations pertaining to local issues have occurred, and some recent protests against Israel’s military actions in Lebanon included criticism of the U.S. Visiting U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Manama upon arrival and to maintain a low profile. The Embassy recommends that visitors limit their activities to tourist attractions and major urban commercial districts, particularly at night. The Embassy also suggests that all Americans maintain an unpredictable schedule and vary travel routes whenever possible. Americans also are urged to treat mail from unfamiliar sources with caution and to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects. Please report any suspicious activity, individuals, vehicles, or objects to the U.S. Embassy’s Regional Security Office at telephone (973) 1724-2700 during office hours or (973) 1727–5126 after hours.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.

These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Crime: The crime rate in Bahrain is low and violent crime is rare. However, burglary, petty theft, and robberies do occur. Visiting Americans are urged to take the same security precautions in Bahrain that one would practice in the United States. Hotel room doors should be locked when visitors are in their rooms, and travelers are encouraged to store valuables in hotel room safes when they are available. Women are encouraged to keep their purses firmly under their arms, and men should avoid keeping their wallets in their hip pockets while in the old market area (Souk). The U.S. Embassy in Manama recommends that travelers using local taxis insist on the use of a meter since unexpectedly high fares may otherwise be charged. Bahrain has a professional police force, and visitors are encouraged to contact the police if problems are encountered.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how to transfer funds. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in Bahrain. Two government hospitals, several private hospitals, and numerous private clinics located throughout the country offer a wide range of medical services. Cardiac care, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics and dentistry services are readily available, as are x-rays, CT-scan and MRI testing. The government hospitals house both trauma and ICU units. Pharmacies are common throughout Bahrain and carry a wide range of medications. Prescriptions are normally required.

Payment at all medical facilities is due at the time of service. Some hospitals have limited direct billing capability for certain insurance carriers. Billing and insurance practices vary among the medical facilities.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bahrain is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Travel by road in Bahrain is generally safe although unsafe driving practices are common. Highways and major roads in the northern third of Bahrain are four to six lanes wide and well maintained; roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow and twisting. As in the United States, traffic in Bahrain moves on the right. Roundabouts (traffic circles) follow the British system, with those automobiles within the traffic circle having right of way over those attempting to enter. While there is a fine of at least 50 Bahraini Dinars (135 U.S. dollars) for speeding, it is not uncommon for drivers to drive well over the posted speed limits of 50-120 km per hour. A driver flashing the car’s high beams is generally asking for a chance to pass.

Under Bahraini law, any sign of having consumed alcohol may be taken as prima facie evidence of driving under the influence, which can lead to imprisonment and/or fines of up to 1,000 Bahraini Dinars (2,700 U.S. dollars). Except for minor accidents, drivers may not move their vehicles after an accident until a report has been filed with the traffic police. This is true even in cases of single-car accidents. Insurance companies may not provide coverage if the cars are moved. However, drivers involved in minor, non-injury accidents no longer need to wait at the scene for the police. Individuals should get their vehicles off the road to avoid further accidents. Drivers must then call the Bahrain Accident Hotline (1768-8888 or 1768-5999) where they will be directed to one of five new centers to file the accident report. This report must be filed within 24 hours of the accident. Both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country until the matter is resolved if an accident results in legal proceedings.

Emergency numbers are as follows:
Fire/Ambulance/Police: 999
Traffic/Accidents: 1768-8888 or 1768-5999

Visit the website of Bahrain’s national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.traffic.gov.bh/main.htm.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Bahrain, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Bahrain’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov.

Special Circumstances: Individuals subject to Bahraini court orders arising from indebtedness, labor disagreements, or other legal disputes may be prevented from departing Bahrain until their cases are resolved. Instances have occurred in which departure was prohibited for several years, since the legal process can be both lengthy and complex. A list of local attorneys capable of representing Americans in such matters is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manama.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Bahrain’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bahrain are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children’s Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children’s Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living or traveling in Bahrain are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bahrain. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Bldg. 979, Road no. 3119, Zinj District (next to Al Ahli Sports Club). The mailing address is P.O. Box 26431, Manama, Bahrain. The telephone number is (973) 1724-2700. The after-hours number is (973) 1727-5126. The Consular Section’s fax number is (973) 1725-6242. The Embassy’s website, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Bahrain, is at http://bahrain.usembassy.gov/. The workweek in Bahrain is Sunday through Thursday.

International Adoption : February 2007

The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer: The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel. The Ministry of Islamic and Justice Affairs has informed the American Embassy in Manama, that adoption is not possible in Bahrain. Muslims from birth may support a child whose father is not known, however, the child cannot inherit or take the name of the family providing support, nor can the child depart Bahrain with this family. These restrictions extend to third country national children, who are considered citizens of Bahrain when the biological father is not known.

Specific questions regarding adoption issues may be addressed to:

Embassy of the State of Bahrain
3502 International Drive, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: (202) 342-0741
Fax: (202) 362-2192

Bahrain also has a consulate in New York City, New York.

U.S. Embassy Manama
Box 26431
Manama, Bahrain
Zinj, Bahrain

Additional Information: Prospective adoptive parents are strongly encouraged to consult USCIS publication M-249, The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children, as well as the Department of State publication, International Adoptions for general information on international adoptions.

Questions : Specific questions regarding adoption in Bahrain may be addressed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Bahrain. You may also contact the Office of Children’s Issues, SA-29, 2201 C Street, NW, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-2818, telephone 1-888-407-4747 with specific questions. Information is also available 24 hours a day from several sources.

Bahrain

views updated May 29 2018

BAHRAIN

Compiled from the January 2006 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Kingdom of Bahrain


PROFILE

Geography

Area:

727 sq. km. (274 sq. mi.); approximately four times the size of Washington, D.C. Bahrain is an archipelago of 36 islands located off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The four main islands are joined by causeways, and make up about 95% of the total land area.

Cities:

Capital—Manama, pop. (2002 est.) 148,000. Other cities—Al Muharraq.

Terrain:

Low desert plain (highest elevation point–122 m).

Climate:

Hot and humid from May-September, with average highs ranging from 30-40 C (86-104 F). Maximum temperatures average 20-30C (68-86F) the remainder of the year.

People

Nationality:

Noun and adjective—Bahraini(s).

Population (July 2005 est.):

688,345, including about 235,108 non-nationals.

Annual growth rate (2005 est.):

1.51%.

Ethnic groups:

Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%.

Religion:

98% Muslim (Shi'a 70%, Sunni 30%), with small Christian, Jewish and Hindu communities.

Language:

Arabic (official), English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.

Education:

Education is not compulsory, but is provided free to Bahrainis and non-nationals at all levels, including higher education. Estimated net primary school attendance (1991-2001)—84%. Adult Literacy (age 15 and over) (2003 est.)—89.1% for the overall population (male 91.9% female 85%).

Health:

Infant mortality rate—19.02 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy—71 yrs. males, 76 yrs. females.

Work force (2001):

307,000 of which 59% are foreigners and 20.8% female.

Government

Type:

Constitutional Monarchy.

Independence:

August 15, 1971 (from the UK).

Constitution:

Approved and promulgated May 26, 1973; suspended on August 26, 1975; amended and approved by a national popular referendum again on February 14-15, 2001.

Branches:

Executive—King (chief of state); Prime Minister (head of government); Council of Ministers (cabinet) is appointed by the King and headed by the Prime Minister. Legislative—The bicameral parliament (al-Majlis al-Watani) consists of a 40-member elected House of Deputies and a 40-member Shura Council appointed by the King. Members of both chambers serve four-year terms. Judicial—High Civil Appeals Court. The judiciary is independent with right of judicial review.

Administrative subdivisions:

12 municipalities (manatiq): Al Hidd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa' wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah.

Political parties:

None. Formal parties are banned but political societies have been formally sanctioned since 2001.

Suffrage:

Universal at age 18.

Economy

GDP (2005 est):

$11.58 billion.

Real GDP Growth Rate (2005 est.):

5.9%.

Per capita GDP (2005 est.):

$20,500.

Natural resources:

Oil, natural gas, fish, pearls.

Agriculture (less than 1% of GDP):

Products—With the exception of eggs, vegetables, dates, and fish, most food is imported.

Industry:

Types—oil and gas (13.1% of GDP), manufacturing (1242% of GDP), aluminum.

Services:

Finance (24.2% of GDP), transport and communications (8.9% of GDP), real estate (9.2% of GDP),. Government Services (14.8% of GDP).

Trade (2004—about 12.4% of GDP):

Exports—$8.14 billion: oil and other mineral products, base metals, textiles. Major markets—India (4.3%), U.S. (2.9%), Saudi Arabia (3.0%), Japan (1.7%), South Korea (1.4%). Imports—$7.83 billion: crude oil, machinery and appliances, transport equipment, foodstuffs. Major suppliers—Saudi Arabia (32.4%), U.S. (5.6%), France (4.8%), U.K. (6.1%),Germany (6.1%), Japan (7.3%).


PEOPLE

Bahrain is one of the most densely populated countries in the Middle East; about 89% of the population lives in the two principal cities of Manama and Al Muharraq. Approximately 66% of the indigenous population is originally from the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Bahrain currently has a sizeable foreign labor force (about 38% of the total population). The government's policies on naturalization remain controversial. In June 2002, the King issued a decree allowing citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to take up dual Bahraini nationality. Opposition political groups charge that the government is granting citizenship to foreign nationals who have served in the Bahraini armed forces and security services to alter the demographic balance of the country, which is primarily Shi'a. According to passport officials, about 40,000 individuals have been naturalized over the past 50 years (about 10% of the total population).

The indigenous population is 98% Muslim. Although more than twothirds of the indigenous population is Shi'a Muslim, the ruling family and the majority of government, military, and corporate leaders are Sunni Muslims. The small indigenous Christian and Jewish communities make up the remaining 2% of the population. Roughly half of foreign resident community are non-Muslim, and include Christians, Hindus, Baha'is, Buddhists and Sikhs.

Bahrain has invested its oil revenues in developing an advanced educational system. The first public schools for girls and boys were opened in the 1920s. The government continues to pay for all schooling costs. Although school attendance is not compulsory, primary and secondary attendance rates are high, and literacy rates are currently among the highest in the region. Higher education is available for secondary school graduates at the Bahrain University, Arabian Gulf University and specialized institutes including the College of Health Sciences—operating under the direction of the Ministry of Health—which trains physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and paramedics. The government has identified providing educational services to the Gulf Cooperation Council as a potential economic growth area, and is actively working to establish Bahrain as a regional center for higher education.


HISTORY

The site of the ancient Bronze Age civilization of Dilmun, Bahrain was an important center linking trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley as early as 5,000 years ago. The Dilmun civilization began to decline about 2,000 B.C. as trade from India was cut off. From 750 B.C. on, Assyrian kings repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the islands. Shortly after 600 B.C., Dilmun was formally incorporated into the new Babylonian empire. There are no historical references to Bahrain until Alexander the Great's arrival in the Gulf in the 4th century B.C. Although Bahrain was ruled variously by the Arab tribes of Bani Wa'el and Persian governors, Bahrain continued to be known by its Greek name Tylos until the 7th century, when many of its inhabitants converted to Islam. A regional pearling and trade center, Bahrain came under the control of the Ummayad Caliphs of Syria, the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad, Persian, Omani and Portuguese forces at various times from the 7th century until the Al Khalifa family, a branch of the Bani Utbah tribe that have ruled Bahrain since the 18th century, succeeded in capturing Bahrain from a Persian garrison controlling the islands in 1783.

In the 1830s the Al Khalifa signed the first of many treaties establishing Bahrain as a British Protectorate. Similar to the binding treaties of protection entered into by other Persian Gulf principalities, the agreements entered into by the Al Khalifa prohibited them from disposing of territory and entering into relationships with any foreign government without British consent in exchange for British protection against the threat of military attack from Ottoman Turkey. The main British naval base in the region was moved to Bahrain in 1935 shortly after the start of large-scale oil production.

In 1968, when the British Government announced its decision (reaffirmed in March 1971) to end the treaty relationships with the Persian Gulf sheikdoms, Bahrain initially joined the other eight states (Qatar and the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms now the United Arab Emirates) under British protection in an effort to form a union of Arab emirates. The nine sheikhdoms still had not agreed on terms of union by 1971, however, prompting. Bahrain to declare itself fully independent on August 15, 1971.

Bahrain promulgated a constitution and elected its first parliament in 1973, but just two years later, in August 1975, the Amir disbanded the National Assembly after it attempted to legislate the end of Al-Khalifa rule and the expulsion of the U.S. Navy from Bahrain. In the 1990s, Bahrain suffered from repeated incidents of political violence stemming from the disaffection of the Shi'a majority. In response, the Amir instituted the first Bahraini cabinet change in 20 years in 1995 and also and increased the membership of the Consultative Council, which he had created in 1993 to provide advice and opinion on legislation proposed by the cabinet and, in certain cases, suggest new laws on its own, from 30 to 40 the following year. These steps led to an initial decline in violent incidents, but in early 1996 a number of hotels and restaurants were bombed, resulting in several fatalities. Over 1,000 people were arrested and held in detention without trial in connection with these disturbances. The government has since released these individuals.


GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa succeeded the throne in March 1999, after the death of his father Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's ruler since 1961. He championed a program of democratic reform shortly after his succession. In November 2000, Shaikh Hamad established a committee to create a blueprint to transform Bahrain from a hereditary emirate to a constitutional monarchy within 2 years. The resulting "National Action Charter" was presented to the Bahraini public in a referendum in February 2001. In the first comprehensive public vote in Bahrain since the 1970s, 94.8% of voters overwhelmingly endorsed the charter. That same month, Shaikh Hamad pardoned all political prisoners and detainees, including those who had been imprisoned, exiled or detained on security charges. He also abolished the State Security Law and the State Security Court, which had permitted the government to detain individuals without trial for up to 3 years.

On February 14, 2002, one year after the referendum endorsing his National Action Charter, Shaikh Hamad pronounced Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and changed his status from Amir to King. He simultaneously announced that the first municipal elections since 1957 would be held in May 2002, and that a bicameral parliament, with a representative lower house, would be reconstituted with parliamentary elections in October 2002. As part of these constitutional reforms, the government also created an independent financial watchdog empowered to investigate cases of embezzlement and violations of state expenditure in July 2002.

Turnout for the May 2002 municipal elections was 51%, with female voters making up 52% percent of voters. Turnout for the 2002 parliamentary elections—the first in almost three decades—was 53% in the first round and 43% in the second round, despite the fact that the four-largest Shi'a political societies organized a boycott to protest constitutional amendments enacted by the King that gave the appointed upper chamber of parliament voting rights equal to the elected lower chamber. Sunni Islamists won 19 of the 40 seats. Despite strong participation by female voters, none of the female candidates standing in these elections won a parliamentary seat. The new parliament held its first joint sitting in December 2002. Bahrain will hold elections for the five municipal councils in May 2006 and for the 40 seats in the lower house of parliament in October 2006.

Bahrain has a complex system of courts, based on diverse legal sources, including Sunni and Shi'a Shari'ah (religious law), tribal law, and other civil codes and regulations created with the help of British advisers in the early 20th century. In 2001, Shaikh Hamad created the Supreme Judicial Council to regulate these courts and separate the administrative and judicial branches of government.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 11/1/2005

King: HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa
Prime Minister: KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa
Dep. Prime Minister: ABDALLAH bin Khalid al-Khalifa
Dep. Prime Minister: MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak al-Khalifa
Dep. Prime Minister: ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa
Min. of King's Court Affairs: ALI bin Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa
Min. of Communication: ALI bin Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa
Min. of Defense: KHALIFA bin Ahmad al-Khalifa Maj. Gen.
Min. of Education: Majid bin Ali al-NUAYMI
Min. of Electricity & Water: ABDALLAH bin Salman al-Khalifa
Min. of Finance: AHMAD bin Muhammad bin Hamad bin Abdallah al-Khalifa
Min. of Foreign Affairs: KHALID bin Ahmad al-Khalifa
Min. of Health: Nada bint Abbas HAFADH, Dr.
Min. of Public Works & Housing: Fahmi bin Ali al-JAWDAR
Min. of Industry & Commerce: Hasan bin Abdallah al-FAKHRU
Min. of Information: Muhammad Abd al-GHAFFAR
Min. of Interior: RASHID bin Abdallah bin Ahmad al-Khalifa
Min. of Islamic Affairs: ABDALLAH bin Khalid al-Khalifa
Min. of Justice: Muhammad bin Ali al-SITRI
Min. of Labor: Majid bin Muhsin al-ALAWI
Min. of Municipalities & Agricultural Affairs: Ali bin Salih bin Abdallah al-SALIH
Min. of Social Development: Fatima bint Ahmad al-BALUSHI
Min. of Transportation: ALI bin Khalifa al-Khalifa
Min. of State & Head, Oil & Gas Authority: Abd al-Husayn bin Ali al-MIRZA
Min. of State for Cabinet Affairs: AHMAD bin Attiyah al-Khalifa
Min. of State for Foreign Affairs: Muhammad Abd al-GHAFFAR
Min. of State for Shura Council Affairs & Parliament: Abd al-Aziz bin Muhammad al-FADHIL
Attorney General: ABD al-Rahman bin Jabir al-Khalifa
Director, Bahrain National Security Agency: ABD al-Aziz bin Atiyatallah al-Khalifa
Chmn., Bahrain Monetary Agency: KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa
Governor, Bahrain Monetary Agency: Rashid al-MARAJ
Ambassador to the US: Nasir bin Muhammad al-BALUSHI
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Tawfiq al-Ahmad al-MANSUR

Bahrain maintains an embassy in the United States at 3502 International Drive N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; tel: [1] (202) 342-1111; fax: [1] (202) 362-2192. The Bahraini Mission to the UN is located at 866 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; tel: [1] (212) 223-6200; fax [1] (202) 319-0687.


ECONOMY

The first Gulf state to discover oil, Bahrain has worked to diversify its economy over the past decade. Bahrain has stabilized its oil production at about 40,000 barrels per day (b/d), and reserves are expected to last 10-15 years. Revenues from oil and natural gas currently account for 13.1% of GDP and provide about 74% of government income. The Bahrain Oil Company refinery built in 1935, the first in the Gulf, has a capacity of about 260,000 b/d. Since 1980, 60% of the refinery has been owned by the Bahrain National Oil Company and 40% by the U.S. company Caltex. Saudi Arabia provides most of the crude for refinery operation via pipeline. Through an agreement with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain also receives a large portion of the net output and revenues from Saudi Arabia's Abu Saafa offshore oilfield. The Bahrain National Gas Company operates a gas liquefaction plant that utilizes gas piped directly from Bahrain's oil-fields. Gas reserves should last about 50 years at present rates of consumption. The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company is a joint venture of the petrochemical industries of Kuwait, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, and the Government of Bahrain. The plant, completed in 1985, produces ammonia and methanol for export. Growth in the hydrocarbons sector will be contingent upon new discoveries—Bahrain awarded exploration rights to Malaysia's Petronas and the U.S.' Chevron Texaco after the resolution of Bahrain's long-standing territorial dispute with Qatar, but no meaningful finds have been announced to date. Bahrain's other industries include the majority state-owned Aluminum Bahrain (Alba)—which operates the largest aluminum smelter in the world outside Eastern Europe with an annual production of about 720,000 metric tons (mt) in 2005 after the completion of an expansion program—and

related factories, such as the Aluminum Extrusion Company and the Gulf Aluminum Rolling Mill. Other plants include the Arab Iron and Steel Company's iron ore pelletizing plant (4 million tons annually) and a shipbuilding and repair yard.

Bahrain's development as a major financial center has been the most widely heralded aspect of its diversification effort. Bahrain is a regional financial and business center; international financial institutions operate in Bahrain, both offshore and onshore, without impediments, and the financial sector is currently the largest contributor to GDP at 24.2%. More than 100 offshore banking units and representative offices are located in Bahrain, as well as 65 American firms. Bahrain has also made a concerted effort to become the leading Islamic finance center in the world, standardizing regulations of the Islamic banking industry. It currently has 28 Islamic banks—the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions.

