Bahrain
3452
226092707
2008-07-16T20:07:14Z
Arabbi
6240614
/* Geography */
{{for|the historical region|Bahrain (historical region)}}
{{for|the island|Bahrain Island}}
{{Infobox Country
|native_name = <big> مملكة البحرين </big><br/>''Mamlakat al-Bahrayn''
|conventional_long_name = Kingdom of Bahrain
|common_name = Bahrain
|image_flag = Flag_of_Bahrain.svg
|image_coat = Coat of arms of Bahrain.svg
|symbol_type = Coat of Arms
|image_map = LocationBahrain.png
|national_motto =
|national_anthem = <big> بحريننا </big><br/>''[[Bahrainona]]''<br/><small>''Our Bahrain''</small>
|official_languages = [[Arabic language|Arabic]]<ref>[http://www.bahrainembassy.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=section.home&id=18 Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United States]</ref>
|demonym = Bahraini
|capital = [[Manama]]
|latd=26 |latm=13 |latNS=N |longd=50 |longm=35 |longEW=E
|largest_city = capital
|government_type = [[Constitutional Monarchy]]
|leader_title1 = [[King of Bahrain|King]]
|leader_name1 = [[Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah]]
|leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Bahrain|Prime Minister]]
|leader_name2 = [[Khalifah ibn Sulman Al Khalifah]]
|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]]
|sovereignty_note = from [[United Kingdom]]<ref>CIA World Factbook, "Bahrain" [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html]</ref><ref>" Bahrain ." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 16 2008 [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-93661]</ref>
|established_event1 = Date
|established_date1 = [[16 December]] [[1971]]
|area_rank = 189th
|area_magnitude =
|area_km2 = 665
|area_sq_mi = 253
|percent_water = 0
|population_estimate = 1,046,814 <sup>1</sup>
|population_estimate_rank = 155th
|population_estimate_year = 2007
|population_census =
|population_census_year =
|population_density_km2 = 1454
|population_density_sq_mi = 2556
|population_density_rank = 7th
|GDP_PPP = $19.75 billion
|GDP_PPP_rank = 118th
|GDP_PPP_year =
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $23,604
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 32nd
|HDI = {{increase}} 0.866
|HDI_rank = 41st
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI_category = <font color="#009900">high</font>
|currency = [[Bahraini dinar]]
|currency_code = BHD
|country_code =
|time_zone =
|utc_offset = +3
|religon = Islam ( Sunni)
|time_zone_DST =
|utc_offset_DST =
|cctld = [[.bh]]
|calling_code = 973
|footnote1 = Includes 517,368 non-nationals (September 2007 estimate).
}}
The '''Kingdom of Bahrain''' (in {{lang-ar|'''<big> مملكة البحرين </big>'''}}, '''''Mamlakat al-Ba{{Unicode|ḥ}}rayn''''', literally '''Kingdom of the Two Seas''') is an [[island country]] in the [[Persian Gulf]]. [[Saudi Arabia]] lies to the west and is connected to Bahrain by the [[King Fahd Causeway]] (officially opened on [[November 25]], [[1986]]). [[Qatar]] is to the south across the Gulf of Bahrain. The planned [[Qatar–Bahrain Friendship Bridge]] will link Bahrain to Qatar as the longest fixed link in the world<ref>[http://www.cowi.com/cowi/en/menu/news/newsarchive/2001/danesbehindtheworldslongestfixedlink.htm Danes behind the world's longest fixed link] [[COWI]], 25 September 2001</ref>.
==History==
{{main|History of Bahrain}}
{{POV-section|POV check on history section|date=April 2008}}
{{for|the historical region|Bahrain (historical region)}}
Bahrain is Arabic for "two seas", referring to the freshwater springs that can be found within the salty sea surrounding it<ref>[http://www.bahraingateway.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=section.home&id=29#q6 Bahrain Gateway] Published by the Economic Representative of Bahrain to the United States of America, 2007</ref> Bahrain's strategic location in the [[Persian Gulf]] has brought rule and influence from the [[Assyrian people|Assyrians]], [[Babylonia]]ns, [[Persian people|Persians]], and finally the [[Arab]]s, under whom the island became [[Muslim]]. Bahrain suggested to be associate with ''[[Dilmun]]'' which is mentioned by [[Mesopotamian]] civilizations.<ref>[http://www.historyofnations.net/asia/bahrain.html History of Bahrain] History of Nations website</ref>. During its history it was called by different names such as ''Awal'', then [[Mishmahig]], when it was a part of the [[Persian Empire]].
