Bahrain's Independence: A Country's Sovereign Status Examined

Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf, situated between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and has been ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family since 1783.

Bahrain was a British protectorate from the late 1800s until it gained independence in 1971. Today, it is a semi-constitutional monarchy with a bicameral National Assembly.

Bahrain is a small country, covering an area of 760 square kilometres (or 780 square kilometres, according to another source). It is the third-smallest nation in Asia, after the Maldives and Singapore. The country's population is approximately 1.5 million, with over 700,000 Bahraini nationals.

Bahrain is a predominantly Muslim country, with a Shia majority and a Sunni ruling minority. It has a mixed economy, with a heavy focus on petroleum and aluminium production.

Bahrain's history and heritage

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia. It is situated on the Persian Gulf and is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and around 50 other natural islands, as well as 33 artificial islands. Bahrain has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was the seat of the ancient Dilmun civilisation, which was a prosperous trading centre.

Bahrain's strategic location in the Persian Gulf has brought rule and influence from the Persians, Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Portuguese, Arabs, and the British. Bahrain was ruled by the Portuguese Empire from 1521 until 1602, when they were expelled by Shah Abbas the Great of Safavid Iran. In 1783, the Bani Utbah and allied tribes captured Bahrain from Nasr Al-Madhkur, and it has been ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family ever since.

In the late 1800s, Bahrain became a protectorate of the United Kingdom following successive treaties with the British. In 1971, Bahrain declared independence and became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League.

Bahrain has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional handicraft industries such as ceramics and basket-weaving receiving state and popular support. Music is an important part of Bahraini life, with a rich folk music culture and an annual music festival. Bahrain also has several museums, including the Bahrain National Museum, which houses artefacts from the country's history, and the Beit al-Qur'an, which has a large collection of Qur'ans, some dating back to the 7th century.

Bahrain's official holidays include the two festivals, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, and the celebration of 'Āshūrā among the country's Shi'ites. Western-style clothing is common, although some men still wear the traditional thawb and kaffiyeh. Bahraini cuisine typically features fish, shrimp, meat, rice, and dates, with machbous being a popular traditional dish.

The country's religious and cultural diversity

Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and is recognised by the World Bank as a high-income economy. The country has a rich cultural and religious history, with diverse ethnic and religious groups coexisting peacefully.

Religious Diversity

Bahrain is a predominantly Muslim country, with Islam being the state religion. The population is largely made up of Sunni and Shia Muslims, with Shia Muslims constituting the majority of the citizen population. While Islam is the official religion, Bahrain is tolerant of other faiths and is home to a diverse range of religious groups, including Christians, Jews, Hindus, and Buddhists.

The country has a long history of religious diversity, with Jews, Christians, and people of other faiths coexisting with Muslims for centuries. Bahrain is known for its religious tolerance, and different religious communities generally respect one another and live in harmony. The country also has a history of Nestorian Christianity, with archaeological evidence indicating that it was a centre of this faith for a period.

Cultural Diversity

Bahrain has a cosmopolitan culture and is known for its ethnic diversity. The population includes people of Arab, Persian, Indian, African, and European descent, among others. The country has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its historical trade connections and influences from the wider region.

Bahrain's cultural diversity is reflected in its language, cuisine, arts, and social customs. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, and other languages like Persian and Urdu are also commonly used. Bahraini cuisine features a variety of dishes influenced by the region, including Machbous (a traditional dish of fish or meat served with rice) and Muḥammar (sweet brown rice with dates).

Bahrain also has a thriving arts scene, with a small but flourishing avant-garde art community. Traditional handicrafts, such as gold working and textile making, are also supported by the state and remain an important part of the country's culture. Music and dance are integral parts of Bahraini life, with a rich folk music culture that includes songs once sung by pearl divers.

In terms of social customs, Bahrain is more moderate and relaxed compared to its conservative neighbours. While traditional attire is still worn, Western-style clothing is common, and dress rules for women are more relaxed than in other parts of the region. Coffee is an important aspect of social life, and coffee shops are popular meeting places.

Overall, Bahrain's cultural and religious diversity is a key aspect of the country's identity, and its people are known for their tolerance and respect for different faiths and cultures.

Bahrain's economy and industry

Bahrain's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas, with petroleum and natural gas being the country's only significant natural resources. Bahrain's most exported product is petroleum, which accounts for 60% of export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP. Bahrain's economy is also reliant on international banking and tourism, with many of the world's largest financial institutions having a presence in the country's capital, Manama. Bahrain's finance industry is very successful, and the country has been recognised by the World Bank as a high-income economy.