Bahrain is working to develop other service industries such as information technology, healthcare and education. The government has used its oil revenues to build an advanced infrastructure in transportation and telecommunications. The transport and communications sector grew by almost 9% in 2002 and is likely to expand as the government proceeds with liberalization of the state-owned telecommunications industry. The state monopoly—Batelco—was broken in April 2003. Bahrain's international airport is one of the busiest in the Gulf. A modern, busy port offers direct and frequent cargo shipping connections to the U.S., Europe, and the Far East.

The government of Bahrain moved toward privatizing the production of electricity and water by licensing Al Ezzal to construct an independent power plant that will cost $500 million. It is expected to start operating at full capacity in April 2006. In January 2006, the Finance Minister announced that Al Hidd Power Plant will be sold for $738 million to consortium of British, Japanese, and Belgian companies.

Regional tourism is also a significant source of income. The government continues to favor large-scale tourism projects. It opened the only Formula One race track in the Middle East in 2004, and has awarded tenders for several tourist complexes.

Government revenues continue to be largely dependent on the oil industry. Bahrain has received significant budgetary support and project grants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. The reconstituted parliamentary process has produced spirited debate over government spending, particularly defense spending, but no actual reductions. Ministry of Defense spending will account for 18% of current spending in 2005 and 2006 based on the budget approved by parliament in July 2005. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of the Interior are the second and third largest spenders. The bulk of capital outlays have been allocated to improving housing and infrastructure in line with government efforts to raise the standard of living of the Shi'a population and to attract foreign investment.

The government has also started to extend protections to workers. Private sector employees won permission to form unions in late 2002; King Hamad has given his tentative approval for the formation of unions in government departments. As part of the government's labor reform program, it presented legislation to parliament to form the Labor Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) and establish a fund to support the training of Bahraini workers.

Bahrain and the United States signed a free trade agreement in September 2004. The Bahraini parliament ratified it in July 2005, and the U.S. Congress followed in December 2005. President Bush signed the agreement into law in January 2006. Entry-into-force is pending as Bahrain completes implementing legislation.


DEFENSE

The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) numbers about 9,000 personnel and consists of army, navy, air force, air defense, and royal guard units. The public security forces and the coast guard are separate from the BDF and report to the Ministry of the Interior. Bahrain's defense spending since 1999 has been steady. The government spends around $440 million annually on their military, about 20% of current expenditures. The reconstituted parliamentary process has produced spirited debate over government spending, particularly defense spending, but no actual reductions.

With the help of the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bahrain has made significant efforts to upgrade its defense systems and modernize its armed forces over the last 20 years. In 1982, the GCC gave Bahrain $1.7 billion for this purpose. Since the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S. has provided military and defense technical assistance and training to Bahrain from foreign military sales (FMS), commercial sources, excess defense article sales (EDA) and under the International Military and Education Training (IMET) program. The U.S. Office of Military Cooperation in Bahrain is attached to the U.S. Embassy and manages the security assistance mission. U.S. military sales to Bahrain currently total $2.5 billion. Principal U.S. military systems purchased by the BDF include eight Apache helicopters, 54 M60A3 tanks, 12 F-16C/D aircraft, 14 Cobra helicopters, and the TPS-59 radar system. Bahrain has received $255 million in U.S. EDA since 1995.

Military exercises are conducted on a regular basis to increase the BDF's readiness and improve coordination with the U.S. and other GCC forces. The BDF also sends personnel to the United States for military training. This training includes courses from graduate level professional military education down to entry level technical training.


FOREIGN RELATIONS

Since achieving independence in 1971, Bahrain has pursued a policy of close consultation with neighboring states. Bahrain became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. In 1981 it joined its five neighbors—Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar–to form the strategic Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Bahrain has complied with GCC efforts steps to coordinate economic development and defense and security planning. In December 1994, for example, Bahrain concurred with the GCC decision to drop secondary and tertiary boycotts against Israel. Bahrain also responded positively to Kuwait's request to deploy the GCC collective defense force, "Peninsula Shield," during the build up and execution of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003.

In addition to maintaining strong relations with its largest financial backers, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE, Bahrain has worked to improve its relations with Qatar and Iran in recent years. Bahrain-Iran relations have been strained since the discovery in 1981 of an Iran-sponsored coup plot in Bahrain. Bahraini suspicions of the Iranian role in local unrest in the mid-1990s remain. However, with the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, Bahrain has begun taking steps to improve relations with Iran. These efforts have included encouraging Bahrain-Iran trade and maritime security cooperation.

On March 16, 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced its judgment on the long-standing maritime delimitation and territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar. The binding judgment awarded sovereignty over the Hawar Islands and Qit'at Jaradah to Bahrain and sovereignty over Zubarah (part of the Qatar Peninsula), Janan Island and Fasht ad Dibal to Qatar. The peaceful settlement of this dispute has allowed for renewed cooperation

Bahrain's strategic partnership with the U.S. has intensified since 1991. Bahraini pilots flew strikes in Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War, and the island was used as a base for military operations in the Gulf. Bahrain also provided logistical and basing support to international Maritime Interdiction efforts to enforce UN sanctions and prevent illegal smuggling of oil from Iraq in the 1990s. Bahrain also provided extensive basing and overflight clearances for a multitude of U.S. aircraft operating in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Bahrain also deployed forces in support of Coalition operations during both OEF and OIF. Bahrain is currently offering humanitarian support and technical training to support the reconstruction of the Iraqi banking sector, and has offered support for each stage of Iraq's political transformation. Bahrain has also cooperated effectively on criminal investigation issues in support of the campaign on terrorism; the Bahrain Monetary Agency moved quickly to restrict terrorists' ability to transfer funds through Bahrain's financial system.


U.S.-BAHRAINI RELATIONS

The American Mission Hospital, affiliated with the National Evangelical Church, has operated continuously in Bahrain for more than a century. Bahrain has also been a base for U.S. naval activity in the Gulf since 1947. When Bahrain became independent, the U.S.-Bahrain relationship was formalized with the establishment of diplomatic relations. The U.S. embassy at Manama was opened September 21, 1971, and a resident ambassador was sent in 1974. The Bahraini embassy in Washington, DC, opened in 1977. In October 1991, Amir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa made a state visit to Washington. In 2001, Amir Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa made his first visit to the U.S. after succeeding his father in 1999. He returned to Washington on an official visit in January 2003. King Hamad made an official visit to Washington in November 2004 to meet with President Bush and cabinet-level officials.

Bahrain and the United States signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement in October 1991 granting U.S. forces access to Bahraini facilities and ensuring the right to pre-position material for future crises. Currently the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, the U.S. designated Bahrain a Major Non-NATO Ally in October 2001.

U.S.-Bahraini economic ties have grown steadily since 1932, when Americans participated in the development of Bahrain's oil industry. Bahrain is a regional base for numerous American banks and firms. President Bush signed the U.S.-Bahrain free trade agreement (FTA) into law in January 2006.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

MANAMA (E) Address: Building 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District; APO/FPO: PSC 451 Box 660, FPO AE 09834; Phone: 973-1724-2700; Fax: 973-1727-2594; Work-week: Sat to Wed, 0800-1700; Web-site: www.usembassy.com.bh

AMB:William T. Monroe
AMB OMS:Phyllis Williams
DCM:Susan L. Ziadeh
DCM OMS:Barbara Hayden
POL/ECO:Steve Bondy
CON:Sara Cobb
MGT:Raymond Kengott
ATO:Mike Henney (res. Dubai)
CLO:Djuana Sirker
DAO:Ivar S. Tait
DEA:Jeffery J. Fitzpatrick (res. Islamabad)
ECO:Steve Simpson
FAA:Paul H. Feldman (res. Brussels)
FAA/CASLO:Karl R. Brown (res. Rome)
FMO:Sherrie Szymeczek
GSO:Peter Hayden
ICASS Chair:Jason Beal
IMO:Kenneth Mack
IPO:Brian Ahern
IRS:Frederick Pablo (res. Rome)
ISO:Greg Liddle
ISSO:Brian Ahern
LEGATT:Fred Brink (res. Riyadh)
PAO:Wyn Hornbuckle
RSO:Keith Swinehart
Last Updated: 12/28/2005

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

June 30, 2005

Country Description:

Bahrain is a hereditary kingdom, governed by the Al-Khalifa family. In 2002, the country became a monarchy with a constitution that reinstated a legislative body, one of whose chambers is elected. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Bahrain is a modern, developed country and tourist facilities are widely available. The capital is Manama.

Entry/Exit Requirements:

Passports and visas are required. For U.S. citizens, two-week visas may be obtained for a fee upon arrival at the airport. U.S. diplomatic passport holders receive a free two-week visa. Prior to travel, visitors may obtain five-year multiple entry visas valid for stays as long as one month from Bahraini embassies overseas. Visitors who fail to depart Bahrain at the end of their authorized stay are heavily fined. The exact amount of the fine is determined by a formula related to the visa type, duration, and location of issuance. An exit tax is charged all travelers upon departure. Diplomatic passport holders do not pay the exit tax. Residents of Bahrain who intend to return must obtain a re-entry permit before departing. For further information on entry requirements, travelers may contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 342-1111; or the Bahrain Permanent Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, East 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 223-6200. Visit the Embassy of Bahrain web site at www.bahrainembassy.org for the most current visa information.

Safety and Security:

Americans in Bahrain should maintain a high level of security awareness. The security situation in Bahrain has changed significantly since the September 11, 2001 attack against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the initiation of U.S. military operations in Iraq, and the onset of the current cycle of violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Several anti-American demonstrations occurred in 2002, one of which resulted in the U.S. Embassy being attacked with firebombs, and in 2003 at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Isolated incidents of aggressive or violent confrontations with individual Americans have also occurred. Events in the region can spark a mass response locally and further inflame current sentiments. Visiting U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Manama upon arrival and to maintain a low profile. The Embassy recommends that visitors limit their activities to tourist attractions and major urban commercial districts, particularly at night. The Embassy also suggests that all Americans maintain an unpredictable schedule and vary travel routes whenever possible. Americans also are urged to treat mail from unfamiliar sources with caution and to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects. Please report any suspicious activity, individuals, vehicles, or objects to the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Office at telephone (973) 1724-2700 during office hours or 1727–5126 after hours.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers out-side the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Crime:

The crime rate in Bahrain is low and violent crime is rare. However, burglary, petty theft, and robberies do occur. Visiting Americans are urged to take the same security precautions in Bahrain that one would practice in the United States. Hotel room doors should be locked when visitors are in the rooms, and travelers are encouraged to store valuables in hotel room safes when they are available. Women are encouraged to keep their purses firmly under their arm, and men should avoid keeping their wallets in their hip pocket while in the old market area (Souk). The U.S. Embassy in Manama recommends that travelers using local taxis insist on the use of a meter since unexpectedly high fares may otherwise be charged. Bahrain has a professional police force, and visitors are encouraged to contact the police if problems are encountered.

Information for Victims of Crime:

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Medical Facilities and Health Information:

Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in Bahrain. Two government hospitals, several private hospitals, and numerous private clinics located throughout the country offer a wide range of medical services. Cardiac care, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics and dentistry services are readily available, as are x-rays, CT-scan and MRI testing. The government hospitals house both trauma and ICU units. Pharmacies are common throughout Bahrain and carry a wide range of medications. Prescriptions are normally required.

Payment at all medical facilities is due at the time of service. Some hospitals have limited direct billing capability for certain insurance carriers. Billing and insurance practices vary among the medical facilities.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) web-site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Medical Insurance:

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions:

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bahrain is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Travel by road in Bahrain is generally safe although unsafe driving practices are common. Highways and major roads in the northern third of Bahrain are four to six lanes wide and well maintained; roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow and twisting. As in the United States, traffic in Bahrain moves on the right. Roundabouts (traffic circles) follow the British system, with those automobiles within the traffic circle having right of way over those attempting to enter. While there is a fine of at least 50 Bahrain Dinars (135 US dollars) for speeding (speed limits range from 50 to 120 km per hour), it is not uncommon to be passed by cars traveling 140 km per hour or more on the highway. A driver flashing the car's high beams is generally asking for a chance to pass.

Under Bahraini law, any sign of having consumed alcohol may be taken as prima facie evidence of driving under the influence, which can lead to imprisonment and/or fines of up to 1,000 Bahraini Dinars (2,700 U.S. dollars). Except for minor accidents, drivers may not move their vehicles after an accident until a report has been filed with the traffic police. This is true even in cases of single-car accidents. Insurance companies may not provide coverage if the cars are moved. However, drivers involved in minor, non-injury accidents no longer need wait at the scene for the police. Individuals should get their vehicles off the road to avoid further accidents. Drivers must then call the Bahrain Accident Hotline (1768-8888 or 1768-5999) where they will be directed to one of five new centers to file the accident report. This report must be filed within 24 hours of the accident. Both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country until the matter is resolved if an accident results in legal proceedings.

Emergency numbers are as follows: Fire/Ambulance/Police: 999; Traffic/Accidents: 1768-8888. Visit the web-site of Bahrain's national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at www.traffic.gov.bh/main.htm.

Aviation Safety Oversight:

As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Bahrain, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Bahrain's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's internet web site at www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

Special Circumstances:

Individuals subject to Bahraini court orders arising from indebtedness, labor disagreements, or other legal disputes may be prevented from departing Bahrain until their cases are resolved. Instances have occurred in which departure was prohibited for several years, since the legal process can be both lengthy and complex. A list of local attorneys capable of representing Americans in such matters is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manama.

Criminal Penalties:

While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Bahrain's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bahrain are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues:

For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://www.travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

Registration/Embassy Location:

Americans living or traveling in Bahrain are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bahrain. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Bldg. 979, Road no. 3119, Zinj District (next to Al Ahli Sports Club). The mailing address is P.O. Box 26431, Manama, Bahrain. The telephone number is (973) 1724-2700. The after-hours number is (973) 1724-5126. The Consular Section fax number is (973) 1725-6242. The Embassy's website, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Bahrain, is at http://bahrain.usembassy.gov/. The work-week in Bahrain is Saturday through Wednesday.

International Adoption

June 2001

The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer:

The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and our current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.

The Ministry of Islamic and Justice Affairs has informed the American Embassy in Manama, that adoption is not possible in Bahrain. Muslims from birth may support a child whose father is not known, however, the child cannot inherit or take the name of the family providing support, nor can the child depart Bahrain with this family. These restrictions extend to third country national children, who are considered citizens of Bahrain when the biological father is not known.

Bahrain Embassy and Consulates in the United States:

Embassy of the State of Bahrain
3502 International Drive, NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: (202) 342-0741
Fax: (202) 362-2192

Bahrain also has a consulate in New York City, New York.

U.S. Embassy in Bahrain:

Mailing Address
U.S. Embassy Manama
Box 26431
Manama, Bahrain
Zinj, Bahrain

Street Address
U.S. Embassy Manama
Bldg. 979
Road 3119 Block 331
Phone: 973-273-300
After-hours: 973-275-126
Fax: 973-272-594

Questions:

Specific questions regarding adoption in Bahrain may be addressed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Bahrain. You may also contact the Office of Children's Issues, SA-29, 2201 C Street, NW, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-2818, telephone 1-888-407-4747 with specific questions.

Bahrain

views updated May 18 2018

BAHRAIN

Compiled from the November 2004 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Kingdom of Bahrain


PROFILE

Geography

Area: 710 sq. km. (274 sq. mi.); approximately four times the size of Washington, D.C. Bahrain is an archipelago of 36 islands located off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The four main islands are joined by causeways, and make up about 95% of the total land area.

Cities: Capital—Manama, pop. (2002 est.) 148,000. Other cities—Al Muharraq.

Terrain: Low desert plain (highest elevation point–122 m).

Climate: Hot and humid from May-September, with average highs ranging from 30-40ºC (86-104ºF). Maximum temperatures average 20-30ºC (68-86ºF) the remainder of the year.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Bahraini(s).

Population: (July 2003 est.) 667,238, including about 235,108 nonnationals.

Annual growth rate: 1.61%.

Ethnic groups: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%.

Religions: 98% Muslim (Shi'a 70%, Sunni 30%), with small Christian, Jewish and Hindu communities.

Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken.

Education: Education is not compulsory, but is provided free to Bahrainis and non-nationals at all levels, including higher education. Estimated net primary school attendance (1991-2001)—84%. Adult Literacy (age 15 and over) (2003 est.)—89.1% for the overall population (male 91.9% female 85%).

Health: Infant mortality rate—19.02 deaths/1,000 live births. Life expectancy—71 yrs. males, 76 yrs. females.

Work force: (2001) 307,000 of which 59% are foreigners and 20.8% female.

Government

Type: Constitutional Monarchy.

Independence: August 15, 1971 (from the UK).

Constitution: Approved and promulgated May 26, 1973; suspended on August 26, 1975; amended and approved by a national popular referendum again on February 14-15, 2001.

Branches: Executive—King (chief of state); Prime Minister (head of government); Council of Ministers (cabinet) is appointed by the King and headed by the Prime Minister. Legislative—The bicameral parliament (al-Majlis al-Watani) consists of a 40-member elected House of Deputies and a 40-member Shura Council appointed by the King. Members of both chambers serve four-year terms. Judicial—High Civil Appeals Court. The judiciary is independent with right of judicial review.

Administrative subdivisions: 12 municipalities (manatiq) Al Hidd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa' wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah.

Political parties: None. Formal parties are banned but political societies have been formally sanctioned since 2001.

Suffrage: Universal at age 18.

Economy

GDP: (2002) $7.7 billion.

Real GDP Growth Rate: (2002 est.) 5.1%.

Per capita GDP: (2002 est.) $14,000.

Natural resources: Oil, natural gas, fish, pearls.

Agriculture: (less than 1% of GDP) Products—With the exception of eggs, vegetables, dates, and fish, most food is imported.

Industry: Types—oil and gas (16.5% of GDP), manufacturing (12.2% of GDP), aluminum.

Services: Finance (15.7% of GDP), transport and communications (8.9% of GDP), real estate (7.8% of GDP).

Government Services: (10.4% of GDP).

Trade: (2002—about 13.3% of GDP) Exports—$5.8 billion: oil and other mineral products, base metals, textiles. Major markets—India (4.5%), U.S. (3.2%), Saudi Arabia (2.3%), Japan (1.7%), South Korea (1.7%). Imports—$5.0 billion: crude oil, machinery and appliances, transport equipment, foodstuffs. Major suppliers—Saudi Arabia (30.2%), U.S. (11.7%), France (7.1%), U.K. (6.1%), Germany (5.6%).


HISTORY

The site of the ancient Bronze Age civilization of Dilmun, Bahrain was an important center linking trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley as early as 5,000 years ago. The Dilmun civilization began to decline about 2,000 B.C. as trade from India was cut off. From 750 B.C. on, Assyrian kings repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the islands. Shortly after 600 B.C., Dilmun was formally incorporated into the new Babylonian empire. There are no historical references to Bahrain until Alexander the Great's arrival in the Gulf in the 4th century B.C. Although Bahrain was ruled variously by the Arab tribes of Bani Wa'el and Persian governors, Bahrain continued to be known by its Greek name Tylos until the 7th century, when many of its inhabitants converted to Islam. A regional pearling and trade center, Bahrain came under the control of the Ummayad Caliphs of Syria, the Abbasid Caliphs of Baghdad, Persian, Omani and Portuguese forces at various times from the 7th century until the Al Khalifa family, a branch of the Bani Utbah tribe that have ruled Bahrain since the 18th century, succeeded in capturing Bahrain from a Persian garrison controlling the islands in 1783.