From the 6th to 3rd century B.C. Bahrain was included in [[Persian Empire]] by [[Achaemenian]]s, an [[Iranian Peoples|Iranian dynasty]]<ref name="Mojtahed-Zadeh"> Security and Territoriality in the Persian Gulf: A Maritime Political Geography By Pirouz Mojtahed-Zadeh, page 119</ref>. From the third century B.C. to arrival of Islam in the seventh A.D., Bahrain was controlled by two other Iranian dynasties of [[Parthians]] and [[Sassanids]]. By about 250 B.C., Parthian dynasty brought the Persian Gulf under their control and extended their influence as far as Oman. Because they needed to control the Persian Gulf trade route, the [[Parthians]] established garrisons in the southern coast of Persian Gulf. <ref>Bahrain By Federal Research Division, page 7 </ref>
[[Image:Persia 600ad.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Asia in 600 CE, showing the Sassanid Empire before the Arab conquest.]]
In the third century A.D., the [[Sasanids]] succeeded the Parthians and held area until the rise of Islam four centuries later. <ref>Bahrain By Federal Research Division, page 7 </ref> [[Ardashir]], the first ruler of Iranian [[Sassanians]] dynasty marched forward Oman and Bahrain and defeat Sanatruq <ref>Robert G. Hoyland, Arabia and the Arabs: From the Bronze Age to the Coming of Islam, Routledge 2001p28</ref> (or Satiran<ref name="Mojtahed-Zadeh"/>), probably the [[Parthia]]n governor of Bahrain.<ref name="Jamsheed"> Conflict and Cooperation: Zoroastrian Subalterns and Muslim Elites in ... By Jamsheed K. Choksy, 1997, page 75 </ref> At this time, Bahrain incorporated in the southern Sassanid province covering over the Persian Gulfs southern shore plus the archipelago of Bahrain.<ref name="Jamsheed"> Conflict and Cooperation: Zoroastrian Subalterns and Muslim Elites in ... By Jamsheed K. Choksy, 1997, page 75 </ref> The southern province of Sasanids was subdivided into three districts of Haggar (now al-Hafuf province, Saudi Arabia), Batan Ardashir (now al-Qatif province, Saudi Arabia), and Msihmahig <ref name="Mojtahed-Zadeh"/> (In [[Pahlavi Language|Middle-Persian/Pahlavi]] means "ewe-fish"<ref>Yoma 77a and Rosh Hashbanah, 23a</ref>).
Until Bahrain adopted Islam in 629 AD, it was a centre of [[Nestorian]] Christianity<ref>Curtis E. Larsen. ''Life and Land Use on the Bahrain Islands: The Geoarchaeology of an Ancient Society'' University Of Chicago Press, 1984</ref>. Early Islamic sources describe it as being inhabited by members of the [[Abdul Qays]], [[Tamim]], and [[Bakr]] tribes, worshiping the [[idol]] "Awal". In 899, a [[millenarian]] [[Ismaili]] sect, the [[Qarmatians]], seized the country and sought to create a utopian society based on reason and the distribution of all property evenly among the initiates. The [[Qarmatians]] caused disruption throughout the Islamic world; they collected tribute from the caliph in [[Baghdad]], and in 930 sacked Mecca and Medina, bringing the sacred [[Black Stone]] back to Bahrain where it was held to ransom. They were defeated in 976 by the [[Abbasids]].<ref>Juan Cole, Sacred Space and Holy War, IB Tauris, 2007</ref> The final end of the Qarmatians came at the hand of the [[Arab]] [[Uyunids|Uyunid]] dynasty of [[al-Hasa]], who took over the entire Bahrain region in 1076.<ref>Smith, G.R. "Uyūnids." [[Encyclopaedia of Islam]]. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2008. Brill Online. 16 March 2008 [http://www.brillonline.nl/subscriber/entry?entry=islam_SIM-7786]</ref> They controlled the Bahrain islands until 1235, when the islands were briefly occupied by the ruler of [[Fars]]. In 1253, the [[bedouin]] [[Usfurids]] brought down the Uyunid dynasty and gained control over eastern [[Arabia]], including the islands of Bahrain. In 1330, the islands became tributary to the rulers of [[Hormuz]],<ref>Rentz, G. "al- Baḥrayn." [[Encyclopaedia of Islam]]. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2008. Brill Online. 15 March 2008 [http://www.brillonline.nl/subscriber/entry?entry=islam_COM-0089]</ref> though locally the islands were controlled by the [[Shi'ite]] [[Jarwanids|Jarwanid]] dynasty of [[Qatif]].<ref>Juan R. I. Cole, "Rival Empires of Trade and Imami Shiism in Eastern Arabia, 1300-1800", ''International Journal of Middle East Studies'', Vol. 19, No. 2. (May, 1987), pp. 177-203, at p. 179, through JSTOR. [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0020-7438%28198705%2919%3A2%3C177%3AREOTAI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-X]</ref>
