Bahrain

National Name: Mamlakat al Bahrayn

Government
 Constitutional monarchy.

Geography
Bahrain, which means “two seas,” is an archipelago in the Persian Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia. The islands for the most part are level expanses of sand and rock. A causeway connects Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.

Historical Background
Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. Sheikh HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa, who came to power in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece of Sheikh HAMAD's political liberalization program. In February 2002, Sheikh HAMAD pronounced Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and changed his status from amir to king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower house of Bahrain's reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly.

Capital

Manama

Government

Constitutional monarchy
 -  King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa
 -  Crown Prince Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa
 -  Prime Minister Khalifa ibn Salman Al Khalifa

Language

Arabic

Religion

Islamic

Area

750 km2 (184th) 290 sq mi

Population

807,000[5] (158th)  

Density

1,189.5/km2 (7th) 3,126.5/sq mi

Currency

Bahraini dinar (BHD)

National Day

Accession Day for the late Amir Sh. Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa

GDP

2009 estimate Total $28.275 billion Per capita $27,214