In the 1830s the Al Khalifa signed the first of many treaties establishing Bahrain as a British Protectorate. Similar to the binding treaties of protection entered into by other Persian Gulf principalities, the agreements entered into by the Al Khalifa prohibited them from disposing of territory and entering into relationships with any foreign government without British consent in exchange for British protection against the threat of military attack from Ottoman Turkey. The main British naval base in the region was moved to Bahrain in 1935 shortly after the start of large-scale oil production. from all aggression by sea and to lend support in case of land attack.

In 1968, when the British Government announced its decision (reaffirmed in March 1971) to end the treaty relationships with the Persian Gulf sheikdoms, Bahrain initially joined the other eight states (Qatar and the seven Trucial Sheikhdoms now the United Arab Emirates) under British protection in an effort to form a union of Arab emirates. The nine sheikhdoms still had not agreed on terms of union by 1971, however, prompting. Bahrain to declare itself fully independent on August 15, 1971.

Bahrain promulgated a constitution and elected its first parliament in 1973, but just two years later, in August 1975, the Amir disbanded the National Assembly after it attempted to legislate the end of Al-Khalifa rule and the expulsion of the U.S. Navy from Bahrain. In the 1990s, Bahrain suffered from repeated incidents of political violence stemming from the disaffection of the Shi'a majority. In response, the Amir instituted the first Bahraini cabinet change in 20 years in 1995 and also and increased the membership of the Consultative Council, which he had created in 1993 to provide advice and opinion on legislation proposed by the cabinet and, in certain cases, suggest new laws on its own, from 30 to 40 the following year. These steps led to an initial decline in violent incidents, but in early 1996 a number of hotels and restaurants were bombed, resulting in several fatalities. Over 1,000 people were arrested and held in detention without trial in connection with these disturbances. The government has since released these individuals.


GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa succeeded the throne in March 1999, after the death of his father Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's ruler since 1961. He championed a program of democratic reform shortly after his succession. In November 2000, Shaikh Hamad established a committee to create a blueprint to transform Bahrain from a hereditary emirate to a constitutional monarchy within 2 years. The resulting "National Action Charter" was presented to the Bahraini public in a referendum in February 2001. In the first comprehensive public vote in Bahrain since the 1970s, 94.8% of voters overwhelmingly endorsed the charter. That same month, Shaikh Hamad pardoned all political prisoners and detainees, including those who had been imprisoned, exiled or detained on security charges. He also abolished the State Security Law and the State Security Court, which had permitted the government to detain individuals without trial for up to 3 years.

On February 14, 2002, one year after the referendum endorsing his National Action Charter, Shaikh Hamad pronounced Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and changed his status from Amir to King. He simultaneously announced that the first municipal elections since 1957 would be held in May 2002, and that a bicameral parliament, with a representative lower house, would be reconstituted with parliamentary elections in October 2002. As part of these constitutional reforms, the government also created an independent financial watchdog empowered to investigate cases of embezzlement and violations of state expenditure in July 2002.

Turnout for the May 2002 municipal elections was 51%, with female voters making up 52% percent of voters. Turnout for the 2002 parliamentary elections—the first in almost three decades—was 53% in the first round and 43% in the second round, despite the fact that the four-largest Shi'a political societies organized a boycott to protest constitutional amendments enacted by the King that gave the appointed upper chamber of parliament voting rights equal to the elected lower chamber. Sunni Islamists won 19 of the 40 seats. Despite strong participation by female voters, none of the female candidates standing in these elections won a parliamentary seat. The new parliament held its first joint sitting in December 2002.

Bahrain has a complex system of courts, based on diverse legal sources, including Sunni and Shi'a Sharia (religious law), tribal law, and other civil codes and regulations created with the help of British advisers in the early 20th century. In 2001, Shaikh Hamad created the Supreme Judicial Council to regulate these courts and separate the administrative and judicial branches of government.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 12/6/04

King: Khalifa , HAMAD bin Isa Al
Prime Minister: Khalifa , KHALIFA bin Salman Al
Dep. Prime Minister: Khalifa , MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak Al
Dep. Prime Minister: Khalifa , ABDALLAH bin KHALID Al
Min. of King's Court Affairs: Khalifa , ALI bin ISA bin Salman Al
Min. of Cabinet Affairs: Mutawa , Muhammad bin Ibrahim al-
Min. of Commerce: Salih , Ali Salih Abdallah al-
Min. of Defense: Khalifa , KHALIFA bin AHMAD Al, Maj. Gen.
Min. of Education: Nuaymi , Majid Ali al-, Dr.
Min. of Electricity & Water: Khalifa , DAIJ bin Khalifa Al
Min. of Finance & National Economy: Saif , Abdallah Hasan al-
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Khalifa , MUHAMMAD bin Mubarak Al
Min. of Health: Hafadh , Nada Abbas, Dr.
Min. of Housing: Khalifa , KHALID bin Abdallah Al
Min. of Industry: Fakhru , Hasan Abdallah al-, Dr.
Min. of Information: Hamir , Nabil Yaqub al-
Min. of Interior: Khalifa , Rashid Abdallah Ahmad Al
Min. of Justice & Islamic Affairs: Khalifa , ABDALLAH bin KHALID Al
Min. of Labor & Social Affairs: Alawi , Majid Muhsin al-, Dr.
Min. of Municipalities & Agriculture: Sitri , Muhammad Ali al-, Dr.
Min. of Oil: Khalifa , ISA bin ALI bin Hamad Al
Min. of Public Works: Jawdar , Fahmi Ali al-
Min. of State: Mirza , Abd al-Husayn Ali al-
Min. of State: Shuala , Abd al-Nabi al-
Min. of State for Foreign Affairs: ABD AL-GHAFFAR Abdallah , Muhammad, Dr.
Min. of State for Shura Council Affairs: Fadhil , Abd al-Aziz Muhammad al-
Min. of Transportation & Communication: Khalifa, ALI bin KHALIFA bin Salman Al
Chmn., Bahrain Monetary Agency: Khalifa , KHALIFA bin Salman Al
Governor, Bahrain Monetary Agency: Khalifa , AHMAD bin Muhammad bin Hamad bin Abdallah Al
Director, Bahrain National Security Agency: Khalifa , Abd al-Aziz Atiyattalah Al Dr.
Attorney General: Khalifa , ABD AL RAHMAN bin Jabir Al
Ambassador to the US: Khalifa , KHALIFA bin ALI bin Rashid Al
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Mansoor , Tawfiq Ahmad al-

Bahrain maintains an embassy in the United States at 3502 International Drive N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008; tel: [1] (202) 342-1111; fax: [1] (202) 362-2192. The Bahraini Mission to the UN is located at 866 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017; tel: [1] (212)223-6200; fax [1] (202) 319-0687.


PEOPLE

Bahrain is one of the most densely populated countries in the Middle East; about 89% of the population lives in the two principal cities of Manama and Al Muharraq. Approximately 66% of the indigenous population is originally from the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. Bahrain currently has a sizeable foreign labor force (about 38% of the total population). The government's policies on naturalization remain controversial. In June 2002, the King issued a decree allowing citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to take up dual Bahraini nationality. Opposition political groups charge that the government is granting citizenship to foreign nationals who have served in the Bahraini armed forces and security services to alter the demographic balance of the country, which is primarily Shi'a. According to passport officials, about 40,000 individuals have been naturalized over the past 50 years (about 10% of the total population).

The indigenous population is 98% Muslim. Although more than two-thirds of the indigenous population is Shi'a Muslim, the ruling family and the majority of government, military, and corporate leaders are Sunni Muslims. The small indigenous Christian and Jewish communities make up the remaining 2% of the population. Roughly half of foreign resident community are non-Muslim, and include Christians, Hindus, Baha'is, Buddhists and Sikhs.

Bahrain has invested its oil revenues in developing an advanced educational system. The first public schools for girls and boys were opened in the 1920s. The government continues to pay for all schooling costs. Although school attendance is not compulsory, primary and secondary attendance rates are high, and literacy rates are currently among the highest in the region. Higher education is available for secondary school graduates at the Bahrain University, Arabian Gulf University and specialized institutes including the College of Health Sciences—operating under the direction of the Ministry of Health—which trains physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and paramedics. The government has identified providing educational services to the Gulf Cooperation Council as a potential economic growth area, and is actively working to establish Bahrain as a regional center for higher education.


ECONOMY

The first Gulf state to discover oil, Bahrain has worked to diversify its economy over the past decade. Bahrain has stabilized its oil production at about 40,000 barrels per day (b/d), and reserves are expected to last 10-15 years. Revenues from oil and natural gas currently account for 16.5% of GDP and provide about 60% of government income. The Bahrain Oil Company refinery built in 1935, the first in the Gulf, has a capacity of about 250,000 b/d. Since 1980, 60% of the refinery has been owned by the Bahrain National Oil Company and 40% by the U.S. company Caltex. Saudi Arabia provides most of the crude for refinery operation via pipeline. Through an agreement with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain also receives a large portion of the net output and revenues from Saudi Arabia's Abu Saafa offshore oilfield. The Bahrain National Gas Company operates a gas liquefaction plant that utilizes gas piped directly from Bahrain's oil-fields. Gas reserves should last about 50 years at present rates of consumption. The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company is a joint venture of the petrochemical industries of Kuwait, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, and the Government of Bahrain. The plant, completed in 1985, produces ammonia and methanol for export. Growth in the hydrocarbons sector will be contingent upon new discoveries—Bahrain awarded exploration rights to Malay-sia's Petronas and the U.S.' Chevron Texaco after the resolution of Bahrain's long-standing territorial dispute with Qatar, but no meaningful finds have been announced to date. Bahrain's other industries include the majority state-owned Aluminum Bahrain (Alba), which operates the largest aluminum smelter in the world outside Eastern Europe with an annual production of about 307,000 metric tons (mt)—and related factories, such as the Aluminum Extrusion Company and the Gulf Aluminum Rolling Mill. Other plants include the Arab Iron and Steel Company's iron ore pelletizing plant (4 million tons annually) and a shipbuilding and repair yard.

Bahrain's development as a major financial center has been the most widely heralded aspect of its diversification effort. Bahrain is a regional financial and business center; international financial institutions operate in Bahrain, both offshore and onshore, without impediments, and the financial sector is currently the second largest contributor to GDP. More than 100 offshore banking units and representative offices are located in Bahrain, as well as 65 American firms. Bahrain has also made a concerted effort to become the leading Islamic finance center in the world, standardizing regulations of the Islamic banking industry. It currently has 26 Islamic banks – the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions.

Bahrain is working to develop other service industries such as information technology, healthcare and education. The government has used its oil revenues to build an advanced infrastructure in transportation and telecommunications. The transport and communications sector grew by almost 9% in 2002 and is likely to expand as the government proceeds with liberalization of the state-owned telecommunications industry. The state monopoly – Batelco – was broken in April 2003. Bahrain's international airport is one of busiest in the Gulf, serving an average of 580 flights a week. A new air traffic control tower, part of a program to upgrade and modernize the airport, is due for completion in June 2004. A modern, busy port offers direct and frequent cargo shipping connections to the U.S., Europe, and the Far East.

Liberalization of the water and power industries is also planned.

Regional tourism is also a significant source of income. The government continues to favor large-scale tourism projects. In 2003 it awarded several contracts to develop a state-of-the art international horse racing track and tourist complex.

Government revenues continue to be largely dependent on the oil industry. Bahrain has received significant budgetary support and project grants from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. The reconstituted parliamentary process has produced spirited debate over government spending, particularly defense spending, but no actual reductions. Ministry of Defense spending will account for 20% of current spending in 2003 and 2004 based on the budget approved by parliament in May 2003. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of the Interior are the second and third largest spenders. The bulk of capital outlays have been allocated to improving housing and infrastructure in line with government efforts to raise the standard of living of the Shi'a population and to attract foreign investment.

The government has also started to extend protections to workers. Private sector employees won permission to form unions in late 2002; King Hamad has given his tentative approval for the formation of unions in government departments.


DEFENSE

The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) numbers about 9,000 personnel and consists of army, navy, air force, air defense, and royal guard units. The public security forces and the coast guard are separate from the BDF and report to the Ministry of the Interior. Bahrain's defense spending since 1999 has been steady. The government spends around $440 million annually on their military, about 20% of current expenditures. The reconstituted parliamentary process has produced spirited debate over government spending, particularly defense spending, but no actual reductions.

With the help of the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Bahrain has made significant efforts to upgrade its defense systems and increase the modernity of its armed forces over the last 20 years. In 1982, the GCC gave Bahrain $1.7 billion for this purpose. Since the 1991 Gulf War, the U.S. has provided military and defense technical assistance and training to Bahrain from foreign military sales (FMS), commercial sources, excess defense article sales (EDA) and under the International Military and Education Training (IMET) program. The U.S. Office of Military Cooperation in Bahrain is attached to the U.S. Embassy and manages the security assistance mission. U.S. military sales to Bahrain currently total $1.6 billion. Principal U.S. military systems purchased by the BDF include eight Apache helicopters, 54 M60A3 tanks, 12 F-16C/D aircraft, 14 Cobra helicopters, and the TPS-59 radar system. Bahrain has received $200 million in U.S. EDA since 1995.

Joint air and ground exercises have been planned and executed to increase readiness throughout the Gulf.


FOREIGN RELATIONS

Since achieving independence in 1971, Bahrain has pursued a policy of close consultation with neighboring states. Bahrain became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League in 1971. In 1981 it joined its five neighbors—Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar—to form the strategic Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Bahrain has complied with GCC efforts steps to coordinate economic development and defense and security planning. In December 1994, for example, Bahrain concurred with the GCC decision to drop secondary and tertiary boycotts against Israel. Bahrain also responded positively to Kuwait's request to deploy the GCC collective defense force, "Peninsula Shield," during the build up and execution of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in 2003.

In addition to maintaining strong relations with its largest financial backers, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE, Bahrain has worked to improve its relations with Qatar and Iran in recent years. Bahrain-Iran relations have been strained since the discovery in 1981 of an Iran-sponsored coup plot in Bahrain. Bahraini suspicions of the Iranian role in local unrest in the mid-1990s remain. However, with the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, Bahrain has begun taking steps to improve relations with Iran. These efforts have included encouraging Bahrain-Iran trade and maritime security cooperation.

On March 16, 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced its judgment on the long-standing maritime delimitation and territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar. The binding judgment awarded sovereignty over the Hawar Islands and Qit'at Jaradah to Bahrain and sovereignty over Zubarah (part of the Qatar Peninsula), Janan Island and Fasht ad Dibal to Qatar. The peaceful settlement of this dispute has allowed for renewed co-operation.

Bahrain's strategic partnership with the U.S. has intensified since 1991. Bahraini pilots flew strikes in Iraq during the 1991 Gulf War, and the island was used as a base for military operations in the Gulf. Bahrain also provided logistical and basing support to international Maritime Interdiction efforts to enforce UN sanctions and prevent illegal smuggling of oil from Iraq in the 1990s. Bahrain also provided extensive basing and over flight clearances for a multitude of U.S. aircraft operating in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Bahrain is currently offering humanitarian support and technical training to support the reconstruction of the Iraqi banking sector. Bahrain has also cooperated effectively on criminal investigation issues in support of the campaign on terrorism; the Bahrain Monetary Agency moved quickly to restrict terrorists' ability to transfer funds through Bahrain's financial system.


U.S.-BAHRAINI RELATIONS

The American Mission Hospital, affiliated with the National Evangelical Church, has operated continuously in Bahrain for more than a century. Bahrain has also been a base for U.S. naval activity in the Gulf since 1947. When Bahrain became independent, the U.S.-Bahrain relationship was formalized with the establishment of diplomatic relations. The U.S. embassy at Manama was opened September 21, 1971, and a resident ambassador was sent in 1974. The Bahraini embassy in Washington, DC, opened in 1977. In October 1991, Amir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa made a state visit to Washington. In 2001, Amir Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa made his first visit to the U.S. after succeeding his father in 1999. He returned to Washington on an official visit in January 2003.

Bahrain and the United States signed a Defense Cooperation Agreement in October 1991 granting U.S. forces access to Bahraini facilities and ensuring the right to pre-position material for future crises. Currently the headquarters of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, the U.S. designated Bahrain a Major Non-NATO Ally in October 2001.

U.S.-Bahraini economic ties have grown steadily since 1932, when Americans participated in the development of Bahrain's oil industry. Bahrain is a regional base for numerous American banks and firms. The U.S. and Bahrain signed a free trade agreement (FTA) in September 2004.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

MANAMA (E) Address: Building 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District; APO/FPO: PSC 451, FPO AE 09834; Phone: 973-1724-2700; Fax: 973-1727-2594; Workweek: Sat to Wed, 0800-1700; Website: www.usembassy.com.bh

AMB:William T. Monroe
AMB OMS:Phyllis Williams
DCM:Susan L. Ziadeh
DCM OMS:Barbara Hayden
POL:Steve Bondy
CON:Larilyn Reffett
MGT:Helen H. Hahn
ATO:Mike Henney (res. Dubai)
CLO:Joyce Haley
DEA:Jeffery J. Fitzpatrick (res. Islamabad)
ECO:Aimee Cutrona
FAA:Paul H. Feldman (res. Brussels)
FAA/CASLO:Karl R. Brown (res. Rome)
FMO:Manilka Wijesooriya
GSO:Peter Hayden
ICASS Chair:COL Dave Morte
IMO:Carl Stefan
IRS:Frederick Pablo (res. Rome)
ISSO:Brian Ahern
LEGATT:Fred Brink (res. Riyadh)
PAO:Aleta Wenger
RSO:Timothy G. Haley
Last Updated: 10/17/2004

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

February 17, 2005

Country Description: Bahrain is a hereditary kingdom, governed by the Al-Khalifa family. In 2002, the country became a monarchy with a constitution that reinstated a legislative body, one of whose chambers is elected. Islamic ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the country's customs, laws and practices. Bahrain is a modern, developed country and tourist facilities are widely available. The capital is Manama.

Entry/Exit Requirements: Passports and visas are required. For U.S. citizens, two-week visas may be obtained for a fee upon arrival at the airport. Prior to travel, visitors may obtain five-year multiple entry visas valid for stays as long as one month from Bahraini embassies overseas. Visitors who fail to depart Bahrain at the end of their authorized stay are heavily fined. The exact amount of the fine is determined by a formula related to the visa type, duration, and location of issuance. An exit tax is charged all travelers upon departure. Residents of Bahrain who intend to return must obtain a re-entry permit before departing. For further information on entry/exit requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 342-1111; or the Bahrain Permanent Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, East 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 223-6200. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Bahrain and other countries. Visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain web site at www.bahrainembassy.org for the most current visa information.

Safety and Security: Americans in Bahrain should maintain a high level of security awareness. The security situation in Bahrain has changed significantly since the September 11, 2001 attacks against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the initiation of U.S. military operations in Iraq, and the onset of the current cycle of violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Several anti-American demonstrations occurred in 2002, one of which resulted in the U.S. Embassy being attacked with fire-bombs, and in 2003 at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Isolated incidents of aggressive or violent confrontations with individual Americans have also occurred. Events in the region can spark a mass response locally and further inflame current sentiments. Visiting U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Manama upon arrival and to maintain a low profile.

The U.S. Embassy in Manama recommends that visitors limit their activities to tourist attractions and major urban commercial districts, particularly at night. The U.S. Embassy in Manama suggests that all Americans maintain an unpredictable schedule and vary travel routes whenever possible. Americans also are urged to treat mail from unfamiliar sources with caution and to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects. Please report any suspicious activity, individuals, vehicles, or objects to the U.S. Embassy's Regional Security Office at telephone (973) 1724-2700 during office hours or 1727–5126 after hours.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.