Until the late [[Middle Ages]], "Bahrain" referred to the larger [[Bahrain (historical region)|historical region of Bahrain]] that included Ahsa, Qatif (both now within the [[Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia|Eastern Province]] of Saudi Arabia) and the Awal (now the Bahrain) Islands. The region stretched from [[Basrah]] to the Strait of Hormuz in [[Oman]]. This was Iqlīm al-Bahrayn "Bahrayn Province." The exact date at which the term "Bahrain" began to refer solely to the Awal archipelago is unknown.<ref>Rentz, G. "al- Baḥrayn."</ref>
[[Image:WTC-manama.jpg|thumb|right|[[World Trade Center (Manama)]]]]
[[Image:Sunsetatsaudicauseway.jpg|thumb|right|Sunset at [[King Fahd Causeway]]]]
[[Image:BFHtowers.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bahrain Financial Harbor]]]]
In the mid-15th century, the islands came under the rule of the [[Jabrids]], a [[bedouin]] dynasty that was also based in [[al-Ahsa]] and ruled most of eastern [[Arabia]]. The [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese]] invaded Bahrain in 1521 in alliance with [[Hormuz]], seizing it from the Jabrid ruler [[Migrin ibn Zamil]], who was killed in battle. Portuguese rule lasted for nearly 80 years, during which they depended mostly on [[Sunni]] Persian governors.<ref>Rentz, "al- Baḥrayn."</ref>
The Portuguese were expelled from the islands in 1602 by [[Abbas I of Persia|Abbas I]] of the [[Safavid]] dynasty of [[Iran]], who instituted [[Shi'ism]] as the official religion in Bahrain.<ref>Juan R. I. Cole, "Rival Empires of Trade and Imami Shiism in Eastern Arabia, 1300-1800", p. 186, through JSTOR. [http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0020-7438%28198705%2919%3A2%3C177%3AREOTAI%3E2.0.CO%3B2-X]</ref> The Iranian rulers retained sovereignty over the islands, with some interruptions, for nearly two centuries. For most of that period, they resorted to governing Bahrain indirectly, either through [[Hormuz]] or through local [[Sunni]] Arab clans, such as the [[Huwala]].<ref>Rentz, "al- Baḥrayn."</ref><ref>Juan R. I. Cole, "Rival Empires of Trade and Imami Shiism in Eastern Arabia, 1300-1800", p. 187</ref><ref>X. De Planhol, "Bahrain", ''Encyclopedia Iranica'' (online version) [http://www.iranica.com/newsite/index.isc?Article=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/unicode/v3f5/v3f5a037.html]</ref> During this period, the islands suffered two serious invasions by the [[Ibadhis]] of [[Oman]] in 1717 and 1738.<ref>X. De Planhol</ref><ref>Juan R. I. Cole, "Rival Empires of Trade and Imami Shiism in Eastern Arabia, 1300-1800", p. 194</ref> In 1753, the [[Huwala]] clan of Al Madhkur invaded Bahrain on behalf of the Iranians, restoring direct Iranian rule.<ref>J. A. Kechichian, "Bahrain", ''Encyclopedia Iranica'' (online version) [http://www.iranica.com/newsite/index.isc?Article=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/unicode/v3f5/v3f5a037.html]</ref>
In 1783, an alliance of [[Sunni]] [[Arab]] clans from the Arabian coast, led by the [[Al Khalifa]], invaded and took control of Bahrain from the [[Persians]] and their [[Huwala]] allies, establishing an independent [[emirate]].<ref>Juan R. I. Cole, "Rival Empires of Trade and Imami Shiism in Eastern Arabia, 1300-1800", p. 194</ref><ref>Rentz, "al- Baḥrayn."</ref><ref>J. A. Kechichian, "Bahrain", ''Encyclopedia Iranica'' (online version) [http://www.iranica.com/newsite/index.isc?Article=http://www.iranica.com/newsite/articles/unicode/v3f5/v3f5a037.html]</ref>{{Disputed-inline}} The Al Khalifa, however, had to weather a series of [[Omani]] invasions between 1799 and 1828.<ref>Juan Cole, Sacred Space and Holy War, IB Tauris, 2007</ref><ref>Burrell, R.M. "al- Manāma." Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2008. Brill Online. 11 April 2008 [http://www.brillonline.nl/subscriber/entry?entry=islam_SIM-4902] </ref> It was under the Al Khalifa's rule, in 1845, that a section of the [[Dawasir]] tribe from southern [[Nejd]] settled in Bahrain.<ref>Rentz, G. "al- Dawāsir." Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman ، Th. Bianquis ، C.E. Bosworth ، E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2007. Brill Online. 19 December 2007 [http://www.brillonline.nl/subscriber/entry?entry=islam_SIM-1746]</ref> The Al Khalifa at times extended their authority to the northern shores of [[Qatar]] and the fort of [[Dammam]] on the Arabian coast. {{more|1783 Al Khalifa invasion of Bahrain}}
After the [[First Saudi State|Saudis]] conquered [[al-Hasa]] and [[Qatif]] in 1796, the Al Khalifa briefly became their tributaries.<ref>Alexei Vassiliev, ''The History of Saudi Arabia'', London, UK: Al Saqi Books, 1998, p. 91.</ref> When the Saudis re-established their power in the region in the 19th century, they attempted again to bring the emirate of Bahrain under their control, resulting in many battles and skirmishes between the two dynasties.<ref>Vassiliev, p. 186</ref> This, however, was opposed by the [[British Empire|British]], who by that time had become highly influential in the Persian Gulf, viewing it as essential to their control of [[India]].<ref>Vassiliev, p. 107</ref> Britain's policy in the Persian Gulf at this time stipulated "uncompromising opposition" to the Saudis in Bahrain. In 1859, a British naval squadron was sent to protect the islands, and the [[Persian Gulf Residency|British resident in the Persian Gulf]] notified the Saudi ruler [[Faisal ibn Turki Al Saud]] that it viewed Bahrain as an "independent emirate." In 1861, the British imposed a protection treaty on the emir of Bahrain, ending Saudi efforts to bring the islands under their sphere of influence.<ref>Vassiliev, p. 186</ref> The treaty was the culmination of a series of treaties with the British, beginning in 1820.<ref>J. A. Kechichian</ref> The country remained a British protectorate until 1971. The population of the island at the time was estimated to be around 70,000 persons.<ref>Juan R. I. Cole, "Rival Empires of Trade and Imami Shiism in Eastern Arabia, 1300-1800", p. 199</ref> In the early 1920s the islands were rocked by disturbances between the [[Dawasir]] and the [[Shi'ite]] [[Baharna]] of [[Bahrain]]. As a result, most of the Dawasir were compelled to leave Bahrain and settle on the Arabian mainland as subjects of [[Ibn Saud]].<ref>Rentz, G. "al- Dawāsir."</ref>
[[Oil]] was discovered in 1932 and brought rapid modernization to Bahrain. Bahrain was the first place in the region to find oil. This discovery made relations with the United Kingdom closer, as evidenced by the British establishing more bases there. British influence would continue to grow as the country developed, culminating with the appointment of [[Charles Belgrave]] as an advisor<ref>[http://www.enhg.org/alain/resources/articles/belgrave.htm Belgrave of Bahrain: The Life of Charles Dalrymple Belgrave], Emirates Natural History Group, 2007</ref>; Belgrave established modern education systems in Bahrain<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,864101,00.html The Uncontrollable Genie] Time Magazine, 27 August 1956</ref>.
After [[World War II]], increasing anti-British sentiment spread throughout the Arab World and led to riots in Bahrain. The riots focused on the Jewish community, which counted among its members distinguished writers and singers, accountants, engineers and middle managers working for the Oil Company, textile merchants with business all over the peninsula [Jews were not allowed to settle permanently in Saudi Arabia], and free professionals. Following the events of 1947, most members of Bahrain's Jewish community abandoned their properties and evacuated to Bombay, later settling in Palestine (later Israel - Tel Aviv's Pardes Chana neighborhood) and the United Kingdom. As of 2007, 36 Jews remained in the country. The issue of compensation was never settled.
