Exploring Bahrain's Status: Is It A Qhda Country?

Bahrain is a small Arab state situated in a bay on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands. The name Bahrain is derived from the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'. The country is ruled by a Sunni king, whose family holds the main political and military posts. Bahrain has a predominantly Muslim population, with about 70% Shia and 30% Sunni Muslims. It has a mixed economy, with government control of many basic industries, and is known for its petroleum and aluminum business and Islamic banking.

Bahrain's political system

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy, with citizens lacking the right to change their government or political system. The country is ruled by a Sunni royal family, the Al Khalifa, with the current head of state being King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa. The King has wide-ranging executive powers, including the ability to appoint the Prime Minister and ministers, command the army, and chair the Higher Judicial Council. The head of government is the Prime Minister, currently Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Bahraini parliament is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Shura Council (or Consultative Council) and the Council of Representatives. The Shura Council is appointed directly by the King, while the Council of Representatives is elected by universal suffrage.

Bahrain's economy

Bahrain's nominal GDP was USD 46.0 billion in 2023, with a GDP per capita of USD 28,698, far above the global average of USD 10,589. The economy recorded an average annual growth rate of 2.8% in the decade to 2022, and the unemployment rate averaged 4.5% in the same period. Bahrain's monetary policy rate ended 2022 at 5.25%, up from 0.50% a decade earlier.

Bahrain has a highly developed communication and transport infrastructure, with a well-connected international airport and multiple bridges and causeways connecting the islands. The country has also invested in science and technology, establishing a National Space Science Agency and a science centre for children and teenagers.

The country's economy has traditionally relied on processing crude oil from neighbouring countries, but Bahrain has successfully diversified, with the financial, commercial services, and communications sectors growing markedly in recent years. Tourism is also a significant contributor, with over 11 million visitors in 2019, attracted by the kingdom's heritage and authentic Arab experience.

Bahrain's history

Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small island country in West Asia situated on the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands. The name Bahrain is derived from the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'.

Bahrain has a rich history, with its strategic location making it an important trade centre throughout the centuries. Here is a timeline of key events in Bahrain's history:

• Ancient Times: Bahrain is believed to be the site of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, a prominent trading centre linking Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley.
• 628 AD: Bahrain is one of the earliest areas to be influenced by Islam during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad.
• 1521-1602: Bahrain is ruled by the Portuguese Empire, who are expelled by Shah Abbas the Great of Safavid Iran in 1602.
• 1783: The Bani Utbah tribe, led by the Al Khalifa family, invades and captures Bahrain, beginning their rule which continues to the present day.
• Late 1800s: Bahrain becomes a protectorate of the United Kingdom following successive treaties.
• 1932: Oil is discovered in Bahrain by the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco), a subsidiary of the Standard Oil Company of California.
• 1971: Bahrain declares independence from the United Kingdom and becomes an independent emirate.
• 1981: Bahrain joins the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes other Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
• 2001: Bahrainis vote in a referendum to become a constitutional monarchy, with an elected lower chamber of parliament and an independent judiciary.
• 2002: Bahrain changes its status from an emirate to a kingdom, with Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa becoming the king.
• 2011: Inspired by the Arab Spring, Bahrain experiences widespread pro-democracy protests, which are crushed by the monarchy with the help of Saudi troops. This leads to a systematic rollback of political rights and civil liberties.
• 2018: Bahrain reports the discovery of its largest oil field in over 80 years.

Bahrain's population

The population of Bahrain is approximately 1.5 million as of May 2023, with 712,362 of those people being Bahraini nationals. The population density is 2115 people per square kilometre, and the median age is 33.2 years.

Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and around 80 other islands. The main island accounts for around 83% of the country's landmass. The country is situated in the Persian Gulf, between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, to which it is connected by the King Fahd Causeway.

Bahrain has a diverse population, with roughly half of its inhabitants being Arab. The other half of the population is made up of foreign-born inhabitants, mostly from Iran, India, Pakistan, Britain, and the United States. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken, and is taught in all schools.

Bahrain's culture

Bahrain is a small Arab state situated in a bay on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and about 30 smaller islands. The name Bahrain is derived from the Arabic term 'al-baḥrayn', meaning 'two seas'.

Bahrain has a rich history and is believed to be the site of the ancient kingdom of Dilmun, a commercial centre that traded with ancient Sumer. It has been ruled by various groups, including the native Arab dynasty, the Khalīfah family (Āl Khalīfah), which has been in power since the late 18th century.

Bahrainis generally lead conservative lifestyles, but the country has a vibrant arts scene, including literature, music, and visual arts. Traditional Arabic attire is common, but Western clothing is also widely accepted. The country has a diverse food culture, influenced by its history as a trading centre, and its modern reputation as a tourist destination.

Bahrain is known for its date palms and natural springs, which have made the island an important source of natural resources throughout history. The country has a growing tourism sector, with visitors attracted to its historical sites, modern architecture, and cultural festivals.

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