Crime: The crime rate in Bahrain is low and violent crime is rare. However, burglary, petty theft, and robberies do occur. Visiting Americans are urged to take the same security precautions in Bahrain that one would practice in the United States. Hotel-room doors should be kept locked at all times, and travelers are encouraged to store valuables in hotel room safes when they are available. Women are encouraged to keep their purses firmly under their arm, and men should avoid keeping their wallets in their hip pocket while in the old market area (Souk). The U.S. Embassy in Manama recommends that travelers using local taxis insist on the use of a meter since unexpectedly high fares may otherwise be charged. Bahrain has a professional police force, and visitors are encouraged to contact the police if problems are encountered.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. See our information on Victims of Crime at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1748.html.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Basic modern medical care and medicines are available in several hospitals and health centers in Bahrain. Two government hospitals, several private hospitals, and numerous private clinics located throughout the country offer a wide range of medical services. Cardiac care, general surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics and dentistry services are readily available, as are x-rays, CT-scan and MRI testing. The government hospitals house trauma and intensive care units. Pharmacies are common throughout Bahrain and carry a wide range of medications. Prescriptions are normally required.

Payment at all medical facilities is due at the time of service. Some hospitals have limited direct billing capability for certain insurance carriers. Billing and insurance practices vary among the medical facilities.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, please consult the World Health Organization's website at www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at www.who.int/ith.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html.

Traffic Safety and road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Bahrain is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Travel by road in Bahrain is generally safe although unsafe driving practices are common. Highways and major roads in the northern third of Bahrain are four to six lanes wide and well maintained; roads in villages and older parts of Manama and Muharraq are narrow and twisting. As in the United States, Bahraini traffic moves on the right. Roundabouts (traffic circles) follow the British system, with those automobiles within the traffic circle having right of way over those attempting to enter. While there is a fine of at least 50 Bahraini Dinars (135 U.S. dollars) for speeding (speed limits range from 50 to 120 km per hour), it is not uncommon to be passed by cars traveling 140 km per hour or more on the highway. A driver flashing his vehicle's high beams is generally asking for a chance to pass.

Under Bahraini law, any sign of having consumed alcohol may be taken as prima facie evidence of driving under the influence, which can lead to imprisonment and/or fines of up to 1,000 Bahraini Dinars (2,700 U.S. dollars). Except for minor accidents, drivers may not move their vehicles after an accident until a report has been filed with the traffic police. This is true even in cases of single-car accidents. Insurance companies may not provide coverage if the cars are moved. However, drivers involved in minor, non-injury accidents no longer need wait at the scene for the police. Individuals should get their vehicles off the road to avoid further accidents. Drivers must then call the Bahrain Accident Hotline (1768-8888 or 1768-5999) where they will be directed to one of five new centers to file the accident report. This report must be filed within 24 hours of the accident. Both drivers may be prohibited from leaving the country until the matter is resolved if an accident results in legal proceedings. To summon the fire department, ambulance, or police, call 999.

Visit the website of Bahrain's national tourist office at www.bahraintourism.com or the national authority responsible for road safety at www.traffic.gov.bh/main.htm

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Bahrain, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Bahrain's civil aviation authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's Internet website at www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm

Special Circumstances: Individuals subject to Bahraini court orders arising from indebtedness, labor disagreements, or other legal disputes may be prevented from departing Bahrain until their cases are resolved. Instances have occurred in which departure was prohibited for several years, since the legal process can be both lengthy and complex. A list of local attorneys capable of representing Americans in such matters is available from the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manama.

Businesses and banks in Bahrain no longer accept old-style U.S. one hundred dollar bills. The workweek in Bahrain is Saturday through Wednesday.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Bahrain's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Bahrain are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. For more information visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_criminal.html.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html

Registration/Embassy Location: Americans living in or traveling in Bahrain are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Bahrain. Americans without internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Bldg. 979, Road no. 3119, Zinj District (next to Al Ahli Sports Club). (The mailing address is P.O. Box 26431, Manama, Bahrain.) The telephone number is (973) 1724-2700. The after-hours number is (973) 1724-5126. The Consular Section fax number is (973) 1725-6242. The Embassy's website, which includes consular information and the most recent messages to the American community in Bahrain, is at www.usembassy.bh.gov.

International Adoption

June 2001

The information below has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at www.travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer: The information in this circular relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is provided for general information only. Questions involving interpretation of specific foreign laws should be addressed to foreign legal counsel.

The Ministry of Islamic and Justice Affairs has informed the American Embassy in Manama, that adoption is not possible in Bahrain. Muslims from birth may support a child whose father is not known, however, the child cannot inherit or take the name of the family providing support, nor can the child depart Bahrain with this family. These restrictions extend to third country national children, who are considered citizens of Bahrain when the biological father is not known.

Bahrain Embassy and Consulates in the United States: Embassy of the State of Bahrain; 3502 International Drive, NW; Washington, D.C. 20008; Phone: (202) 342-0741; Fax: (202) 362-2192. Bahrain also has a consulate in New York City, New York.

U.S. Embassy in Bahrain: Mailing Address: U.S. Embassy Manama; Box 26431; Manama, Bahrain; Zinj, Bahrain. Street Address: U.S. Embassy Manama; Bldg. 979; Road 3119 Block 331; Phone: 973-273-300; Afterhours: 973-275-126; Fax: 973-272-594. Work Week: Sunday through Wednesday

Questions: Specific questions regarding adoption in Bahrain may be addressed to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Bahrain. You may also contact the Office of Children's Issues, SA-29, 2201 C Street, NW, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-2818, telephone 1-888-407-4747 with specific questions.

Bahrain

views updated May 14 2018

BAHRAIN

State of Bahrain

Major City:
Manama

EDITOR'S NOTE

This chapter was adapted from the Department of State Post Report 2000 for Bahrain. Supplemental material has been added to increase coverage of minor cities, facts have been updated, and some material has been condensed. Readers are encouraged to visit the Department of State's web site at http://travel.state.gov/ for the most recent information available on travel to this country.

INTRODUCTION

Site of some of the oldest civilizations in the world (thought by some to be the site of the Garden of Eden), Bahrain is packed with archaeological digs, historical museums, dhow-building yards, and back-street souqs.

As modern as central Manama may be, the basic rhythms of life in the island's many villages remain remarkably traditional. By the same token, where there is tradition in the Gulf there is Islamic conservatism: Women cover themselves from head to foot.

Traditional craftwork continues in Bahrain: Dhows (fishing boats) are built on the outskirts of Manama; cloth is woven at Bani Jamrah; and pottery is thrown at A'ali. A few goldsmiths still operate in the souq. One of the mainstays of Bahraini culture is the drinking of traditional Arabian coffee. You cannot go far without finding a coffee pot in a shop or a souq. Traditional Arabian street food like shawarma (lamb or chicken carved from a huge rotating spit and served in pita bread) and desserts such as baklava are also ubiquitous. While a bit thin on Arabic food, Bahrain has a bonanza of Indian, Pakistani, Thai, and other Asian specialties.

Bahrain's main island has almost certainly been inhabited since prehistoric times. The archipelago first emerged into world history in the 3rd millennium BC as the seat of the Dilmun trading empire. Dilmun, a Bronze Age culture that lasted about 2000 years, benefited from the islands' strategic position along the trade routes linking Mesopotamia with the Indus Valley.

Eventually Dilmun declined and was absorbed by the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. The Greeks arrived around 300 BC, and Bahrain remained a Hellenistic culture for some 600 years.

After experimenting with Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Manicheism, in the seventh century many of the islands' inhabitants converted to Islam.

In the 1830s, Bahrain signed the first of many treaties with Britain, who offered Bahrain naval protection from Ottoman Turkey in exchange for unfettered access to the Gulf. Oil was discovered in 1932, and large-scale oil-drilling soon followed. Oil money brought improved education and health care to Bahrain. It also brought the British closer: The main British naval base in the region was moved to Bahrain in 1935.

In the 1950s, the waves of Arab nationalism that swept through the region led to increasing anti-British sentiment. Bahrain proclaimed its independence on August 14, 1971.

As the price of oil went through the stratosphere during the 1970s and 1980s, the country grew by leaps and bounds. Despite the Gulf-wide economic downturn of the late 1980s, Bahrain remained calm and prosperous.

Bahrain's reputation as a relatively liberal and modern Arabian Gulf State has made it a favorite with travelers in the region and an excellent introduction to the Gulf. While their neighbors staked everything on oil, Bahrainis diversified their economy and created some of the region's best education and health systems. Years of British influence have made English widely spoken. Development has been swift, but it hasn't swallowed up everything.

MAJOR CITY

Manama

Manama is a cosmopolitan city of about 144,000. Central Manama is undergoing extensive urban development, featuring new banks, hotels, offices, and six-lane, divided highways on land reclaimed from the sea during the past 15 years. The growth has resulted in moderately increased traffic congestion and the distinct beginnings of urban sprawl. Yet the city is livable, and many consider it the preferred location in the Gulf. The discomfort of the outdoor summer weather and the real, as well as psychological, isolation of living on a small island community cause frustration for some.

Utilities

Electricity is 220v-240v, 50 hertz. Because voltage fluctuates, delicate electrical equipment such as stereos should have voltage regulators. These are available locally, but at high prices.

Food

Clean, modern, U.S.-style supermarkets are numerous. Excellent prawns and fish, superb dates, good eggs, fresh chickens, and fresh dairy products, including pasteurized milk, are grown or produced on the island. Depending on the season, fresh fruits and vegetables are also available. The latter is supplemented by an abundance of imported fresh fruit and vegetables. Beef, mutton, lamb, veal, pork, poultry, cheeses, other dairy products, cereals, and canned or dry goods are all imported, primarily from the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, and are readily available in the island's supermarkets and shops. Prices, however, are often high. Smart shoppers spend time in the cheaper, covered central market in downtown Manama.

Clothing

Fabrics and sewing supplies are plentiful and moderately priced. Tailors are good at copying patterns and models, but most do not create or design clothing. Local stores offer expensive ready-made clothing of varying quality and limited selection from Europe and the U.S.

Bahrain has no official clothing taboos. As guests of a society that traditionally is very strict among its own members, especially the women, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Shorts, short dresses, and bare shoulders are inappropriate outside the home. Skirts and dresses for women and long pants for men are recommended for general wear. Sneakers for tennis and other sports are locally available but at high prices.

Men: Take cool, lightweight suits for summer wear and many cotton shirts. Sweaters and a moderate supply of light winter clothes are necessary. Winter nights can be as chilly as 45°F. Since winter is also the rainy season and some streets are unpaved, boots and galoshes are useful to negotiate the many puddles that linger after heavy rains.

Women: Shoe shopping presents a problem, especially for women. Only the latest European styles are available at local boutiques. Because of the heat and humidity, natural clothing fibers (especially cotton) are best during summer. Double-knits and synthetic materials are very uncomfortable during the hot season.

Children : Children's shoes and clothing are available but are usually expensive. Shoes are of poor quality, and children's galoshes are hard to find.

Supplies and Services

Almost everything is available in Bahrain, but is invariably more expensive. Laundry soaps and bleaches, though fairly expensive, are readily available locally. Small appliances, linens, utensils, tools, cosmetics, soaps, and perfumes are available but are also expensive. Specific brand names may not be available, but suitable substitutes abound. Color film is expensive. It may be processed locally or in the U.S. Dog, cat, and bird foods are available locally. Kitty litter, dog collars, leashes, and toys are usually available, but are expensive, and the selection is limited.

A large variety of personal and professional services are available in Bahrain, from picture framing to motor vehicle rust-proofing, legal and tax counseling, to insect extermination. However, costs exceed those of comparable services in the U.S.

Shoe repair shops provide reasonably priced and satisfactory work. Dry-cleaners are adequate for materials not requiring special treatment. Men's suits are cleaned and pressed for $5. For women's silk clothing, however, reliable drycleaning may be $7 for a dress.

Beauty shops are found throughout Manama. Their work is good and at prices comparable to those in the U.S. Barbershops are also common and fairly inexpensive.

Repairs for automobiles, radios, and electrical appliances are usually satisfactory. Long delays sometimes occur due to a prevailing lack of spare parts.

Finished carpentry products are inferior to and more expensive than U.S. products. Residential furniture is expensive.

Domestic Help

Most middle-class Bahraini families and Westerners in Bahrain employ domestic servants. Going rates (as of 1999) for domestic servants are as follows: Full-time cooking and cleaning $160-$350/month Part-time cooking and cleaning $2.65-$3/ hour. Part-time gardener $70-$100/ month Babysitter (American teenagers) $2.50-$3/hour.

Religious Activities

Bahrain allows freedom of worship. Although most Bahrainis are Muslims, several Christian churches serve the foreign community. Both Protestant and Catholic services are held every Friday and Sunday on the navy base (NSA). Protestant Sunday school is available for kindergarten through adult levels at the National Evangelical Church in Manama. Sacred Heart (Roman Catholic), St. Christopher's (Anglican), and the Church of the Latter-day Saints, as well as Syrian Orthodox churches, have active congregations. Most churches hold services on Friday to correspond to the local Sabbath, but Sunday services are also held. Many churches have nurseries to care for children during services, and services are conducted in a variety of languages. Bahrain's Jewish community is too small to sustain a synagogue.

Education

The Bahrain School is an international school of about 1,000 pupils representing 50 nationalities for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is operated by the Department of Defense Dependents Schools, Europe (DODDSEUR). In addition to a standard American curriculum, it offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program that is recognized in more than 40 countries for university entrance. American colleges will generally give one year's advance placement for IB diploma holders. The Secondary School meets the accreditation standards of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (NCA). Under DODDS regulations, children of U.S. military personnel are accorded priority in admission, while other students, including children of U.S. civilian agency personnel, are accepted on a space-available basis. The Bahrain International School Association (BISA) is the local governing body, but management authority is held by DODDS.

The school year runs from early September through late June. The school week conforms to the Muslim week, Saturday through Wednesday, with a Thursday to Friday weekend. The school day is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all grades.

Group registration is held before the beginning of the new school year. Thereafter, parents may register their children in the school's administrative office upon arrival in Bahrain. Children must be accompanied by a parent or sponsor at registration and must present all records from prior schools, passport number, and immunization records. Placement tests are also required upon registration.

The Habara School and the Nadeen School offer a pre-nursery and beginning primary school syllabus to a predominantly British and American enrollment aged 2-7 years, at a cost of about $500-$600 a term (i.e., $1,500-$1,950 per school year). Half-day summer play school is available for kindergarten and primary-school-age children. NSA also operates a year-round day care center for children.

Other schools, including St. Christopher's (British) and one with a French curriculum, are also available.

Special Educational Opportunities

The University of Bahrain offers bachelor's degrees in business, science, education, engineering, art, and health sciences. The language of instruction is Arabic.

The University of Maryland is a U.S. institution that offers undergraduate courses through the Bahrain School and on a part-time basis for adults wishing to begin or continue work toward an associate's or bachelor's degree. Additionally, seminar classes are scheduled at various times. These classes are one semester hour of credit that requires 16 hours of classroom instruction.

The Bahrain Government and some private schools offer Arabic-language, secretarial, business management, and computer classes. Several schools offer hands-on computer courses.

The Bahrain Arts Society offers classes in drawing, painting, and poetry. The Music Institute provides instruction in a variety of musical instruments to adults and children at reasonable cost. As funds permit, the Embassy also maintains an Arabic-language program. Classes are also available through the Bahrain Ministry of Education or various schools and individuals. Ballet, ice skating, karate, aerobics, and yoga classes are available. Most of the five-star hotels also have thriving health clubs for men and women.

Recreation and Social Life

Summer is difficult for children and parents because the intense heat and humidity preclude outdoor activities. Bring games, handicrafts, hobby supplies, and beach toys. An outdoor grill and equipment for light camping are useful in winter.

Power boating and sailing are popular with many Westerners in Bahrain. There are four sailing clubs on the island. Used pleasure boats and sailboats are sold, but at high prices when available. Groups rent Arab dhows for a day of water sightseeing, swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Only saltwater fishing is done; take your own gear, as it is expensive there. Scuba diving is popular, and the sea floor around Bahrain is interesting in parts; but the water is often murky. Rental costs are prohibitive. U.S.-certified scuba diving classes are available, and two clubs offer courses at reasonable tuition.

The BAPCO (Bahrain Petroleum Company) Club at Awali permits some foreigners in the business and diplomatic communities to hold memberships (about $300 yearly) to use its beach, bowling, dining, and swimming facilities. All the major hotels in Bahrain (Meridien, Hilton, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn) offer memberships in their swimming pool, health club, and tennis facilities, but the cost is high. Several private clubs (Al Bandar and the Marina) offer membership to foreigners and have attractive, well-located facilities. There is a small indoor ice-skating rink open to the public. Horseback riding and riding lessons are available.

Attending the weekly horse races at the racetrack about 5 miles south of Manama is a pleasant way to spend a winter afternoon. Races are run using an excellent stock of Arabian horses and are free to all who wish to attend. Betting and alcoholic beverages are prohibited at the racing grounds.

A new sporting era has dawned in Bahrain. The Riffa Golf Club has created an 18-hole course on more than 150 acres. What was once a desert is now a green oasis of sporting excellence.

Local travel agents offer a range of tours, usually 3-7 days, to places in the Middle East, India, the Far East, or Europe. These package trips are popular among Westerners. In addition, excellent half day tours in Bahrain are available through private tour companies. Camping is possible in the central part of the island during the winter and spring. Private groups frequently arrange dhow trips into the Gulf during the non-winter months.

Many interesting archeological and historical sites are in Bahrain. This is the largest ancient necropolis in the world with more than 100,000 grave mounds, ancient forts, temples, and city sites going back to the Dilmun era, circa 2500 BC. The Bahrain National Museum has an excellent display of both ancient Bahrain and the more recent Arab traditions. Two restored houses can be toured and traditional craftsmen still work in some villages. At Jasra is a handicraft center where visitors can watch traditional Arab artisans plying their craft. Finished pieces can be purchased at the gift shop.

Several air-conditioned movie theaters show recent films in English, French, Italian, Arabic, and Hindi at modest admission prices. Several video rental outlets carry the latest U.S. and European films and most Westerners own video equipment.

Many good but expensive restaurants feature international cuisine and music groups. The major hotels schedule well-known entertainers for brief engagements in the fall, spring, and winter. Some medium-priced restaurants specialize in tasty Chinese, Thai, Turkish, Arabic, and Indian foods. American fast food is available at high prices from Kentucky Fried Chicken, Hardee's, Burger King, Baskin Robbins, Dairy Queen, McDonald's, Chili's, Pizza Hut, Dominoes Pizza, Fuddrucker's, Hole-in-One Donuts, and Subway for deli-style sandwiches. Much entertaining is done at home.

Bahrain has a well-developed tradition of club life directed mainly at the sporting community. The BAPCO Club, Dilmun Club, Yacht Club, and British Club have extensive recreational facilities. High fees at the Marina Club make membership unattractive; however, pier and mooring facilities are available at various other locations on the island.

The American Women's Association is a focal point for American community activities, and the American Association arranges monthly luncheon meetings, an annual picnic, and other social events.

Bahrain abounds with attractive special interest clubs: the Historical and Archeological Society, Natural History Society, drama groups, the Garden Club, bridge groups, tennis league, and cross country and motor groups, plus some possibilities for Americans to enjoy rugby, soccer, and cricket.

COUNTRY PROFILE

Geography and Climate

The State of Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 small, low-lying islands in the Persian Gulf, halfway down the east coast of Saudi Arabia and about 15 miles from the Saudi mainland. Total land area is about 300 square miles.

Five of the six principal islands are linked by a causeway system. Bahrain Island, where the capital city of Manama is located, is the largest. It is about 30 miles long and 10-12 miles wide. A four-lane causeway links Manama with the island and town of Muharraq, site of the newly expanded international airport. Bridges also connect Sitra, Nabih Saleh, and Um al-Nassan Islands to Bahrain Island, which is linked to the mainland of Saudi Arabia by a causeway to Dhahran and Al-Khobar.

Bahrain, with a desert climate, is one of the world's hottest areas. Its hottest and most humid weather is from June through September. Most buildings and all Embassy staff housing are air-conditioned. The weather is pleasant from November through May, but the combination of poor soil drainage and few storm sewers can result in its infrequent rainfall leaving muddy city streets and puddles.