In 1960, the United Kingdom put Bahrain's future to international arbitration and requested that the [[United Nations Secretary-General]] take on this responsibility. In 1970, Iran laid claim to Bahrain and the other [[Persian Gulf]] islands. However, in an agreement with the United Kingdom it agreed to "not pursue" its claims on Bahrain if its other claims were realized. The following [[plebiscite]] saw Bahrainis confirm their Arab identity and independence from Britain. Bahrain to this day remains a member of the [[Arab League]] and [[Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf]].
The British withdrew from Bahrain on [[December 16]] [[1971]], making Bahrain an independent emirate<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/817505.stm Bahrain Timeline] BBC</ref>. The oil boom of the 1970s greatly benefited Bahrain, but its downturn hurt. However, the country had already begun to diversify its economy, and had benefited from the [[Lebanese civil war]] that began in the 1970s; Bahrain replaced [[Beirut]] as the Middle East's financial hub as Lebanon's large banking sector was driven out of the country by the war<ref>[http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=9be313d4-b349-40e2-a5f0-05fe3ee3a17a Bahrain Profile] [[National Post]] 7 April 2007</ref>.
[[Image:bahrain.royal.flight.b747sp-21.a9c-hmh.arp.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bahrain]] Royal Flight [[Boeing 747SP]]]]
After the 1979 [[Iranian Revolution|Islamic revolution]] in Iran, Bahraini Shī'a fundamentalists in 1981 orchestrated a [[1981 failed coup in Bahrain|failed coup]] attempt under the auspices of a front organization, the [[Islamic Front for the Liberation of Bahrain]]. The coup would have installed a Shī'a cleric exiled in Iran, [[Hojatoleslam|Hujjatu l-Islām]] [[Hadi al-Modarresi|Hādī al-Mudarrisī]], as supreme leader heading a [[theocracy|theocratic government]].
<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,953597-4,00.html Stay just over the horizon this time], Time Magazine, 25 October 1982</ref>
In 1994, a wave of rioting by disaffected Shīa [[Islamists]] was sparked by women's participation in a sporting event. During the mid-1990s, the Kingdom was badly affected by sporadic violence between the government and the cleric-led opposition in which over forty people were killed.<ref>[http://meria.biu.ac.il/journal/1999/issue1/jv3n1a7.html Rebellion in Bahrain], Middle East Review of International Affairs, March 1999</ref>.
[[Image:Modern Manama.jpg|thumb|right|[[Manama]], the capital of Bahrain]]
In March 1999, [[Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah|King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifah]] succeeded his father as head of state and instituted elections for parliament, gave women the right to vote, and released all political prisoners. These moves were described by [[Amnesty International]] as representing an "historic period of human rights."<ref>[http://www.amnesty.org/en/alfresco_asset/baf189cd-a4cb-11dc-a92d-271514ed133d/mde110052001en.html Bahrain: Promising Human Rights Reforms Must Continue], [[Amnesty International]], 13 March 2001</ref> The country was declared a kingdom in 2002. It formerly was considered a State and officially called a "Kingdom."
==Politics==
{{Politics of Bahrain}}
{{main|Politics of Bahrain}}<!--Please add new information to relevant articles of the series-->
{{seealso|Bahraini parliamentary election, 2006|Human rights in Bahrain}}
Bahrain is a [[constitutional monarchy]] headed by the King, [[Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah|Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa]]; the head of government is the Prime Minister, [[Shaikh]] [[Khalifah bin Salman Al Khalifa|Khalīfa bin Salman al Khalifa]], who presides over a cabinet of twenty-three members <ref>http://www.tradearabia.com/tanews/newsdetails_snLAW_article116035_cnt.html</ref>. Bahrain has a [[bicameral]] legislature with a lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, elected by universal suffrage and an upper house, the Shura Council, appointed by the king. Both houses have forty members. The inaugural elections were held in 2002, with parliamentarians serving four year terms; the first round of voting in the [[Bahraini parliamentary election, 2006|2006 parliamentary election]] took place on [[25 November]] [[2006]], and second round run-offs were decided on [[2 December]] 2006<ref>[http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10085525.html Islamists hail huge election victory], [[Gulf News]], 27 November 2006</ref>.
