Bahrain
Bahrain, a chain of 33 islands off the east coast of Saudi Arabia, has been headed since 1783 by the al-Khalifah family, members of the Bani Utbah tribe, who expelled the Persians. From 1861, when a treaty was signed with Britain, until independence in 1971, Bahrain was virtually a British protectorate. The UK’s naval forces in the Persian Gulf established their base port at al-Jufayr in Bahrain. A close ally of the US, Bahrain is also home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, and the headquarters for US Naval activity in the Persian Gulf. At present, its base occupies more than 60 acres of land in Manama, the capital.
Causeways connect Bahrain’s four main islands. The main island, Bahrain Island, is also connected to Saudi Arabia by the 16-mile long King Fahd Causeway. The population is concentrated in the north around the capital, Manama. Bahrain is a haven for tourists from the region, who take advantage of its relaxed social environment. The climate is hot and humid, with minimal rain.
Bahrain was one of the first states in the Gulf to discover oil and to build a refinery; it benefited from oil wealth before most of its neighbors. Oil provided the ruling family with an independent source of income, with which they developed a modern state administration, and Bahrain became strategically and commercially more important. As Bahrain never reached the levels of production enjoyed by Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, however, it turned to petroleum processing and refining, and has itself into an international banking center. The economy is now well diversified and one of the acknowledged banking, financial services and human resources development and training centers of the Gulf. The economic environment is liberal, but well regulated; the authorities have managed recent oil price fluctuations sensibly and successfully trained Bahraini nationals for private sector employment. Long-term prospects for the relatively small Bahraini market are bound up with the larger Gulf market, particularly Saudi Arabia. Bahrain already has a large offshore financial sector mainly serving Saudi needs, although Saudi restrictions prevent it from becoming a more successful base for Saudi investments. Recent Saudi moves towards economic liberalization and WTO accession could make it easier for Bahrain-based firms to do business in Saudi Arabia. Linked to this, the Bahrain Monetary Agency is leading the way to establish Bahrain as the premier Islamic banking centre in the Middle East, with 16 Islamic banks and financial institutions already based in the kingdom.
The king is the supreme authority and members of the Sunni Muslim ruling family hold the main political and military posts. There are long-running tensions between Bahrain's Sunnis and the Shia Muslim majority, sparking occasional civil unrest. In the mid-1990s, Bahrain suffered a spate of anti-government disturbances stemming principally from the disaffection of the Shia majority, and fanned by regional malcontents. The situation calmed during the summer of 1995, but in early 1996 a number of hotels and restaurants were bombed (seven people died in one of the restaurants). As a result of the disturbances, over 1,000 people were held in detention without trial (since released). There have been few disturbances since then, and recent political reforms have widened the opportunity for all sectors to participate in political life.
In 2001 Bahrainis strongly backed proposals put by the emir - now the king - to turn the country into a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament and an independent judiciary. Elections were duly held in 2002 for a 40-member parliament, the Council of Deputies. It was the first such poll in nearly 30 years. The newly-elected body included a dozen Shia MPs. While Bahrain has enjoyed increasing freedom of expression, opposition groups and campaigners continue to press for political reforms, including greater powers for the elected assembly. The Bahraini government is encouraging all members of society to participate, and some political societies that decided not to participate in 2002 registered for parliamentary elections in November 2006.
Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah, whose title changed from emir to king in 2002, succeeded his father in 1999. He had been crown prince since 1964. Educated at public school in Cambridge, England, he went on to study at military schools in England and the United States. In 1968, he founded and became commander-in-chief of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF). He served as minister of defense from 1971 to 1988.
Bahrain is a member of the Gulf Co-operation Council alongside its neighbors Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf regions. These include references to attacks on Western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.
Developments in Iraq and on the Middle East Peace Process continue to have an impact on local public opinion in the region. Be aware of local sensitivities on these issues. Follow news reports and be alert to local and regional developments, which might trigger public disturbances. Avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, some of which have turned violent. In 2002, there were several anti-US demonstrations, one of which resulted in the US Embassy being attacked with firebombs; demonstrations recurred in 2003 as US-led forces attacked Iraq. In March 2003, a bomb shattered windows on the US Navy base at Manama, but no one was hurt. In July 2004 relatives of US servicemen were evacuated from Bahrain after the military received threats against its personnel and bases. In 2006, protests against Israel’s military actions in Lebanon included criticism of the United States. Isolated incidents of aggressive or violent confrontations with individual US travelers have also occurred.
Bahrain has zero tolerance for drink/driving. Those caught are arrested, put into drivers’ prison and kept there until their case is heard until the next working day. First-time offenders are subject to a very hefty fine and could be banned from driving in Bahrain. Visitors from Saudi Arabia, including expatriate Westerners, are subject to the same punishment but with the addition of a driving ban there also. For repeat offenders the fines and ban are much more harsh.
Bahrain is a liberal state, but many Bahrainis are conservative, and are offended by immodest clothing or immoderate behavior in public. Dress conservatively. Public intoxication is a crime in Bahrain and any signs of intoxication are frowned upon. Foul language and obscene gestures are extremely offensive to the local population. Be aware of religious and social sensibilities, especially during the religious festivals of the Shia community when black flags and banners may be in evidence. Note that Bahrainis observe a number of religious anniversaries that may not be celebrated in neighboring Gulf countries.
Do not bring videocassettes or DVDs into the country, as these may be withheld on arrival at the airport.
It is against the law for any Muslim to purchase alcohol from retail outlets.
Photography of diplomatic buildings is prohibited.