A narrow strip of land along the northern and northwestern coasts of Bahrain Island is cultivated with date palms, alfalfa, and vegetables. A desert, punctuated by a north-south plateau, extends south of the cultivated area. Surrounding this plateau is a rolling basin surrounded by overhanging bluffs sloping into the sea. The ground is hard and infertile with a gravel surface until the spring when a pale, soft green covering appears on the desert following the winter rains. It provides a welcome contrast to the summer's aridity.

Population

Bahrainis are Muslims. With an estimated 666,000 people, of whom 38% are non-Bahrainis, the population is divided between the Shi'a community and the ruling Sunnis. The Shi'a community is principally split between ethnic Arabs and Iranians. Indians, Pakistanis and other Asians comprise the majority of resident foreigners. Bahrain has a large Western community, which includes about 6,000 British and approximately 3,000 Americans. The majority of the indigenous population is under 25 years old.

Bahrainis are cosmopolitan people noted for their hospitality, moderation, and tolerance. Although many still wear traditional Arab dress, others have adopted Western attire. Modern Bahraini culture is the latest in a succession of civilizations dating back thousands of years. The island of Bahrain was called Dilmun in the Babylonian and Sumerian eras, Tylos in the Seleucid era, then Awal, and finally Bahrain.

Government

The extended Al-Khalifa family has ruled the State of Bahrain since the late 18th century. It dominates Bahrain's society and Government. The constitution confirms the Amir as hereditary ruler, with the assistance of a Prime Minister and an appointed Cabinet.

Britain conducted Bahrain's foreign relations and ensured its defense through a treaty relationship from the mid-19th century until 1971, when Bahrain declared its independence. The mercantile and adaptive spirit of the Bahraini people enabled Bahrain to establish public schools, an effective and efficient modern bureaucracy, a Western legal system, and a sophisticated economy at an earlier stage than its Arabian Gulf neighbors. Bahrainis continue to welcome foreign contributions to the economic and social life of the country.

Since independence, Bahrain has joined the U.N., the Arab League, the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and the Gulf Cooperation Council. The Gulf Cooperation Council was formed in 1981 to coordinate developmental, educational, commercial, and security affairs among its six Arab Gulf State members.

Arts, Science, and Education

The first public school in Bahrain opened in 1919, and its literacy level remains high by regional standards. Bahrain was the first country in the area to introduce co-education in public schools. Many Bahrainis are well educated and well traveled. Many have studied at the American University of Beirut or in England, Egypt, or in the U.S. English is widely spoken, especially in the business community. Knowledge of Arabic is not essential, but the ability to communicate in Arabic opens many doors in Bahrain and increases social access for Westerners.

Bahrain has a national university and a college of health sciences. The regional Arabian Gulf University is also located in Bahrain. Its medical school opened in the fall of 1984. The campus is a modern architectural marvel, with separate facilities for men and women.

Bahrain features a number of talented artists whose works are displayed and sold at frequent exhibitions.

The role of Bahraini women is changing. Their position in society is expanding and developing. Many opportunities in both education and business that had never before been open to Arabian Peninsular women have become available. Some women still wear the "abaya," a traditional black cloth covering the whole body, outside their homes. Other Bahraini women dress in the latest European fashions, drive cars, and occupy positions of responsibility, including mid-level Government posts.

Commerce and Industry

Bahrainis have an ancient tradition of trade, travel, and receptivity to cultural influences from abroad. They are cosmopolitan and accept many Western customs.

Much of Bahrain's current prosperity can be traced to the discovery of oil in 1932, the first find on the Arab side of the Gulf. Bahrain does not have a large oil reserve and, therefore, has sought to diversify its industrial base. Banking, communications, oil-related services, general commerce, and industries, including aluminum smelting and downstream product production, have broadened the base of economic activity in the country.

Approximately 90 American firms capitalize on the geographic, service, and environmental advantages of having regional offices in Bahrain.

Despite modernization, traditional enterprises have not disappeared. Handmade Arab dhows ply the seas as they have for more than 1,000 years. From the sea come a variety of fish, including delicious shrimp. Expensive natural pearls, once the economic mainstay of the island, are still found in limited commercial quantities. Bahrainis take great pride in their quality and color. A limited number of craftsmen continue to make traditional baskets, cloth, and pottery. Also available in local markets are a variety of imported handicrafts from Middle Eastern and South Asian countries.

Transportation

Automobiles

All family members who are at least 18 years old and intend to drive in Bahrain should take along a valid U.S. driver's license. Local authorities permit U.S. license holders to drive for one month until a permanent Bahraini license is obtained.

Bahrain's climate and roads shorten a car's life span. Many people find a used car adequate in this small country. Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors products are available in Bahrain. European and Japanese autos are still cheaper than U.S models. The local market for used cars is active.

Although it is difficult to drive large cars in many parts of Manama, they are very common. A mechanically simple car is preferable since maintenance/repair can be expensive, and spare parts are often in short supply. Local third-party insurance is required and is available for less than $100 for most cars. Full coverage costs about 5% of the value of the car.

Gasoline prices are comparably lower than U.S. prices. Unleaded gasoline is available.

Rental cars are available locally, from about $397 to $550 a month, depending on condition and the comfort options requested.

Local

A network of roads connects Manama with other villages on Bahrain Island and to the three neighboring islands. Most major roads in the northern third of Bahrain are four-lane and well maintained. In the older parts of Manama and Muharraq, many streets are narrow and twisting or in poor condition. Congested areas of pedestrians, hawkers, and cars make driving difficult and dangerous, particularly in the market ("souq") area. Roundabouts (traffic circles) are found at most intersections. However, even with Bahrain's 140,000 registered vehicles congesting the streets, the drive to work from most residential areas takes no more than 15-20 minutes. Taxis are readily available, but most are not metered and fares are subject to intense negotiation.

Buses operate regularly, but are often crowded and sometimes require lengthy waiting periods in extreme heat. They are not air-conditioned and are not considered a suitable alternative to taxis by most Westerners.

Regional

Bahrain International Airport's ultramodern new terminal is one of the busiest in the Gulf. Approximately 22 carriers serve Bahrain with connections to other Middle Eastern destinations, Europe, Africa, and the Far East. There are no direct flights between Bahrain and North or South America. Bahrain also has a modern and busy port. It offers direct and frequent cargo shipping connections to the U.S., Europe, and the Far East. The four-lane causeway linking Bahrain with Saudi Arabia is open to vehicle traffic, affording access to most parts of the mainland. Only males are permitted to drive in Saudi Arabia.

Communications

Telephone and Telegraph

Bahrain has one of the most efficient telephone networks in the Middle East. A radio and telecommunications station links the Gulf, via INTELSAT, to the rest of the world with good connections. A call to the U.S. usually takes only a few seconds to place and costs about $1.29 a minute. Reduced rates ($1.04 a minute) are in effect between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. daily, and all day Friday. INET services are available, in addition to AT&T and MCI "Dial America."

Mail

Bahraini international mail is also a quick and safe method of corresponding with the U.S.

Radio and TV

Several TV stations can be received clearly in Bahrain. Channel availability is strictly dependent on each housing compound, and the selection varies widely. The Bahraini Government-owned station has both Arabic-and English-language services. The latter airs from 5 to 11 p.m. and includes a 30-minute English-language newscast, as well as American series, movies, cartoons, and British and Indian programs. BBC World Service Television from Hong Kong is broadcast over open TV channels. CNN is available on a pay-for-service channel, as are a large number of other stations broadcasting American films and TV shows. Another English-language station is transmitted by ARAMCO from neighboring Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. This station presents mostly rerun American programs, but also offers several recently taped sports events on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Programming is provided only during the late afternoon and evening and is entirely English. With a suitable antenna, you can pick up four other stations, including Qatar, Dubai, and Kuwait. The English-language newspapers carry tentative schedules for some stations.

All local TV stations use the European scan (PAL/SECAM 625 lines). American NTSC TV's are not compatible and will not work. In addition to regular programs, an active video rental market offers many current movies.

ARAMCO also maintains an excellent AM/FM radio service. ARAMCO presents popular, classical, country-western, and rock music on two wavelengths. Radio Bahrain has an AM/FM stereo service with strong signals broadcasting modern and classical music, topical programs, and English newscasts on two channels. English programming from Qatar and Dubai is also received. The latest news is broadcast on shortwave and medium wave by VOA's Middle East and African services during the morning and evening, by the World Service of the BBC, and by Armed Forces Radio and Television Services (AFRTS). A dependable short-wave receiver is desirable due to atmospheric conditions around Bahrain, which frequently cause poor reception, especially of VOA. Equipment must be adjustable to the local 220V, 50-cycle power. An all-channel TV antenna that also serves for FM stereo might be the best buy, and it is available locally.

Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical Journals

The Gulf Daily News and Bahrain Tribune are two daily English-language papers that are published in Bahrain and directed toward the English-speaking community. The English-language Gulf News is available daily from the U.A.E. The International Herald Tribune usually arrives a day after publication and costs about $2 per issue.

International newsmagazines such as Time, Newsweek, and The Economist are available uncensored locally at several bookstores. Women's magazines, mostly British, and hobby and sports magazines are found on many newsstands. These are expensive, so it is preferable to subscribe to magazines. Bookstores have a limited selection of titles and are more expensive than in the U.S.

Health and Medicine

Medical Facilities

The oldest hospital in Bahrain is the American Mission Hospital, run by the Mission of the Reformed Church in America, and the newest is the International Hospital. Emergency services are also available at the Bahrain Defence Force Hospital in Riffa, and Awali Hospital. Routine dental care is available at local Bahraini medical facilities, but it is advisable to have a thorough checkup and treatment of serious problems before leaving the U.S.

Community Health

The Government of Bahrain provides free public health care to all Bahrainis and foreigners through six hospitals and a network of clinics throughout the island. Most health care provided at the facilities is professional, competent, and modern. However, doctors and staff cannot always handle large numbers of people.

The most common insects are mosquitoes, cockroaches, flies, ants, and meal mites. Flies are troublesome during the spring, late summer, and early fall. Insecticides are available in local stores. Rats and mice are also found, particularly near uncollected and decaying garbage heaps throughout the city. Cleanliness and precautions such as storing food in airtight containers are advisable. Brownish-green lizards (geckos) are useful, silent friends who populate the upper reaches of house walls. Common in many parts of the world, they bother no one except the squeamish and feed on insects that find their way into houses despite screening and the use of insecticides.

Fleas, sand ticks, and wood ticks are prevalent in Bahrain and are a problem for pets. There is no heart-worm in Bahrain. Veterinarians are available and competent, but expensive.

An extensive drainage system is currently under construction in Bahrain. Some houses still have septic tanks that can occasionally overflow.

When enjoying beach activities or indulging in water sports, wear either plastic or canvas shoes and avoid stepping on sharp pieces of shell, buried pieces of metal or glass, sea urchins, stonefish, and cone shells that can sting painfully and sometimes dangerously. Sea snakes, jellyfish, stingrays, and sharks are found in Bahrain waters but rarely pose a threat close to shore. Minor ear infections are sometimes contracted through swimming in polluted water and should receive prompt medical attention. Seek advice on the location of clean and safe swimming areas. Irritation to ears and eyes may also be caused by the draft from fans and air conditioners or the dust and sand carried in strong winds.

Preventive Measures

Health precautions include preventing sunstroke and heatstroke, which are real risks during the summer and fall. Outdoor activities must be carefully planned and exertion kept to a minimum during the daytime in that period.

In the summer, good health is best maintained by drinking a lot of liquid, getting plenty of sleep, and taking extra salt on food, or, if preferred, salt tablets, with a physician's guidance. The high summer humidity can be troublesome to those with asthmatic or bronchial ailments.

Summer colds are often brought on by sudden changes of temperature due to extensive air-conditioning in buildings and cars. Avoid direct drafts from air conditioners.

Some medications are not available in Bahrain. Take an initial supply from the U.S. that can be refilled through mail.

NOTES FOR TRAVELERS

Customs, Duties & Passage

Passports and visas are required. Two-week visas may be obtained for a fee upon arrival at the airport. Prior to travel, visitors may obtain from Bahraini embassies overseas five-year multiple entry visas valid for stays as long as one month. Visitors who fail to depart the country at the end of their authorized stay are fined. An exit tax is charged all travelers upon departure. Residents of Bahrain who intend to return must obtain a re-entry permit before departing. For further information on entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the State of Bahrain, 3502 International Drive, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 342-0741; or the Bahrain Permanent Mission to the U.N., 2 United Nations Plaza, East 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 223-6200. Information also may be obtained from the Embassy's Internet home page at http://www.bahrainembassy.org.

The following items are strictly prohibited: firearms and ammunition or other weaponry, including decorative knives; cultured, bleached, or tinted pearls and undrilled pearls produced outside the Arabian Gulf, pornography or seditious literature; and habit-forming or hallucinatory drugs. Videocassettes will be inspected and viewed on arrival and should not be shipped in hand or checked baggage.

Travelers should note that the local definition of pornography is considerably stricter than in the Western world.

Magazines such as Playboy are likely to be confiscated at the airport. Adults may import two bottles of alcohol, and the duty-free shop at Bahrain's International Airport is open to arriving as well as departing passengers.

Americans living in or visiting Bahrain are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Manama and obtain updated information on travel and security within Bahrain. The U.S. Embassy is located at Bldg. 979, Road no. 3119, Zinj District (next to Al Ahli Sports Club). (The mailing address is P.O. Box 26431, Manama, Bahrain.) The telephone number is 973-273-300. The Consular Section fax number is 973-256-242. The Embassy maintains an English language hotline providing information on current travel conditions in Bahrain at telephone 973-255-048. The Embassy's website, which includes consular information, is http://www.usembassy.com.bh. The workweek in Bahrain is Saturday through Wednesday.

Pets

The Bahrain Minister of Commerce and Agriculture issued a Ministerial decree in 1984 that banned the importation of dogs, cats, and monkeys into Bahrain from countries where rabies is found.

Bahrain is rabies free and certain rules have to be met when importing a pet. Within one month of your departure date, obtain a veterinary health certificate that identifies the pet, states the origin and name of the exporter; verifies that the animals/birds were examined prior to shipment, confirms that the animal is free from all contagious diseases (as well as ecto-parasites), and is fit for travel. The following vaccination certificates must accompany the animal when it arrives in Bahrain:

Cats: Rabies, Feline Enteritis Dogs: Rabies, Distemper, PARVOV

If an animal is not permitted entry into Bahrain, it is the responsibility of the owner to pay for its return.

Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms and ammunition are not to be imported into Bahrain under any circumstances.

Currency, Banking, and Weights and Measures

Citibank is the only American bank currently established in Bahrain that provides full commercial banking services (individual Bahraini dinar, U.S. dollar checking and savings accounts, fund transfers). Citibank and several other banks, as well as commercial money changers, accept U.S. Treasury dollar checks or travelers checks and will disburse either U.S. dollars or Bahrain dinars at the established rate, often with a surcharge. However, banks usually do not cash personal checks.

The exchange rate is: US$1.00 = Bahrain Dinar (BD).377 (or 377 fils); BD1=US$2.65. The Dinar is pegged to the US$; it will not fluctuate.

Bahrain officially adopted the metric system of weights and measures in December 1977.

Taxes, Exchange, and Sale of Property

Bahrain does not have personal or sales tax. An active resale market in Bahrain is open to those seeking to sell personal property, including automobiles. Bahrain has a free exchange of currency. Money changers will quickly convert dollars or travelers checks to virtually any currency desired.

LOCAL HOLIDAYS

Jan. 1 New Year's Day

Dec 16 & 17 National Day

Eid Al-Adha*

Islamic New Year*

Ashura*

Prophet's Birthday*

Eid al Fitr*

*variable, based on Islamic calendar

RECOMMENDED READING

These titles are provided as a general indication of the material published on this country.

Abercrombis, T.J. and S. Raymer."Bahrain: Midas Touch on the Persian Gulf." National Geographic. September 1987.

Belgrave, James. Welcome to Bahrain. Augustan Press: Manama, 1975.

Bibby, T.G. Looking for Dilmun. Penguin Books: New York, 1970.

Bullock, J. The Gulf: A Portrait of Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and U.A.E. Century Publishing: London, 1984.

Cottrell, Alvin J., ed. The Persian Gulf States: A General Survey. The Johns Hopkins University Press: Baltimore, 1980.

Clark, Angela. Bahrain-Oil and Development 1929-1989. Immel Publishing, Ely House: London, 1986.

Clark, Angela. Bahrain-A Heritage Explored. Meed Books: London, 1986 (Reprinted, Gulf Public Relations Company: Bahrain, 1991).

Jenner, M. Bahrain: Heritage in Transition. Longman: London, 1984. Khuri, Fuad 1. Tribe and State in Bahrain. University Press of Chicago: Chicago, 1980.

Lawson, Fred. Bahrain: Modernization of Autocracy. Westview Press, Inc.: Boulder, Colorado, 1989.

Nakhleh, Emile A. Bahrain: Political Development in a Modernized Society. Lexington Books: Lexington, 1976.

Owen, R. The Golden Bubble: Arabian Gulf Documentary. Collins: London, 1986.

Parsons, A. They Saw the Lion: Britain's Legacy to the Arabs: A Personal Memoir. Jonathan Cape: London, 1986.

Runaihi, M.G. Bahrain, Social and Political Change Since the First World War. Bowker Press: London and New York, 1976.

Bahrain

views updated May 23 2018

BAHRAIN

State of Bahrain

Dawlat al-Bahrayn

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

LOCATION AND SIZE.

Bahrain is the smallest country and the only island-state in the Persian Gulf and the wider Middle East. It covers an area of 620 square kilometers (385 square miles), about 3.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. Bahrain consists of 33 islands, of which only 3 are inhabited. The capital, Manama, is on the main island of Bahrain, which contains most of the population and is linked to Saudi Arabia by a causeway. A southern portion of the main island is a restricted zone where the U.S. Middle East Operations Force is based.

POPULATION.

With an estimated 645,361 inhabitants in 2001, Bahrain has the smallest population of all Gulf States, but its annual population growth of 3 percent (1990-98) was among the highest in the world, with an equally high fertility rate (3.2 percent). According to UN figures, it is estimated that the population will double by 2017. Approximately one-third of the population is under 14 years of age. Bahrain's population is highly urbanized: 91.06 percent of Bahrainis lived in cities in 1998.

As much as one-third of the people are non-nationals, mainly foreign workers from Asia (19 percent) or other Arab countries (10 percent). Some 8 percent of the population is of Iranian descent, and the majority of the people (85 percent) are Muslims, 75 percent of whom are members of the Shi'a branch of Islam and 25 percent of the Sunni branch. Half of the Shi'a population is under 15 years old. The remaining 15 percent of the population is made up of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Parsee minorities.

OVERVIEW OF ECONOMY

Bahrain was the first country on the Arabian side of the Persian Gulf to discover oil in 1932. Oil wealth dramatically improved education and health care, but the country's oil reserves are relatively limited in comparison to most of its neighbors. Bahrain has therefore developed a more diversified economy than most of the Gulf States.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Bahrain emerged as the principal financial and communications center of the Gulf region. Oil and gas, however, still play a dominant role in the country's economy, providing about half of the government's income and accounting for two-thirds of exports. An undersea pipeline pumps oil from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain's large refinery, Sitrah. An estimated 70 percent of Bahrain's oil revenues come from the sale of products refined from crude oil extracted from an oilfield that is shared with Saudi Arabia, but from which Bahrain takes all the income. In effect, therefore, Saudi Arabia supplies Bahrain with financial aid. In addition, it enjoys grants from Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, which contribute considerably to the government budget. Most of the budget (60 percent) is used to pay salaries to Bahrainis and foreigners working in the public sector .

Until very recently, wholly or partially government-owned enterprises dominated much of the Bahrainieconomy, but there has been an increase in private sector activity in recent years. This situation stems from the general decline in oil prices during the 1980s, which resulted in decreasing revenues. This financial downturn made an increase in free enterprise and foreign investment necessary in order to maintain the country's high standard of living and to guarantee its economic welfare. Bahrain became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1992 and has since overhauled many laws and regulations. Nevertheless, the government has been slow to implement required measures. For example, it has only partially privatized 14 government-owned companies, and only one of these is an important industrial enterprise.