The opening up of politics has seen big gains for both Shīa and Sunnī Islamists in elections, which have given them a parliamentary platform to pursue their policies. This has meant that what are termed "morality issues" have moved further up the political agenda with parties launching campaigns to impose bans on female mannequins displaying lingerie in shop windows<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=109112&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28022&date=4-11-2005 Mannequins ban councillor up in arms] Gulf Daily News, April 11 2005</ref>, sorcery, and the hanging of underwear on washing lines<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=106392&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=27356&date=3-11-2005 Drying underwear in public 'offensive'], Gulf Daily News, 11 March 2005</ref>, as well as change the building by laws to fit one-way glass to houses to prevent residents being able to see out<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=133438&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28310&date=1-24-2006 Peeping clamp] Gulf Daily News, 24 January 2006</ref>. Analysts of democratization in the Middle East cite the Islamists' references to respect for human rights in their justification for these programmes as evidence that these groups can serve as a progressive force in the region.
Islamist parties have been particularly critical of the government's readiness to sign international treaties such as the [[United Nations|United Nation's]] International Convention on Civil and Political Rights<ref>[http://www.hrweb.org/legal/cpr.html The International Convention on Civil and Political Rights] Human Rights Web</ref>. At a parliamentary session in June 2006 to discuss ratification of the Convention, Sheikh [[Adel Mouwda]], the former leader of [[salafist]] party, [[Asalah]], explained the party's objections: "The convention has been tailored by our enemies, God kill them all, to serve their needs and protect their interests rather than ours. This why we have eyes from the American Embassy watching us during our sessions, to ensure things are swinging their way" <ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=146230&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29086&date=6-14-2006 Rights push by Bahrain], Gulf Daily News, 14 June 2006</ref>.
Both Sunnī and Shī'a Islamists suffered a setback in March 2006 when 20 municipal councillors, most of whom represented religious parties, went missing in Bangkok on an unscheduled stopover when returning from a conference in Malaysia<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=138111&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28360&date=3-15-2006 Councillors 'missing' in Bangkok], Gulf Daily News, 15 March 2006</ref>. After the missing councillors eventually arrived in Bahrain they defended their stay at the Radisson Hotel in Bangkok, telling journalists it was a "fact-finding mission", and explaining: "We benefited a lot from the trip to Thailand because we saw how they managed their transport, landscaping and roads." <ref>[http://bahraini.tv/2006/03/16/councillors-face-the-music-after-bangkok-jaunt/ Councillors face the music after Bangkok jaunt], Gulf Daily News (via Bahrain.tv) 16 March 2006</ref>
Bahraini liberals have responded to the growing power of [[List of political parties in Bahrain|religious parties]] by organizing themselves to campaign through civil society in order to defend basic personal freedoms from being legislated away. In November 2005, [[al Muntada]], a grouping of liberal academics, launched "[[We Have A Right]]", a campaign to explain to the public why personal freedoms matter and why they need to be defended.
[[Women's political rights in Bahrain]] saw an important step forward when women were granted the right to vote and stand in national elections for the first time in the 2002 election. However, no women were elected to office in that year’s polls and instead Shī'a and Sunnī Islamists dominated the election, collectively winning a majority of seats. In response to the failure of women candidates, six were appointed to the Shura Council, which also includes representatives of the Kingdom’s indigenous [[Jewish]] and [[Christian]] communities. The country's first female cabinet minister was appointed in 2004 when [[Nada Haffadh|Dr. Nada Haffadh]] became Minister of Health, while the quasi-governmental women's group, the [[Supreme Council for Women]], trained female candidates to take part in the 2006 general election. When Bahrain was elected to head the [[United Nations General Assembly]] in 2006 it appointed lawyer and women's rights activist [[Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa|Haya bint Rashid Al Khalifa]] as the [[President of the United Nations General Assembly]] <ref>[http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=300817&sid=WOR Bahraini woman becomes UN General Assembly president]. Zee News. June 8, 2006</ref>, only the third woman in history to head the world body<ref>[http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=18797&Cr=general&Cr1=assembly 'UN General Assembly to be headed by its third-ever woman president'], United Nations, June 8, 2006</ref>.