Bahrain has the freest economy in the Middle East and is the 40th-freest economy in the world. The country has a liberalised environment, advanced infrastructure, and industries open for investment. Bahrain's economy is the most diversified in the GCC region, with particular strengths in financial services, ICT, manufacturing, logistics, and tourism. The country has a pro-innovation business policy, and businesses of all sizes have the opportunity to thrive. Bahrain also offers 100% foreign ownership in most of its thriving non-oil-based sectors.

Bahrain's other significant exports include aluminium, finance, and construction materials. The country is home to Aluminium Bahrain, which operates the largest aluminium smelter in the world, with an annual production of about 1,500,000 metric tons. Other industries in Bahrain include iron pelletisation, fertilisers, and shipbuilding and repair.

Bahrain has been diversifying its economy away from oil and gas production due to its limited energy reserves. The country has been investing in the banking and tourism sectors and has a growing high-tech industry. Bahrain intends to expand its research and development and strengthen its competitive edge within the global economy.

Political and social issues

Bahrain is a small island country in West Asia with a population of around 1.5 million people. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971, and since 2002, it has been a constitutional monarchy with a bicameral legislature. While Bahrain has a diverse society, it has been marked by political and social issues, particularly related to human rights, civil liberties, and sectarian tensions.

Political Issues

Bahrain's political landscape is dominated by the Al Khalifa royal family, which has ruled the country since the late 1700s. The current king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has been in power since 1999 and has implemented some democratic reforms, such as elections for parliament and granting women the right to vote. However, Bahrain's political system has been characterised as authoritarian, with limited freedom of expression and assembly.

One of the significant political issues in Bahrain is the tension between the ruling Sunni Muslim Al Khalifa family and the majority Shia Muslim population. This sectarian divide has often led to protests and unrest, with the Shia community feeling marginalised and discriminated against. In 2011, Bahrain experienced a major uprising inspired by the Arab Spring, with Shia-led protests demanding political reforms and an end to sectarian discrimination. The government responded with a crackdown, including thousands of arrests and reports of torture.

Bahrain's political opposition has been suppressed, with several opposition parties banned and their members prosecuted or exiled. The country's security forces have been accused of human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. There have also been reports of the government using spyware to monitor dissidents and critics.

Another issue is the presence of foreign military forces in Bahrain, including US and UK troops, due to the country's strategic location and military alliances. This has led to criticism and protests from some Bahrainis, who see it as a violation of sovereignty.

Social Issues

Bahrain has a diverse society, with a mix of ethnic and religious groups, including Sunni and Shia Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Hindus. However, this diversity has also led to social tensions and inequalities, particularly between the Sunni and Shia communities.

One of the significant social issues in Bahrain is the discrimination faced by the Shia majority in various aspects of life, including employment, political representation, and access to services. Shia Muslims have often been underrepresented in government positions and faced barriers in joining the security forces.

Additionally, women in Bahrain have faced challenges in terms of political and economic participation. While they have the right to vote and stand for elections, they are underrepresented in leadership positions and face gender discrimination in areas such as divorce, inheritance, and nationality laws.

Migrant workers, who make up a significant portion of Bahrain's population, have also faced exploitation and abuse, with reports of forced labour, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these issues, with migrant workers facing job losses and evictions.

Overall, Bahrain has struggled with political and social issues related to human rights, civil liberties, and sectarian tensions. While there have been some democratic reforms and efforts towards reconciliation, the country continues to face challenges in addressing these issues comprehensively.

Bahrain's monarchy

Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is a constitutional monarchy headed by the Al Khalifa royal family, with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at its apex. The country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1971 and has since been ruled by the Al Khalifa family, who have been criticised for violating the human rights of dissidents, political opposition figures, and the Shia Muslim population.

The country's monarchy is semi-constitutional, with the king holding wide-ranging executive powers, including the ability to appoint the prime minister and ministers, command the army, and chair the Higher Judicial Council. The king also appoints the upper house of the bicameral National Assembly, while the lower house is elected by absolute majority vote. However, the appointed upper house holds de facto veto power over the lower house, effectively entrenching the king's position.

The Al Khalifa family has long faced opposition from the Shia minority within the country, as well as from the London-based Bahraini Freedom Movement. In 1999, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa became emir and initiated a wave of reforms, transforming the country into a constitutional monarchy with a parliament. However, the emir also amended the constitution to give the appointed upper house equal powers to the elected lower house, securing his position.

The main opposition group is the Shia al-Wefaq National Islamic Society, which won 17 of the 40 seats in the lower house in the 2006 elections. The opening up of politics has also given a more prominent role to clerics within the political system, with the senior Shia religious leader, Sheikh Isa Qassim, playing a vital role.

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