POLITICS, GOVERNMENT, AND TAXATION

Bahrain is characterized by autocratic tribal rule, with authority invested in a single family. The al-Khalifa family, minority Sunni Muslims in a majority Shi'a country, hold 11 of the 20 cabinet posts, while the rest are controlled by the prime minister, Sheikh Khalifa, who is the uncle of the ruler, Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa. The present emir (prince) succeeded to the throne in March 1999, on the death of his father, and depends to a large degree on his much more experienced uncle, the prime minister, for the running of everyday government affairs. While Sheikh Hamad himself, and his son, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad, are in favor of implementing cautious political reforms, the prime minister is seen as the vanguard of the old order.

In 1899, the al-Khalifa family became the first of the ruling families in the Gulf to sign a so-called "exclusive agreement" by which local rulers granted control of foreign affairs to Britain in exchange for military protection. On August 14, 1971, during the reign of Sheikh Isa bin Salman, which lasted from 1961 until his death in 1999, Bahrain became independent, and a constitution was issued in May 1973. The elected National Assembly convened in December 1973 but was dissolved only 20 months later when the emir decided that radical assembly members were making it impossible for the executive to function properly. For 20 years, the country functioned without a representative body.

Since 1993, there has been a Consultative Shura Council, which is wholly appointive and does not possess any legislative power. There are no political parties and no elections for government positions. In many ways, Bahrain is a typical rentier state, i.e., a state whose political system benefits from large revenues from the sale of natural resources, in this case oil. The government distributes the state income to its citizens by providing them with jobs and a generous welfare system; in addition, the level of taxation is very low. In return, these citizens are tied to the state and remain loyal to undemocratic regimes. Such a relationship is often encapsulated in the phrase, "no taxation, no representation."

During the mid-1990s, the country experienced civil unrest directed against the regime, during which several people were killed. Protests, mainly orchestrated by the underprivileged Shi'a majority, have since continued, although on a lesser scale. The new emir, Sheikh Hamad, has promised municipal elections in the near future and has made new appointments to the Shura Council, including a woman and a Jewish representative. In addition, a Supreme Council for Economic Development, chaired by the prime minister, was created in 2000 with the aim of identifying, developing, and promoting foreign investment opportunities. In February 2001 Bahrainis voted to approve a new constitution that would institute a partially elected parliament and grant political rights to women.

INFRASTRUCTURE, POWER, AND COMMUNICATIONS

Bahrain's infrastructure is modern, and the government is currently forging ahead with several major projects. These include constructing a new water distribution network, upgrading the Sitrah power and water station, and expanding other water, power, and waste-treatment facilities. Bahrain invested heavily in its infrastructure during the years of the oil boom, but the demand for water and electricity already taxes available capacity, and the expansion of the present facilities is a major priority.

The country's road network, with 2,433 kilometers (1,511 miles) of paved roads, is excellent. The low fees of Bahrain International Airport, located on Al-Muharraq Island, have turned it into a regional hub. The principal port, Mina' Salman, handles most of the country's general cargo, and petroleum products are loaded at the Sitrah jetty. A national bus company provides public transport throughout the populated areas of the country. There are no railways in Bahrain.

POWER.

There are 3 main power stations. Rifaa, with a capacity of 700 Megawatts (mw), is the largest. Domestic demand for electricity was estimated to have reached 5.752 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 1999, and this demand is more than exceeded by production of 6.185 billion kWh in 1999.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS.

Bahrain is the communications center of the Gulf and has invested heavily in the sector since the late 1960s. There are excellent cable and satellite services using the latest digital exchange technology. The Bahrain Telecommunications Company (BATELCO) owns a 60 percent stake in the telecommunications network, which is operated by the United King-dom's Cable & Wireless company. BATELCO is also the country's monopoly Internet service provider (ISP) and has recently begun to cut its relatively high access rates in an effort to boost subscriptions. Bahrain's cellular phone network has about 170,000 subscribers, according to the U.S. Department of State's Country Commercial Guide for 2001.

ECONOMIC SECTORS

Due to its small size and shortage of natural resources other than oil, Bahrain has developed a relatively diversified economy in comparison with the other Gulf states, which are almost exclusively dependent on oil. Oil, gas, and related products still dominate the economy, but finance, banking, industrial production (mainly in aluminum), and tourism are also important sectors in the country's economy and are becoming increasingly significant.

AGRICULTURE

The agricultural sector accounted for only 1 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 1998 and employed 2 percent of the workforce. The development of agriculture is limited by lack of water and the strong salinity (saltiness) of the soil. Over a period of 30 years since 1971, Bahrain's cultivated area has been reduced from around 6,000 hectares to less than 1,500 hectares. The major crop is alfalfa for animal fodder, although farmers also grow dates, figs, mangos, pomegranates, melons, papayas, water turnips, potatoes, and tomatoes, and produce poultry and dairy products for the local market.

Communications
CountryTelephones aTelephones, Mobile/Cellular aRadio Stations bRadios aTV Stations aTelevisions aInternet Service Providers cInternet Users c
Bahrain152,00058,543AM 2; FM 3; shortwave 0338,0004275,000137,500
United States194 M69.209 M (1998)AM 4,762; FM 5,542; shortwave 18575 M1,500219 M7,800148 M
Saudi Arabia3.1 M (1998)1 M (1998)AM 43; FM 31; shortwave 26.25 M1175.1 M42 (2001)400,000 (2001)
Qatar142,00043,476AM 6; FM 5; shortwave 1256,0002230,000145,000
aData is for 1997 unless otherwise noted.
bData is for 1998 unless otherwise noted.
cData is for 2000 unless otherwise noted.
SOURCE: CIA World Factbook 2001 [Online].

Bahrain's fishing industry is small and only serves the domestic market. In the 1970s, the fishing industry declined, largely as a result of pollution and over-fishing in the Gulf. Since 1993, the government has been releasing young fish into local waters in order to boost stocks. Since 1997, trawlers have been banned from operating during the breeding season.

INDUSTRY

The industrial sector contributed 19 percent to GDP in 1996 and employed 34 percent of the labor force . Bahrain's aluminum industry was launched some 30 years ago as a measure to diversify the economy and take advantage of the country's low energy costs. The government-owned Aluminum Bahrain (ALBA) is one of the largest single-site aluminum smelters in the world and the biggest aluminum producer in the Middle East. Aluminum exports are one of Bahrain's biggest earners, particularly in light of increasing world prices. ALBA dominates the manufacturing sector with a production capacity of 500,000 metric tons per year.

Iron and steel production is increasing, and various free industrial zones have attracted export-oriented light and medium industries. These include plastics, paper, steel wool and wire-mesh producers; marine service industries; aluminum extrusion, assembly, and asphalt plants; cable manufacturing; prefabricated building; and furniture. In 1997, it was announced that the government was investing US$2.8 billion in the construction of a new seaport and a new industrial area in the eastern part of the country, and work was underway by 2000.

MINING/HYDROCARBONS.

The mining and hydrocarbons (oil and related products) sector contributed 20.8 percent to GDP in 1998 but employed only 1 percent of the workforce. Bahrain is not a member of Organization of Petroleum-Exporting Countries (OPEC) and is thus not faced with production quotas but is a member of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC). Total oil reserves are estimated at between 150-200 million barrels, a minimal quantity in comparison with neighboring Arab monarchies.

SERVICES

Services contributed 53 percent of GDP in 1996. Tourism is Bahrain's fastest-growing industry and a heavily-promoted sector. It already accounts for over 10 percent of GDP and employs 16.7 percent of the workforce. Most visitors (3.3 million in 1999) come from the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), especially Saudi Arabia, to enjoy the beaches and the comparatively liberal atmosphere in Bahrain, where alcohol is served and Muslim women are not forced to cover their heads. As of July 2000, the government has allowed citizens from member states of the GCC to visit the country using their local identity cards, and the number of tourists is expected to increase substantially over the next few years.

FINANCIAL SERVICES.

Bahrain's banking sector has shown consistent growth, particularly since the outbreak of the Lebanese civil war in 1975, when many foreign banks began searching for an alternative regional base. There are now more than 200 financial institutions present in Bahrain. Assets of the country's offshore banking units have risen by more than 50 percent in the past decade. Bahrain also has the largest concentration of Islamic banking operations in the Middle East. Islam prohibits interest rates, and Islamic banking thus employs other methods of creating financial gains from investments.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Over the course of the last 30 years, Bahrain has maintained a relatively even balance of trade , with imports usually slightly exceeding exports. In 2000, however, the situation was reversed, with imports of US$4.2 billion trailing exports of US$5.8 billion. Bahrain's main export destinations are India (14 percent), Saudi Arabia (5 percent), the United States (5 percent), the United Arab Emirates (5 percent), Japan (4 percent), and South Korea (4 percent). All these countries import mainly processed and refined oil and oil-related products, which have the largest share in Bahrain's exports. Another important export for Bahrain is aluminum, accounting for about 7 percent. Bahrain's total exports rose by nearly 63 percent from 1998 to 2000, while oil-related exports increased from 52 percent of total exports in 1998, to 66 percent in 1999, and back down to 61 percent in 2000.

Bahrain's imports come from a similarly large range of countries. France supplies the majority of imports, with 20 percent, followed by the United States (14 percent), the United Kingdom (8 percent), Saudi Arabia (7 percent), and Japan (5 percent). The heavy trade volume between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia stems from the under-sea pipeline between the 2 countries and the shared oilfield located in Saudi Arabia. Bahrain's imports, mainly machinery, manufactured goods, chemicals and food, come from developed industrial states.

MONEY

The exchange rate of the Bahraini dinar is fixed to the U.S. dollar, which means that developments in the American economy have repercussions for Bahrain. Bahrain's central bank is the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA), an independent organization praised for its adherence to international standards.

Trade (expressed in billions of US$): Bahrain
ExportsImports
19751.1071.189
19803.6063.483
19852.8973.107
19903.7613.712
19954.1133.716
1998N/A3.463
SOURCE: International Monetary Fund. International Financial Statistics Yearbook 1999.
Trade (expressed in billions of US$): Bahrain
ExportsImports
19751.1071.189
19803.6063.483
19852.8973.107
19903.7613.712
19954.1133.716
1998N/A3.463
SOURCE : International Monetary Fund. International Financial Statistics Yearbook 1999.
Exchange rates: Bahrain
Bahraini dinars (BD) per US$1
20010.3760
20000.3760
19990.3760
19980.3760
19970.3760
19960.3760
Note: Fixed rate pegged to the US dollar.
SOURCE: CIA World Factbook 2001 [ONLINE].

The Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) opened in 1989, and in 1995 Bahrain and Oman signed an agreement linking their stock exchanges. The link-up allows cross-listing of companies on both exchanges, which between them have 110 listed companies with a total market capitalization of US$8.1 billion. In 1996, the Bahraini and Jordanian stock exchanges linked up, and the BSE also has links with the Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi exchanges and plans to link up with the Bombay Stock Exchange.

POVERTY AND WEALTH

Although Bahrain is generally a wealthy country, there is a considerable gap between the rich and the poor. Wealthy families shop for the latest fashions in spacious new malls, young Saudi Arabians cruise the broad highways and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the island state, and foreign employees of the national oil company take advantage of huge leisure centers built for their exclusive use. The poor live only a short drive away from the cities, in many villages all over the island. Shiites, who make up 75 percent of the Muslim population, are often excluded from government jobs and form the poorest segment of Bahraini society. The ruling al-Khalifa family is Sunni Muslim and has "imported" many Sunnis from other Arab countries, and it is they who form the backbone of the widely resented security forces.

Most members of the ruling political elite are Sunni Muslims, and Bahrain's wealth is heavily concentrated

GDP per Capita (US$)
Country19751980198519901998
BahrainN/A12,0228,7978,5519,260
United States19,36421,52923,20025,36329,683
Saudi Arabia9,65811,5537,4377,1006,516
QatarN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
SOURCE: United Nations. Human Development Report 2000; Trends in human development and per capita income.
Household Consumption in PPP Terms
CountryAll foodClothing and footwearFuel and power aHealth care bEducation bTransport & CommunicationsOther
Bahrain327816937
United States139946851
Saudi ArabiaN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Qatar221211513829
Data represent percentage of consumption in PPP terms.
aExcludes energy used for transport.
bIncludes government and private expenditures.
SOURCE: World Bank. World Development Indicators 2000.

among them, while there are only a few wealthy Shiites in the country. Many Shiites have charged that there has been a systematic process of discrimination against them. Their dissatisfaction with the political and economic situation came to the fore in demonstrations and protests that turned violent in 1994 and 1995, triggering the first change of cabinet for more than 20 years in 1995.

For decades, the country has seen an influx of foreign workers who can earn good salaries in the oil industry or as domestic servants and in other jobs locals do not want to do, further exacerbating the plight of the Shi'a community. Immigration to Bahrain began in the early years of the oil boom and resulted in the employment of foreigners rather than Bahraini Shiites, who are often less educated and treated with suspicion by the ruling Sunni minority.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Due to the sharp rise in the growth of the local population since the 1980s and the increasing levels of education, the government, as in many other states in the Gulf region, needs to provide young Bahrainis entering the job market with employment. It plans to gradually reduce dependence on foreign labor by training the local workforce and by insisting that expatriates coming to Bahrain to work must have better expertise and skills and be willing to train their local counterparts. After decades of importing foreign labor, foreigners comprised about 44 percent of the workforce of 295,000 in 1998.

Population growth has been proportionately higher among foreigners and Shiites than among Sunni Muslims, who have enjoyed relative job security in government positions. Foreign workers and Shiites have increasingly had to compete for both skilled and unskilled jobs. Since Bahraini Shiites are not allowed to join the armed forces and are discriminated against for senior positions in the civil service, an increasing number of young Shiites try to enter the job market with few qualifications and few opportunities for work.

Officially, unemployment stands at only 2.4 percent, but the United States embassy in Bahrain estimates that the actual rate is closer to 18 percent. Among the Shi'a community in Bahrain, especially those under the age of 30, unemployment may be as high as about 30 percent. In rural areas, agricultural laborers represent about 25 percent of the population. Women are traditionally confined to the household and cannot participate freely in the labor market. Thus, only about 19 percent of the labor force is female, equaling figures in other Middle Eastern countries.

COUNTRY HISTORY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1820. Bahrain becomes a British protectorate with the signing of the General Treaty of Peace but is ruled by the al-Khalifa family. Treaties of protection with Britain are re-signed in 1861, 1892, and 1951.

1928. Iran claims ownership of Bahrain. The dispute is not resolved until 1970 when Iran accepts a United Nations report stating that the vast majority of Bahrainis want to retain complete independence.

1932. Oil is first discovered in Bahrain, to be followed shortly thereafter by discoveries in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

1968. Bahrain joins Qatar and the Trucial States (now the United Arab Emirates) in the Federation of Arab Emirates. These countries had all enjoyed the protection of Great Britain up until this point.

1971. Bahrain gains complete independence on August 15, leaving the Federation of Arab Emirates.

1973. A constitution is adopted and elections held for the National Assembly. The Assembly is disbanded in 1975 and indefinitely suspended in 1976.

1981. Bahrain is one of the six founding members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

1990. Bahrain actively supports the allied forces against Iraq in the Gulf military conflict, and is the target of an Iraqi missile attack.

1994-97. Civil unrest breaks out following the decline of the economy and expectations of more political rights for the mainly Shiite population after the Gulf war.

1999. Sheikh Isa Bin-Sulman al-Khalifa dies and is succeeded by his son Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa in March.

2001. In February Bahrainis vote to approve a new constitution that would institute a partially elected parliament and grant political rights to women.

FUTURE TRENDS

With high oil prices in 2000 and 2001, the pressure on the Bahraini government to reform the economy has recently eased a little. But given that the country cannot sustain its dependence on oil for much longer, economic reform remains necessary. The government is expected to push for limited privatization, starting with public transport, although the major state revenue-generating organizations such as the Bahraini Petroleum Company (BAPCO) and Aluminum Bahrain (ALBA) will remain off limits.

At the end of 2000, a new corporate law was introduced, aimed at streamlining regulations and enticing foreign investment. In addition, the establishment of a new international Islamic banking system in Bahrain in October 2001 suggests that there will be further progress in developing the offshore financial services sector. Unemployment among locals remains the government's main economic and social problem. The government will continue to emphasize training to enhance the skills of existing workers and the 6,500 new entrants into the job market each year. But where government policy clashes with the interests of foreign firmsfor example, over efforts to encourage companies to replace foreign workers with locals (the so-called "Bahrainization" of the work-force)the development of a welcoming business environment will take precedence.

Politically, there are several challenges ahead. The emir has signaled his will to broaden political participation but is still struggling with the prime minister over the pace of reform. In the long run, however, both political and economic liberalization will prove unavoidable, with one reinforcing the other to the benefit of the country.

DEPENDENCIES

Bahrain has no territories or colonies.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Allen, Robin. "Survey: Bahrain." Financial Times. 20 November 2000.

Cordesman, Anthony H. Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE: Challenges of Security. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1997.

Embassy of the State of Bahrain. <http://www.bahrainembassy .org>. Accessed September 2001.

U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. World Factbook 2001. <http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/index.html>. Accessed August 2001.

U.S. Department of State. FY 2001 Country Commercial Guide: Bahrain. <http://www.state.gov/www/about_state/business/com_guides/2001/nea/index.html. Accessed September 2001.

Zahlan, Rosemarie Said. The Making of the Modern Gulf States: Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Reading, UK: Ithaca Press, 1998.

Ralph Stobwasser

Markus R. Bouillon

CAPITAL:

Manama (Al-Manamah).

MONETARY UNIT:

Bahrain dinar (BD). One dinar equals 1000 fils. There are coins of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 fils. There are notes of 500 fils, and 1, 5, 10, and 20 dinars.

CHIEF EXPORTS:

Petroleum and petroleum products (61 percent), aluminum (7 percent).

CHIEF IMPORTS:

Non-oil imports (59 percent, including machinery and transport equipment, manufactured goods, chemicals, food, and live animals), crude oil (41 percent).

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT:

US$10.1 billion (purchasing power parity, 2000 est.).

BALANCE OF TRADE:

Exports: US$5.8 billion (f.o.b., 2000). Imports: US$4.2 billion (f.o.b., 2000).

Bahrain

views updated May 18 2018

Bahrain

Basic Data
Official Country Name:State of Bahrain
Region:Middle East
Population:634,137
Language(s):Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu
Literacy Rate:85.2%
Academic Year:September-June
Compulsory Schooling:9 years
Educational Enrollment:Primary: 72,876
 Secondary: 57,184
 Higher: 7,676
Educational Enrollment Rate:Primary: 106%
 Secondary: 94%
Teachers:Higher: 655
Student-Teacher Ratio:Primary: 18:1
 Secondary: 15:1
Female Enrollment Rate:Primary: 106%
 Secondary: 98%



History & Background


The State of Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of 1 large island and about 35 smaller islands located in the shallow waters of the Arabian-Persian Gulf. Only four of these islands are actually inhabited. In Arabic "Bahrain" means "two seas." Ancient legends associate Bahrain with the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life, and the name "The Pearl of the Gulf," gives an indication of the beauty found on this island-oasis amid generally barren desert. It has been listed as the second most attractive tourist location in the Middle East. Although located in a desert region, the country benefits from underground aquifers that provide life-sustaining water. The total land area of Bahrain is 706,550 square kilometers, and the main island, Bahrain Island, comprises 85 percent of the country's total land area. The capital city of Manama is situated on Bahrain Island, which is linked to the Saudi Arabian mainland by the King Fahd Causeway. Two of the smaller islands, Al Muharraq and Sitrah, are linked to Bahrain Island by causeways.