The king recently created the Supreme Judicial Council<ref>[http://www.arabjudicialforum.org/ajf_bahrain_judicial_law.html Bahrain Law on Judicial Authority] Published by the Arab Judicial Forum 15-17 September 2003</ref> to regulate the country's courts and institutionalize the separation of the administrative and judicial branches of government<ref>[http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/05/11/15/192358.html Bahrain sets up institute to train judges and prosecutors] Gulf News, 15 November 2005</ref>; the leader of this court is Mohammed Humaidan.
On 11–12 November 2005, Bahrain hosted the [[Forum for the Future (Bahrain 2005)|Forum for the Future]] bringing together leaders from the Middle East and G8 countries to discuss political and economic reform in the region. <ref>[http://usinfo.state.gov/mena/Archive/2005/Jul/20-955247.html Forum for the Future Factsheet] US State Department, 2005</ref>
The near total dominance of religious parties in elections has given a new prominence to clerics within the political system, with the most senior Shia religious leader, Sheikh Isa Qassim, playing what’s regarded as an extremely important role; according to one academic paper, “In fact, it seems that few decisions can be arrived at in [[Al Wefaq]] – and in the whole country, for that matter – without prior consultation with Isa Qassim, ranging from questions with regard to the planned codification of the personal status law to participation in elections.”<ref>[http://www.iue.it/RSCAS/WP-Texts/06_27.pdf Voices in Parliament, Debates in Majalis, Banners on the Street: Avenues of Political Participation in Bahrain], Katja Niethammar, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, [[European University Institute]], 2006</ref>
In 2007, Al Wefaq-backed parliamentary investigations are credited with forcing the government to remove ministers who had frequently clashed with MPs: the Minister of Health, Dr [[Nada Haffadh]] (who was also Bahrain’s first ever female cabinet minister) and the Minister of Information, Dr Mohammed Abdul Gaffar<ref> [http://www.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10156074.html Bahrain ministries' probe to continue] Gulf News, 25 September 2007</ref>.
== Governorates ==
[[Image:Governorates of Bahrain.svg|thumb|right|Governorates of Bahrain]]
Bahrain is split into five [[governorates of Bahrain|governorates]]. Until [[July 3]] [[2002]], it was divided into twelve municipalities; see [[Municipalities of Bahrain]]. The governorates are:
#[[Capital Governorate|Capital]]
#[[Central Governorate|Central]]
#[[Muharraq Governorate|Muharraq]]
#[[Northern Governorate|Northern]]
#[[Southern Governorate|Southern]]
For further information, see {{PDFlink|[http://www.capital.gov.bh/pages/pdf/govlawe.pdf Decree-Law establishing governorates]|732 [[Kibibyte|KiB]]<!-- application/pdf, 750425 bytes -->}} from the Bahrain official website.
{{clear}}
==Cities, towns and villages==
Among Bahrain's cities and towns are:
{{columns
|col1 =
*[[Al Manama]]
*[[Al Muharraq]]
*[[Hamad Town]]
*[[Madinat Isa / Isa Town]]
|col2 =
*[[Riffa]]
*[[Jidhafs]]
*[[Sitrah]]
*[[Al-Hidd]]
}}
Bahrain's many small towns and villages include:
{{columns
|col1 =
*[[A'ali]]
*[[Abu Saiba]]
*[[Al Daih]]
*[[Al Dair]]
*[[Al Duraz]]
*[[Al Muqsha]]
|col2 =
*[[Arad, Bahrain|Arad]]
*[[Askar (Bahrain)|Askar]]
*[[Awali]]
*[[Bani Jamrah]]
*[[Al Buday'a|Budaiya]]
*[[Busaiteen]]
|col3 =
*[[Galali]]
*[[Janabiyah]]
*[[Jannusan]]
*[[Jau, Bahrain|Jaw]]
*[[Jeblat Hibshi]]
*[[Jid Alhaj]]
*[[Jid Ali]]
|col4 =
*[[Jurdab]]
*[[Karrana]]
*[[Ma'ameer]]
*[[Malkiya]]
*[[Maqaba]]
*[[Nabih Saleh]]
*[[Sar, Bahrain|Sar]]
|col5 =
*[[Salmabad]]
*[[Samaheej]]
*[[Sanad, Bahrain|Sanad]]
*[[Tubli]]
*[[Al Zallaq|Zallaq]]
}}
==Economy==
{{main|Economy of Bahrain}}
In a region experiencing an oil boom, Bahrain has the fastest growing economy in the Arab world, the [[United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia]] found in January 2006<ref>[http://www.arabianbusiness.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7116 Bahrain expected to bustle] Arabian Business, 1 February 2007</ref>. Bahrain also has the freest economy in the Middle East according to the 2006 [[Index of Economic Freedom]] published by the [[Heritage Foundation]]/[[Wall Street Journal]], and is twenty-fifth freest overall in the world<ref>[http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=Bahrain Bahrain] Index of Economic Freedom, Heritage Foundation</ref>. In 2008, Bahrain was named the world’s fastest growing financial centre by the City of London’s [[Global Financial Centres Index]]<ref> [http://www.hedgefundsreview.com/public/showPage.html?page=744774 Hedge Funds Review] 18 March 2008</ref><ref>http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=211833&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=30364 Gulf Daily News] 18 March 2008</ref>.
