Bahrain's Location In The Middle East Explored

Bahrain is a small island country in the Middle East, located in the Persian Gulf. It is an archipelago consisting of Bahrain Island and around 30 smaller islands, with a total land area of 780 square kilometres. The country is situated between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia, to which it is connected by the King Fahd Causeway. Bahrain's capital and largest city is Manama, and the country's population is around 1.5 million people, with over two-thirds residing in Manama. The official language is Arabic, and the country has a predominantly Muslim population, with a mix of Shia and Sunni Muslims. Bahrain has a rich history, including the ancient Dilmun civilization, and is known for its pearl fisheries, which were considered the best in the world until the 19th century. Today, Bahrain's economy has diversified into sectors such as banking, finance, and tourism, in addition to its petroleum and aluminium industries.

Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf

Bahrain is a small country, covering an area of 780 square kilometres, with a population of around 1.5 million people. The capital and largest city is Manama, located on Bahrain Island, which is home to over two-thirds of the population. The country's terrain is mostly low-lying desert, with a central escarpment and a highest point of 134 metres at Jabal ad Dukhan.

Bahrain has a long history, dating back to the ancient Dilmun civilisation. It has been ruled by various groups, including the Portuguese Empire and the Al Khalifa royal family, who have ruled since 1783. Bahrain was a British protectorate from the late 19th century until it gained independence in 1971.

The country has a constitutional monarchy, with a bi-cameral legislature consisting of a Chamber of Deputies and a Shura Council appointed by the King. While Islam is the predominant religion, with a majority Shia population, Bahrain is known for its religious tolerance, with small Christian, Jewish, and Hindu communities also present.

Bahrain's economy has traditionally relied on oil, but the country has diversified into other sectors, including banking, finance, and tourism. The country has a high standard of living, with a well-developed road network and excellent international connections.

It is ruled by the Khalifa family

Bahrain is ruled by the Khalifa family, a Sunni Muslim royal family, with Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa as the head of state and king. Shaikh Hamad has wide-ranging executive powers, including the ability to appoint the prime minister and ministers, command the army, and appoint the parliament's upper house. The Khalifa family has ruled Bahrain since the late 18th century, when they captured the islands from Nasr Al-Madhkur. The Khalifa family is native to the region, having originated from the Bani Utbah tribe.

The Khalifa family has been criticised for violating the human rights of dissidents, political opposition figures, and the Shia Muslim majority, who have complained of being politically repressed and economically marginalised. In 2011, the Khalifa family cracked down on a popular pro-democracy protest movement, which resulted in international criticism and allegations of systematic torture.

The Khalifa family has also been credited with implementing economic reforms and improving relations with the Shia community. Shaikh Hamad, who has led the country since 1999, changed Bahrain's political system to a semi-constitutional monarchy in 2002, with the country becoming a kingdom and Shaikh Hamad becoming king. Bahrain has developed a post-oil economy, with a focus on banking and tourism.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy

The king has wide-ranging powers, including the ability to appoint the prime minister and ministers, command the army, and chair the Higher Judicial Council. He also has legislative powers, including the ability to ratify constitutional amendments, propose legislation, and veto laws.

Bahrain's National Assembly is bicameral, consisting of the Shura Council (Majlis Al-Shura) and the Council of Representatives (Majlis Al-Nuwab). The Shura Council is made up of 40 members appointed by the king, while the Council of Representatives has 40 members elected by a majority vote.

The country's first parliamentary elections were held in 1973, but the parliament was dissolved in 1975 when it attempted to remove the Al Khalifa rule. Bahrain became an independent state in 1971, and the current ruling family has been in power since the late 1700s.

Bahrain's path towards constitutional monarchy began in 1999, when Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa replaced his father as ruler. He instituted a series of political reforms, including granting women the right to vote, releasing political prisoners, and holding parliamentary elections.

In 2001, a referendum was held on a new National Action Charter, which was overwhelmingly supported by the Bahraini people. This charter paved the way for national elections and for Bahrain to become a constitutional monarchy. The country's name was also changed from the State of Bahrain to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

While Bahrain has made progress towards political reform, there have been setbacks. The country has faced protests and civil unrest, particularly from the Shia majority, who feel marginalized by the Sunni rulers. In 2011, a popular pro-democracy protest movement was crushed, and the monarchy has been accused of eliminating political rights and civil liberties.

Despite these challenges, Bahrain remains a constitutional monarchy, with the Al Khalifa family continuing their long rule of the country.

The country is predominantly Muslim

The country of Bahrain is predominantly Muslim, with Islam as its state religion. The population is made up of both Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, with Shi'a making up the majority.

Islam has a long history in Bahrain, with the inhabitants of the country and the neighbouring nation of Qatar practising Arabian paganism before the Islamic prophet Muhammad sent his first envoy, Al-Ala'a Al-Hadrami, to the region in 628 AD. The ruler of the region, Munzir ibn Sawa Al Tamimi, converted to Islam, and the Islamic era in Bahrain began.

The origins of Shia Islam in Bahrain can be traced back to 656-661 AD, during the caliphate reign of Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Islamic prophet Muhammad appointed Aban Ibn Sa'id Al As as governor of Bahrain during his lifetime, and he was a major supporter of Ali's right to the caliphate. The oldest mosque in Bahrain, the Khamis Mosque, is believed to originate from the reign of Caliph Umar II.

The country observes the Muslim feasts of Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Muhammad's birthday, and the Islamic New Year as national holidays.

The constitution of Bahrain declares Islam to be the official religion and Sharia the principal source for legislation. It provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of places of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites. However, there are laws prohibiting anti-Islamic publications and mandating imprisonment for "exposing the state's official religion to offence and criticism".

The ruling family of Bahrain and many of the country's wealthier and more influential citizens are Sunni Muslims. This difference has been an underlying cause of political and social tension.

Bahrain has a small population of 1.5 million

Bahrain is a small Middle Eastern country with a population of around 1.5 million people. The country is an archipelago of islands in the Persian Gulf, situated between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway.

Bahrain's population includes both Bahraini nationals and non-nationals. As of May 14, 2023, the population was 1,501,635, with 712,362 being Bahraini nationals. The population is ethnically diverse, with a mix of Shia and Sunni Muslims, Christians, Jews, and Hindus. Shia Muslims make up the majority of the Muslim population, and the country's official religion is Islam.

Bahrain's population is heavily urban, with most people living in the northern part of the main island, particularly in the cities of Manama and Al Muharraq. The country's small size and central location among its larger neighbours require it to maintain a delicate balance in its foreign relations.

Bahrain has a high population density, with 1,607,049 people per 760 square kilometres as of 2024. The country's population has been growing, with an estimated population of 1.6 million in 2024, up from 1.58 million in 2021.

The country's population growth can be attributed to its economic development and diversification. Bahrain was one of the first Gulf states to discover oil and build a refinery, although it never reached the production levels of its neighbours. As a result, Bahrain has diversified its economy, investing heavily in the banking and tourism sectors.

Bahrain's population is relatively young, with a median age of 33.2 years. The country has a high life expectancy, with an average of 78 years for men and 80 years for women.

In summary, Bahrain is a small Middle Eastern country with a population of around 1.5 million people. The country's population includes both nationals and non-nationals, with a diverse mix of ethnic and religious groups. Bahrain's population is heavily urbanised and has a high population density. The country's economic development and diversification have contributed to population growth, and the median age of the population is relatively young.

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