Most of the population of Bahrain lives in the northern part of Bahrain Island. The population in 1994 was an estimated 568,000, reaching 600,000 people in 1997, demonstrating a growth rate of 2.6 percent. Of these figures, approximately one-third of the population consisted of expatriate workers from Iran, Yemen, Oman, Pakistan, and India, as well as from other Asian countries and Europe. Shiite Muslims constitute the majority (about 60 percent), but the ruling Al Khalifa family is of the Sunni Islamic sect. Islam is the state religion, and Arabic is the official language, although English and Farsi are widely spoken. People descended from the original island inhabitants are known as the Baharna, those with origins in Saudi Arabia trace their ancestry to the Hassawis, and others, known as the Ajami, are descended from earlier migrants from Iran.

In ancient times Bahrain was known to the Sumerians as Dilmun, and as the Land of Eternal, mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh as a land abundantly supplied with the essentials of life: water and food. Thus, from earliest recorded history the island has been known as a trading center, famous for its pearls, agricultural produce, and fishermen. The Greeks referred to the island of Bahrain as Tylos, as depicted on the 200 A.D. map of Ptolemy.

Arab settlements on the island began around 300 B.C., and control was maintained by the Rabyah tribe, who converted to Islam in 630 A.D.. The island's strategic importance led to various occupations amid jostlings for power in the Gulf by the Portuguese and the Persians, while Britain later controlled the island well into the twentieth century. The Portuguese established their presence from 1521 onwards, until they were evicted in 1602 by a combined Bahraini-Persian force supported by Shah Abbas the Great. A Persian influence followed the eviction of the Portuguese until 1718, when Oman temporarily annexed Bahrain. But the Persians returned and renegotiated their control in 1719, effected through a local puppet ruler. In 1783 the Persians invaded the island of Zubara, the home of the Al Khalifa tribe, who with the help of the Al Sabah tribe of Kuwait repelled the Persian attack on Zubara, then defeated the occupying Persians on Bahrain Island. The ruler of the Al Khalifa, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, became known through this conquest as Ahmed Al Fatih, or Ahmed the Conqueror. In 1861, Britain took over Bahrain as a protectorate to prevent further foreign encroachment. The Al Khalifa dynasty still controls the monarchial rule of the modern state of Bahrain, maintaining its rule for more than 200 years.

Bahrain was the first Arab Gulf state to discover oil, with the first oil well commencing production in 1932. As such, Bahrain's development began much earlier than the other Arab Gulf states, giving Bahrain the advantage of being the most socially advanced and developed of the Arab Gulf countries. But in comparison to the richer petroleum-exporting states of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, the Bahraini oil reserves are insignificant, currently meeting little more than domestic consumption requirements. Significant gas reserves, however, and Bahrain's petroleum refining industry, which processes Saudi crude petroleum, are likely to maintain a comfortable standard of living for Bahrainis well into the twenty-first century. As of 1996, oil and gas reserves totaled an estimated 65 percent of national revenues (Sick 1997) for Bahrain, the lowest percentage of all the Arab Gulf states, and an indicator of Bahrain's economic diversification. The early realization that Bahrain's oil reserves were relatively insignificant drove Bahrainis to embrace the diversification of their economy and to prepare for the time of oil-reserve depletion. As a result, the country has made a great investment in human resources development, including the development of educational and training programs.

This emphasis on human development in the 1990s was quite successful: Bahrainis are more involved than ever in the education sector as well as other sectors of the economy. Women have benefited greatly from the human resources development drive. Female employees work in one of the best labor environments in the world, where liberal maternity leave is strictly enforced. Women in Bahrain have moved beyond the traditionally acceptable role of teacher into such areas as banking, finance, engineering, the civil service, commerce, and administration. In 1996 through 1998, Bahrain came in first among Arabian countries on the Human Development Index as part of the United Nations Development Program's Human Development Report. At the dawn of the twenty-first century, Bahrain's status as one of the mostif not the mostsocially developed Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries was underscored by the progress made in education.

Shifts in the political climate have also been influential. In the late twentieth century, Bahrain began a process of rapid change under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa. From being one of the most oppressive and authoritarian Arab Gulf states, Bahrain appears to be moving toward becoming one of the most liberal and socially advanced. When Sheikh Hamad came to power in 1999, he did away with censorship, ordered the release of political prisoners, invited exiles home, and most importantly, issued a charter calling for a national parliament and outlining a national vision of Bahrain as a European-style democratic monarchy. Bahrain's first experiment with democracy had ended in failure shortly after independence from Britain in 1971. By 1975 the parliament was suspended, and strong opposition movements, mainly Shiite majority factions opposing the Sunni Al Khalifa family, were brutally crushed. The 1999 referendum for the new national charter was approved by 98.4 percent of the voters with a 90 percent voter turnout rate. These changes in Bahrain's system of governance appear to be the beginning of a new era in the country's history, likely to increase domestic tranquillity and decrease monarchial control by the ruling Al Khalifa family.


Constitutional & Legal Foundations

The constitutional foundations of Bahraini education are based upon two principles set forth by the Ministry of Education:

  1. The provision of education for all school age children throughout the country.
  2. The improvement of the quality of education to meet the needs both of the students and that of the country's social and economic development.

Adopted on May 26, 1973, and effective since December 6, 1973, the Constitution of the State of Bahrain guarantees education as a basic right of Bahraini citizens. Article 4 of the Constitution refers to education as one of the "pillars of society guaranteed by the State." Article 5 ensures the government's oversight of the "physical, mental, and moral growth of youth." Article 6 elucidates the Islamic orientation of Bahraini education:

The State shall preserve the Arab and Islamic heritage, it shall participate in the furtherance of human civilization, and it shall strive to strengthen ties with the Muslim countries and to bring to fruition the aspirations of the Arab Nation for unity and advancement.

Finally, Article 7 sets forth the commitment to encouraging the arts and sciences, literature, and research, and to ensuring the provision of educational and cultural services to citizens. Primary education is made compulsory, and the government's plan to eliminate illiteracy is outlined. The article prescribes religious education (i.e., Islamic education) to foster an Islamic identity and pride in the Arab national heritage. The establishment of private schools is permitted "under the supervision of the State," and the inviolability of educational institutions is guaranteed.

In addition to the constitutional provisions, the government has enacted further legislation in support of education. The Education Law Project of 1989 specifically outlines the objectives underlying the regulation of education in Bahrain. These include opportunities for citizens to improve their standard of living through education; individual development along physical, mental, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual lines; the acquisition of critical thinking skills and sound judgment; and the inculcation of the Islamic faith and an Arab identity. Legislation has also addressed private educational and training institutions, training systems, student evaluation systems, equalization of GCC students in public education, school placement guidelines for new entrants, academic degree equivalence, and licensing of educational service providers. Such legislation has the general aim of promoting community-minded, socially active, educated citizens who are aware of their roles within local, regional, and international contexts.

Progress has not been easy. To meet the goal of placing more Bahraini nationals in the workforce, the government has supplemented education with laws assuring the employment of nationals. The "10,000 jobs" project and other initiatives have focused on training Bahrainis to replace foreign professionals. Even so, businesses have been reluctant to hire nationalswhose retention tend to require higher wagesand have instituted practices such as year-long internships prior to completing the hiring process. Moreover, the perception that the royal family, and not the other levels of society, is the sole beneficiary of national wealth and development, stifles motivation and productivity. Thus even in 1997 the estimated unemployment rate stood at 15 percent (Bromby 1997).

Changing political trends may help Bahrain meet its educational objectives. For much of the twentieth century and earlier, disagreements with the ruling family called for constitutional reform, and parliamentary restoration constituted treasonable acts punishable by imprisonment and exile. At the start of the twenty-first century, however, the state of Bahrain appeared to be moving toward less repressive state control. If this trend carries through, the greater freedom and involvement of Bahrainis in their system of governance will likely enable more significant progress toward Bahrain's educational goals.


Educational SystemOverview

Given its early start, Bahrain has been at least a generation ahead of its neighbors in modern educational development, but it has also upheld its traditions. From the beginning, Bahraini education has been noncoeducational, and there appear to be no plans to change this structure. In 1919 the first elementary school in Bahrain was established for boys, while the first girls' elementary school opened in 1928. In 1936 the first industrial school was established, and a secondary school for girls was opened in 1951. A religious school for Shari'a (Islamic law) scholars opened in 1943, which later became the Religious Institute of Bahrain in 1960. The Teachers College was inaugurated in 1966, and in 1968 Bahrain University opened its doors, after a reincorporation of Khaliji Technical College (also known as Gulf Polytechnic). The first private education endeavors began in 1952 with the opening of the Manama School, an in 1961 the Private Education Act was promulgated. As of 2001, private education accommodated an estimated 15 percent of school age students. In 1971 the Joint National Committee for Adult Education was organized, and in 1979 the Bahrain University's College of Arts, Sciences, and Education opened. In the same year the Arabian Gulf University was inaugurated with the institution of its Faculty of Medicine.

From 1990 to 2000 the number of government schools in operation steadily increased, as did student enrollment in these schoolsand the percentage of Bahraini nationals working in the education sector. In the academic year 1990-1991 there were 158 government schools up to the secondary level. This number jumped to 193 by academic year 1999-2000. Total student enrollment in the government schools for 1990-1991 was 100,658, while by 1999-2000 this figure had reached 114,669. In 1999-2000, about 88 percent of the teachers in these schools were Bahraini, a dramatic increase of nearly 20 percent throughout the 1990s from only 68.5 percent of the teachers being Bahraini in 1990-1991. According to UNESCO, the literacy rate in 1997 was 85.2 percent, up from a 45 percent literacy rate in 1984. The improvements in adult literacy have allowed the Ministry of Education to shift its focus from general illiteracy to computer illiteracy.

Preprimary & Primary Education

Nursery and preprimary schools, both private and public, provide care and instruction for preschool age children. Primary education in Bahraini government schools throughout the three cycles of basic education centers on compulsory core subjects including religious education (Islamic education), Arabic language, science and technology, social studies, art, physical education, and music. English language and family-life studies do not begin until the fourth grade in the second cycle, and practical studies do not begin until the seventh grade in the third cycle. The study plan for the third cycle allows for three additional periods per week in order to increase the subject range for students as well as the teacher-student contact hours.

In the academic year 1999-2000 there were a total of 165 government schools in the primary school category, including 115 schools (59 male, 56 female) classified by the government as primary schools, 18 (12 male, 6 female) classified as primary/intermediate, and 32 (14 male, 18 female) classified as intermediate. Enrollments in government primary schools totaled 90,938, with 62,289 students at the primary level (31,043 male, 31,246 female) and 28,649 at the intermediate level (14,094 male, 14,555 female) according to government classification.


Secondary Education

At the secondary level of education, students diverge along various educational tracks and vocational professional specializations, including science, literary studies, agriculture, printing, textiles, and advertising, among others. Most technical and vocational programs are limited to men, and textile and advertising are limited to women. Thus while male enrollment is split fairly evenly between the traditional arts and sciences tracks and the more vocationally oriented programs, female enrollment at the secondary level is predominantly in the science and literary programs, in some cases representing more than 60 percent of a given track's enrollment. The coursework at this level comprises core courses, courses in the area of the student's specialization, free elective courses, and programs designed to prepare students for either higher education or the labor market.

In 2000 there were 28 government schools at the secondary level, including 3 commercial secondary schools, 17 general secondary schools, 4 technical schools, a religious institute for men, and 3 schools classified by the Ministry of Education as intermediate/secondary institutions. There were a total of 1,879 teachers at the secondary level in 1999-2000, of whom 466 were non-Bahraini expatriate teachers, roughly a quarter of the total number of teachers at this level. Performance evaluation of secondary schools consists of both internal and external indicator review as well as cumulative and summative evaluations.


Higher Education


Bahrain has two universities for higher education: Bahrain University (BU), founded in 1968, and the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), which opened in 1979. In the late 1970s and 1980s higher education in Bahrain saw rapid development. Within the university system, the College of Health Services graduated students for entry into the health profession, and Gulf Polytechnic expanded in the 1980s to meet the specialized technical needs of the Gulf region in such areas as computer science, engineering, and business management.

Arab Gulf countries, sharing a common heritage and common challenges, established AGU with the goals of calibrating programs and curricula according to the cultural, scientific, and occupational needs of the GCC member states. Education and research related to the Gulf region is the mandate of AGU carried out in the programs of study and research within its two colleges: the College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, and the College of Postgraduate Studies. Beyond AGU, promising students are funded for studies abroad in areas such as the medical sciences, information and communications sciences, energy sciences, desertification, biotechnology, astronomy, oceanography, educational planning, guidance and counseling, vocational education, and special education.

While institutions of higher learning in the Arab world and the Gulf region have proliferated, coordination among these institutions has been less than ideal. In 1995 Muain H. Jamlan, Chair of the Department of Educational Technology in BU's College of Education, proposed incorporating trends in distance learning and the concept of an Arab "open" university to deliver online instruction as a way of addressing the challenges of greater cooperation in educational planning.


Administration, Finance, & Educational Research


The Ministry of Education in Bahrain administers the government's educational institutions and supervises private educational institutions in the country. The organization consists of the Minister of Education, the Under-secretary, and the Assistant Undersecretaries, who oversee the following directorates: Educational Services and Private Education, General and Technical Education, Financial and Administrative Affairs, Curricula and Training, and Educational Planning and Information. The development of Bahrain's human resources potential is a high priority: the Ministry aims to develop Bahrain's services and industrial sectors to compensate for decreases in oil revenues. Under the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the Training Promotions Office is working to establish an internationally accredited national vocational qualification system, modeled after the British system. Aligning the industrial and services sectors with the national education system is a key component of this strategy. The government is pursuing ambitious technological agendas, as exemplified by the introduction of Internet-based teaching and learning initiatives in government schools. In 1998 the government's investment in education totaled BD (Bahraini Dinars) 82 million (about US$21.8 million).

In 1999 Dr. Hamad Ali Al Sulayti, formerly Director of Bahrain's Educational Planning and Cultural Affairs under the Ministry of Education, and previously the Acting Secretary General of the Bahraini Center for Studies and Research, outlined in a cutting-edge report some of the common challenges faced by GCC countries in reforming and developing their educational systems. This report, delivered at an educational conference in Abu Dhabi, underlined the importance of aligning the education sectors of Gulf countries with actual labor market needs so as to ensure greater economic productivity, workforce efficiency, and social stability. Bahrain has taken the lead in meeting such challenges, and as an educational pioneer can draw on its own experience of facing the early necessity for economic diversification. Important requirements for GCC countries suggested by educational research include curriculum reform, employer involvement, and a higher level of quality assurance through systems of external accountabilityareas in which Bahrain already has a head start.


Nonformal Education


Institutions in Bahrain offering special education include the Saudi-Bahraini Institute for the Welfare of the Blind, the Al-Amal Institute, the Social Rehabilitation Center (including a hearing defect unit and a vocational rehabilitation unit). The Ministry of Education's Directorate of Adult Education oversees illiteracy eradication programs and continuing education programs for adults. The continuing education programs offer language courses (English, Arabic, French, German, Japanese) and specialized courses in auto mechanics, electrical appliance maintenance, art, family life, and office/secretarial skills. The Youth and Sports Authority sponsors junior science clubs, science centers, and the Sulman Cultural Center for children. There are also a number of training centers, as part of Bahrain's plan to develop the country's training resources, and to promote Bahrain as the regional center for such programs. The Higher Council for Vocational Training is the main government body tasked with this agenda, and throughout the late 1980s and 1990s the council qualified 10,528 Bahraini workers in its training programs.


Teaching Profession


Throughout the 1990s the education sector saw the number of Bahraini teachers steadily increase. By academic year 1999-2000 approximately 88 percent of the teachers in government schools were Bahraini. Among female educators, nearly 97 percent were Bahraini nationals, while among male educators, 79 percent were Bahraini. By contrast, in 1990 some 68 percent of teachers in government schools were Bahraini (79.6 percent of females and 57.8 percent of males).

Student-teacher ratios are comparatively low in the government schools. According to statistics from 1999-2000, the ratios decreased according to age and level of specialization. From a rate of 20:1 at the primary level, the ratio gradually decreases to 18:1 at the intermediate level, 13:1 at the intermediate/secondary level, 15:1 at the general secondary level, 14:1 at the commercial secondary level, 10:1 at the technical secondary level, and 11:1 at the Religious Institute of Bahrain. On average the student-teacher ratio is 17:1 in Bahraini government schools.


Summary

The statistics and social indicators relevant to the education sector in Bahrain are relatively positive. Although petroleum revenues are important to the development of the physical facilities and technological capabilities of Bahrain's educational infrastructure, the priority of human resources development is even more crucial. Some of the social problems faced by other Arab Gulf stateshigh unemployment, lack of coordination between educational programs and the labor market, even apparent apathyseem to have been tempered in Bahrain, a country with significantly less oil wealth than its richer neighbors. But it is an awareness of constraints brought on by resource depletion that has provided the motivation for Bahrain's human resources development and the establishment of its services and industrial sectors.

Bahrain has forged highly successful enterprises in the face of resource-depletion challenges. This spirit of entrepreneurialism has established the country as the leading financial center of the Middle East, a pioneer in education, an innovator in training services, and a model for other Arab Gulf states. Moreover, the ruling Al Khalifa family appears to be relinquishing some of its monarchical control, which bodes well for the greater freedom and motivated involvement of Bahrainis in developing their individual and collective potential.


Bibliography

Al-Sulayti, Hamad."Education and Training in GCC Countries: Some Issues of Concern." In Education and the Arab World: Challenges of the Next Millennium, 271-278. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, 1999.

"Bahrain." In Arab Gulf Cooperation Council: The 19th GCC Summit, 18-43. London: Trident Press, 1998.

"Bahrain: Your Kingdom for Our Rights." The Economist, 24 February 2001.

Bromby, Robin."Bahrain and Qatar Have Big Import Appetites." In Contemporary Women's Issues Database, 2: 5-8. Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group: 1997.

Government School Education Statistics, The Bahrain Ministry of Education. 15 March 2001. Available from http://www.education.gov.bh/.

Jamlan, Muain H."Proposal for an Open University in the Arab World." Technological Horizons in Education Journal 22, January 1995: 53-55.

Sick, Gary. G."The Coming Crisis in the Persian Gulf." In The Persian Gulf at the Millennium: Essays in Politics, Economy, Security, and Religion, eds. Gary G. Sick and Lawrence G. Potter, 11-30. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1997.

Yamani, Mai."Health, Education, Gender, and the Security of the Gulf in the Twenty-first Century." In Gulf Security in the Twenty-first Century, eds. David E. Long and Christian Koch, 265-279. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, 1997.


John P. Lesko

Bahrain

views updated May 23 2018

Bahrain

1 Location and Size

2 Topography

3 Climate

4 Plants and Animals

5 Environment

6 Population

7 Migration

8 Ethnic Groups

9 Languages

10 Religions

11 Transportation

12 History

13 Government

14 Political Parties

15 Judicial System

16 Armed Forces

17 Economy

18 Income

19 Industry

20 Labor

21 Agriculture

22 Domesticated Animals

23 Fishing

24 Forestry

25 Mining

26 Foreign Trade

27 Energy and Power

28 Social Development

29 Health

30 Housing

31 Education

32 Media

33 Tourism and Recreation

34 Famous Bahrainis

35 Bibliography

State of Bahrain
Dawlat al-Bahrayn

CAPITAL: Manama (Al-Manamah)

FLAG: Red with a white vertical stripe on the hoist, the edge between them being saw-toothed.

ANTHEM: Music without words.

MONETARY UNIT: The Bahrain dinar (bd) is divided into 1,000 fils. There are coins of 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 fils and notes of 500 fils and 1, 5, 10, and 20 dinars. bd1 = $2.63158 (or $1 = bd0.38) as of 2005.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES: The metric system is used; local measures also are used.

HOLIDAYS: New Year’s Day, 1 January; National Day, 16 December. Movable Muslim religious holidays include Hijra (Muslim New Year), ‘Ashura, Prophet’s Birthday, ‘Id al-Fitr, and ‘Id al-’Adha’.

TIME: 3 pm = noon GMT.

1 Location and Size

The State of Bahrain consists of a group of 33 islands (6 inhabited) in the western Persian Gulf, with a total area of 665 square kilometers (257 square miles), slightly less than 3.5 times the area of Washington, D.C. Bahrain, the main island, is linked by bridges to Muharraq and Sitra islands and to Saudi Arabia. Other islands include the Hawar group (off the west coast of Qatar), Nabih Salih, Umm an-Na’san, and Jidda. The total coastline is 161 kilometers (100 miles). Bahrain’s capital, Manama, is located on the northeastern coast.

2 Topography

The north coast of Bahrain is irrigated by natural springs and artesian wells. South of this fertile area, the land is barren, with low rolling hills, numerous rocky cliffs, and wadis (dry river beds). From the shoreline the surface rises gradually toward the center, where it drops into a basin surrounded by steep cliffs. Toward the center of the basin is Jabal ad Dukhan, a steep, rocky hill that rises to 122 meters (400 feet) above sea level, the highest point in the nation. Most of the lesser islands are flat and sandy. The lowest point in the country is at sea level.

3 Climate

Summers in Bahrain are hot and humid, and winters are relatively cool. Daily average temperatures

GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILE

Geographic Features

Area: 665 sq km (257 sq mi)

Size ranking: 177 of 194

Highest elevation: 122 meters (400 feet) at Jabal ad Dukhan

Lowest elevation: Sea level at the Persian Gulf

Land Use*

Arable land: 3%

Permanent crops: 6%

Other: 91%

Weather**

Average annual precipitation: 7.6 centimeters (3.0 inches)

Average temperature in January: 17.4°c (63.3°f)

Average temperature in July: 33.8°c (92.8°f)

* Arable Land: Land used for temporary crops, like meadows for mowing or pasture, gardens, and greenhouses.

Permanent crops: Land cultivated with crops that occupy its use for long periods, such as cocoa, coffee, rubber, fruit and nut orchards, and vineyards.

Other: Any land not specified, including built-on areas, roads, and barren land.

** The measurements for precipitation and average temperatures were taken at weather stations closest to the country’s largest city.

Precipitation and average temperature can vary significantly within a country, due to factors such as latitude, altitude, coastal proximity, and wind patterns.

in July range from a minimum of 29°c (84°f) to a maximum of 37°c (99°f). In January, the minimum is 14°c (57°f); the maximum is 20°c (68°f). Rainfall averages less than 10 centimeters (4 inches) annually.

4 Plants and Animals

Outside the cultivated areas, numerous wild desert flowers appear, most noticeably after rain. Desert shrubs, grasses, and wild date palms are also found. Mammalian life is limited to the jerboa (desert rat), gazelle, mongoose, and hare. About 14 species of lizard and 4 types of land snake are also found. Bird life is especially varied. Larks, song thrushes, swallows, and terns are frequent visitors, and residents include the bulbul, hoopoe, parakeet, and warbler.

5 Environment

Bahrain’s principal environmental problems are scarcity of fresh water, desertification, and pollution from oil production.

A wildlife sanctuary established in 1980 is home to threatened Gulf species, including the Arabian oryx, gazelle, zebra, giraffe, Defassa waterbuck, addax, and lesser kudu. Bahrain has also established captive breeding centers for falcons and for the rare Houbara bustard. In 2006, 1 type of mammal, 7 species of birds, and 6 species of fish were threatened. The goitered gazelle, the greater spotted eagle, and the green sea turtle are considered endangered species.

6 Population

In 2005, the population was estimated at 731,000. The population projection for the year 2025 is 965,000. Population density was 1,008 per square kilometer (2,610 per square mile) in 2005. Manama, the capital, had a 2005 estimated population of 139,000.

7 Migration

The proportion of immigrants increased from 20% of the total population in 1975 to an estimated 40% in 2000. Most immigrants are temporary workers from South Korea, India and other Arab countries (including Iran and Pakistan). Many skilled workers are Europeans. In 2005, the estimated net migration rate was 1 migrant per 1,000 population.

8 Ethnic Groups

In 2005, about 63% of the population consisted of native Bahrainis, the vast majority of whom were of northern Arab (Adnani) ancestry. Asians accounted for 19% of the population. Other Arab groups principally Omanis and Iranians accounted for 10%.

9 Languages

Arabic (Gulf dialect) is the universal language. English is widely understood. A small number of people speak Farsi and Urdu.

10 Religions

Islam is the official religion. In 2005, an estimated 98% of the population was Muslim, with about two-thirds belonging to the Shia branch and the others Sunni. Roughly half of the immigrant population is non-Muslim. Immigrants include Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Baha’is. All are free to practice their own religions, keep their own places of worship, and display the symbols for their religions.

11 Transportation

There were 3,498 kilometers (2,176 miles) of roadways in 2003, of which 2,768 kilometers

BIOGRAPHICAL PROFILE

Name: Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa

Position: King of a traditional monarchy

Took Office: Served as emir from 6 March 1999, title changed to King in February 2002 when the country became a monarchy

Birthplace: Riffa, Bahrain

Birthdate: 28 January 1950

Religion: Islam

Education: Sandhurst Military Academy; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, 1973

Spouse: Shaikha Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa

Children: Six children

Of interest: He is an experienced military officer and became a qualified helicopter pilot in 1978.

(1,722 miles) were paved. Bahrain’s main port is Mina Salman. In 2005, Bahrain had a merchant fleet of eight ships with 219,083 gross registered tons. The international airport near Al-Muharraq can handle large jet aircraft and serves more than two dozen international airlines. In 2001, scheduled domestic and international flights carried 1.3 million passengers.

12 History

Bahrain was a thriving trade center around 2000 bc. At that time it was known as Dilmun. The islands were visited by the ships of Alexander the Great in the third century bc. Bahrain accepted Islam in the seventh century ad.

The Portuguese occupied Bahrain from 1522 to 1602. The present ruling family, the Khalifa, are related to the Sabah family of Kuwait and the royal family of Saudi Arabia. The Khalifa captured Bahrain in 1782. Contact with the British followed in the 19th century, concluding in an 1861 treaty of protection. After a plan to federate the nine sheikhdoms of the southern Gulf failed, Bahrain became a sovereign state on 15 August 1971.

Owing to its small size, Bahrain, a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, generally takes its lead in foreign affairs from its Arab neighbors on the Gulf. During the Iran-Iraq War (1980–88), Bahrain joined most other Arab states in supporting Iraq. However, when Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Bahrain stood with the United States and its Middle Eastern allies, contributing military support and facilities to the defeat of Iraq. Bahrain has long assisted the American naval presence in the Persian Gulf. In 1991, the United States signed an agreement giving the Department of Defense access to facilities on the island.

On 6 March 1999, Sheikh Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa, who had ruled his country since independence, died of a heart attack. He was succeeded on the throne by his son, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa. The new ruler took a more liberal approach to government. By February 2001, the emir had pardoned and released all political prisoners, detainees, and exiles.

On 14 February 2001, a referendum was held that endorsed a return to constitutional rule. Under the constitution amended 14 February 2002, the country is no longer an emirate, but a constitutional monarchy. The emir was replaced by a king. A two-house National Assembly was established, along with an independent judiciary.

On 16 March 2001, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) resolved a territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar over the potentially oil- and gas-rich Hawar Islands. The dispute had lasted for decades and brought the two nations to the brink of war in 1986. The ICJ awarded Bahrain the largest disputed islands, the Hawar Islands, while Qatar was given sovereignty over Janan Island and Fasht ad Dibal.

Parliamentary elections, the first in nearly 30 years, were held in October 2002. In 2003, demonstrations took place in Bahrain in opposition to the U.S.-led war with Iraq. In July 2004, Americans were warned to leave the country due to anti-American sentiments. In September 2004 Bahrain and the United States signed a free trade pact.

13 Government

The constitution was amended in 2002, and Bahrain became a constitutional monarchy headed by a king, after having been an emirate. The legislature is called the National Assembly. It consists of two houses, an appointed 40-member Consultative Council and an elected 40-member Chamber of Deputies. The first legislative elections since 1973 were held in October 2002. Under the new constitution, there are five municipal councils. The first local elections since 1957 were held in May 2002.

14 Political Parties

Political parties are illegal in Bahrain. Several underground groups, including pro-Iranian militant Islamic groups, have been active and are vigorously opposed by the government.

Beginning with municipal elections in May 2002, candidates from a wide variety of political groups formed a more tolerant political culture in Bahrain. These groups are not officially designated as political parties. However, they are similar to democratic parties in the West. They can field candidates in elections, organize their activities, and campaign freely. There are seven main political groups: the Arab-Islamic Wasat Society; the Democratic Progressive Forum; the Islamic National Accord; the National Action Charter Society; the National Democratic Action Society; the National Democratic Gathering Society; and the National Islamic Forum.

The partially elected bicameral (two-chamber) parliament that was approved in a referendum

in 2001 held its first session in December 2002 after elections were held that October. In the 40-member directly elected House of Deputies, independents took 21 seats, Sunni Islamists won 9 seats, and other groupings held 10 seats.

15 Judicial System

The law of Bahrain combines Islamic religious law (Shariah), tribal law, and other civil laws and regulations. A new constitution promises an independent judiciary. A Constitutional Court is appointed by the king. Military courts are confined to military offenses only. The new constitution provides for some women’s political rights. In ordinary civil and criminal courts there are open trials, a right to counsel (including legal aid when determined to be necessary), and a right to appeal.

16 Armed Forces

The Bahrain armed forces in 2005 had 11,200 personnel. The army consisted of 8,500 members, the navy had 1,200 members, and the air force had 1,500 members. Bahrain sent troops to Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Gulf War. The defense budget in 2005 totaled $526 million.

17 Economy

Bahrain’s economy has been based on oil since the 1920s. However, the oil supply appeared to be running out as of the early 2000s. As a result, the government was encouraging development in other areas, such as petroleum refining, aluminum production, natural gas production, and offshore banking. The services sector accounted for 60% if all economic activity in 2005. The banking sector has assets of $100 billion.

18 Income

In 2005, the gross domestic product (GDP) was $14.1 billion, or $20,500 per person. The average inflation rate in 2002 was 2.7%.

19 Industry

Petroleum refining, begun modestly in 1942, was Bahrain’s first modern industrial enterprise. In 1999, a seven-year, $800 million modernization plan was begun to upgrade Bahrain’s refinery. In January 2006, oil production had stabilized at about 40,000 barrels per day, and reserves were expected to last 10 to 15 years. Aluminum production was 720,000 tons in 2005.

Overall industrial production accounted for 39% of GDP in 2005.

20 Labor

The number of people in the labor force in 2005 was 380,000, of which 44% were not native Bahrainis. The majority of workers were employed in community, social, and personal services. Although the constitution permits workers to organize, the government bans trade unions.

Yearly Growth Rate

This economic indicator tells by what percent the economy has increased or decreased when compared with the previous year.

The minimum age for employment is 14. Young people between the ages of 14 and 16 may not be employed in hazardous conditions. Child labor in the industrial sector is well monitored. Some young people work in family-owned businesses.

21 Agriculture

Only 3% of the land is arable and agriculture accounts for only about 1% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Ninety farms and small holdings produce fruit and vegetables, as well as alfalfa for fodder. Annual crop production in 2004 included 7,667 tons of vegetables and 19,000 tons of fruit. The government’s goal is for output to meet 16% of demand.

Components of the Economy

This pie chart shows how much of the country’s economy is devoted to agriculture (including forestry, hunting, and fishing), industry, or services.

22 Domesticated Animals

Most domestic meat consumption is supplied through imports of live cattle, goats, and sheep. About 9,000 head of cattle, 39,000 sheep, and 25,000 goats are kept for milk and meat production. A thriving poultry industry provided 13,500 tons of meat and 5,000 tons of eggs in 2004. Dairy farming has recently been expanded. Also, a national dairy pasteurization plant has been established in order to centralize all milk processing and distribution. Milk production totaled around 11,000 tons in 2004.

23 Fishing

The more than 300 species of fish found in Bahraini waters are an important food source for much of the population. However, local fishing has declined because of industrial pollution. The catch totaled 13,641 tons in 2004. The government operates a fleet of seven trawlers. By encouraging traditional fishing methods, giving incentives to fishermen, improving fishing and freezing equipment, and establishing cooperatives,

Yearly Balance of Trade

The balance of trade is the difference between what a country sells to other countries (its exports) and what it buys (its imports). If a country imports more than it exports, it has a negative balance of trade (a trade deficit). If exports exceed imports there is a positive balance of trade (a trade surplus).

the government is attempting to increase the annual catch. There is a modern fishing harbor at Al-Muharraq.

24 Forestry

There are no major forested areas in Bahrain. In 2003, Bahrain’s imports of forest products amounted to $60.5 million. That year, Bahrain re-exported about $1.9 million of forest products, including about 1,000 tons of industrial roundwood.

25 Mining

Bahrain’s oil-based economy produced few minerals other than crude oil and natural gas. In 2004, crude oil and refined petroleum products accounted for around $5.5 billion of the nation’s

Selected Social Indicators

The statistics below are the most recent estimates available as of 2006. For comparison purposes, data for the United States and averages for low-income countries and high-income countries are also given. About 15% of the world’s 6.5 billion people live in high-income countries, while 37% live in low-income countries.

IndicatorBahrainLow-income countriesHigh-income countriesUnited States
sources: World Bank. World Development Indicators. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank, 2006; Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook. Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 2006; World Resources Institute, Washington, D.C.
Per capita gross national income (GNI)*$19,670$2,258$31,009$39,820
Population growth rate1.5%2%0.8%1.2%
People per square kilometer of land1,008803032
Life expectancy in years: male72587675
female77608280
Number of physicians per 1,000 people1.10.43.72.3
Number of pupils per teacher (primary school)n.a.431615
Literacy rate (15 years and older)86.5%65%>95%99%
Television sets per 1,000 people41984735938
Internet users per 1,000 people20728538630
Energy consumed per capita (kg of oil equivalent)9,3235015,4107,843
CO2 emissions per capita (metric tons)21.80.8512.9719.92
* The GNI is the total of all goods and services produced by the residents of a country in a year. The per capita GNI is calculated by dividing a country’s GNI by its population and adjusting for relative purchasing power.
n.a.: data not available >: greater than <: less than

$7.5 billion in exports. Cement production in 2004 was reported at 153,483 metric tons.

26 Foreign Trade

Refined oil products account for more than 70% of the island’s exports. Refined aluminum, apparel, and chemicals are other export earners. Imports in 2000 were crude oil, followed by industrial supplies, machinery, transportation equipment, food, and consumer goods. The principal markets for Bahrain’s exports in 2004 were India, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. The major sources of imports were Saudi Arabia, Japan, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.

27 Energy and Power

In 1995, an estimated 90% of export revenues came from petroleum exports. Total crude petroleum production in 2003 was 35,000 barrels per day. Proven oil reserves in Bahrain were estimated by the government at 125 million barrels in 2004. Production of natural gas totaled 9.8 billion cubic meters in 2004. In 2002, Bahrain had a total electrical power output of 6.8 billion kilowatt hours.

28 Social Development

Impoverished families receive survival allowances from the government. Beginning in 2005, all establishments with one or more employees were covered by the social insurance system. A social security fund provides old age, disability, survivor, and accident insurance.

Islamic law, either Shia or Sunni, dictates the legal rights of Bahraini women. Women may initiate divorce proceedings, own and inherit property, and represent themselves in legal matters. However, men retain legal rights over children, even in case of divorce. Women are permitted to work, drive cars, and wear Western-style clothing. Women make up 17% of the labor force, and their employment is encouraged by the government.

29 Health

Bahrain sponsors a free national health service, available to both foreign and native members of the population. Bahraini patients who require sophisticated surgery or treatment are sent abroad at government expense. Health care centers are accessible to the population free of charge. In 1990, there were 4 government-operated hospitals (including a psychiatric hospital and a geriatric hospital), 5 maternity hospitals, 19 health centers, 6 environment health centers, and 16 maternity and child welfare centers. In 2004, there were an estimated 110 physicians, 413 nurses, 21 dentists, and 22 pharmacists per 100,000 people.

The effects of the 1991 Gulf War have endangered the health of many of Bahrain’s people. Acute asthmatic attacks increased during the years after the war.

In 2005, infant mortality was 17.3 per 1,000 live births. Life expectancy in 2005 was 74.2 years. There were approximately 600 people living with the immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the country in 2004. Malaria was reported in 258 people while polio, measles, and tetanus in newborns were nonexistent.

At the 2001 government census, there were 105,686 housing units within the country. About 18% were private villas (single-family, independent structures). About 72% of all units were connected to the public water system. About 14.8% of homes relied on bottled water.

31 Education

Bahrain introduced a free public education system to the Gulf region in 1919. The government aims to provide free educational opportunities for all children. Education was only recently made compulsory. School education is in three stages: primary lasts for six years, intermediate for three years, and secondary—general, industrial, or commercial—for three years. The primary and secondary course of study includes nine years of religious studies. Nearly 90% of primary-school-age children are enrolled in school, while about 87% attend secondary school.

Bahrain’s principal university is the University of Bahrain. It consists of five colleges and an English language center. The Arabian Gulf University has programs in science, engineering, and medicine. It is a joint venture project among the six Gulf Cooperation Council members and Iraq. Each nation is allocated 10% of the seats for a total of 70% of all seats. The remaining 30% are given to other countries. Also important is the Bahrain Training Institute, which has more than 50% female students.

There are also 67 adult education centers in Bahrain, which have helped to reduce the illiteracy rate of the country. All institutions of higher learning enroll between 7,000 and 9,000 students.

As of 2005, the adult literacy rate was estimated at 86.5%, with higher rates for men than for women.

32 Media

In 2003, there were 185,800 mainline telephones and 443,100 cellular phones in use nationwide.

In 1998, there were two AM and three FM radio stations and four broadcast television stations. All of them were owned and operated by the government. In 1997, there were 499 radios per 1,000 population. In 2004, there were 419 television sets per 1,000 population. Internet service is provided through the national phone company, with 105,000 subscribers counted in 2001. The government restricts access to some web sites with content that is considered anti-Islamic or antigovernment.

Bahrain’s first daily newspaper in Arabic, Akhbar al-Khalij (circulation 17,000 in 2002), began publication in 1976, and the first English daily, the Gulf Daily News (50,000), was established in 1991. Al Ayam, an Arabic daily founded in 1989, had a 2002 circulation of 37,000.

Though the Bahraini constitution has provisions for freedom of expression, the press is not allowed to criticize the ruling family or government policy.

33 Tourism and Recreation

In 2002, there were 4.8 million tourist arrivals, mostly from Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries, and tourism earnings totaled $985 million. Tourist attractions include Qal-at Al-Bahrain (The Portuguese Fort), the National Museum, and the Heritage Center.

34 Famous Bahrainis

Sheikh Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa (1933–1999) ruled his nation from independence in 1971 until his death.

35 Bibliography

BOOKS

Cooper, Robert. Bahrain. New York: Marshall Cavendish, 2000.

Fakhro, Munira A. (Munira Ahmed). Women at Work in the Gulf. New York: Kegan Paul International, 1990.

Fox, M. Bahrain. Chicago, IL: Children’s Press, 1992.

Gillespie, Carol Ann. Bahrain. Philadelphia, PA: Chelsea House, 2002.

Holes, Clive. Dialect, Culture, and Society in Eastern Arabia. Boston, MA: Brill, 2001.

WEB SITES

Aquastat. www.fao.org/ag/Agl/AGLW/aquastat/countries/bahrain/index.stm. (accessed on January 15, 2007).

Country Analysis Briefs. www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/Bahrain/Background.html. (accessed on January 15, 2007).

Country Pages. www.state.gov/p/nea/ci/c3219.htm. (accessed on January 15, 2007).

Government Home Page. https://www.e.gov.bh/pub/wps/portal. (accessed on January 15, 2007).