In Bahrain, petroleum production and processing account for about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government revenues, and 30% of GDP. Economic conditions have fluctuated with the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example, during and following the [[Gulf]] crisis of 1990-91. With its highly developed communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to multinational firms. A large share of exports consists of petroleum products made from imported crude oil. Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects. Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of both oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic problems.
In 2004, Bahrain signed the [[US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement]], which will reduce certain barriers to trade between the two nations<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/817505.stm Bahrain Timeline] BBC</ref>.
Bahrain in 2007 became the first Arab country to institute [[unemployment benefit]]s as part of a series of labour reforms instigated under Minister of Labour, [[Dr. Majeed Al Alawi]]<ref>[http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/07/06/22/10134049.html Minister lashes out at parties opposed to unemployment benefit scheme] Gulf News, 22 June 2007</ref>
==Geography==
[[Image:Bahrain map.png|thumb|right|Map of Bahrain.]]
{{main|Geography of Bahrain}}
Bahrain is a generally flat and arid [[archipelago]], consisting of a low desert plain rising gently to a low central escarpment, in the [[Persian Gulf]], east of [[Saudi Arabia]]. The highest point is the 122 m [[Jabal ad Dukhan]].
Bahrain has a total area of 665 [[square kilometre|km²]] (266 [[square mile|mi²]]), which is slightly larger than the [[Isle of Man]], though it is smaller than the nearby [[King Fahd International Airport]] near Dammam, Saudi Arabia (780 km² or 301 mi²). As an archipelago of thirty-three islands, Bahrain does not share a land boundary with another country but does have a 161-[[kilometre]] (100 [[mile|mi]]) coastline and claims a further twelve [[nautical mile]]s (22 km) of [[territorial sea]] and a twenty-four nautical mile (44 km) [[contiguous zone]]. Bahrain's largest islands are [[Bahrain Island]], [[Muharraq]], [[Umm an Nasan]], and [[Sitrah]]. Bahrain has mild winters and very hot, humid summers.
Bahrain's natural resources include large quantities of oil and natural gas as well as fish stocks. Arable land constitutes only 2.82%<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html CIA World Factbook - Bahrain], CIA, 2005</ref> of the total area. Desert constitutes 92% of Bahrain and periodic droughts and dust storms are the main natural hazards for Bahrainis.
Environmental issues facing Bahrain include desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations, and illegal [[land reclamation]] at places such as [[Tubli Bay]]. The agricultural and domestic sectors' over-utilization of the Dammam Aquifer, the principal aquifer in Bahrain, has led to its salinization by adjacent brackish and saline water bodies.
==Demographics==
[[Image:Bahrain, astronaut photograph.jpg|thumb|right|Bahrain from space]]
{{main|Demographics of Bahrain}} ''[[Ethnic, Cultural and Religious Groups of Bahrain]]''
The official religion of Bahrain is [[Islam]], which the majority of the population practices. However, due to an influx of immigrants and guest workers from non-Muslim countries, such as India, Philippines and Sri Lanka <ref>[http://www.overseasindian.in/2007/mar/news/8n1.shtml Bahrain's crown prince to visit India] Overseas Indian, 8 March 2007</ref>, the overall percentage of Muslims in the country has declined in recent years. According to the 2001 census, 80% of Bahrain's population was [[Muslim]], 10% were [[Christian]], and 10% practiced other religions.
There are no official figures for the proportion of [[Shia Islam|Shia]] and [[Sunni]] among the Muslims of Bahrain. Unofficial sources, such as the [[Library of Congress Country Studies]]<ref>[http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+bh0022) Bahrain Country Study] Library of Congress</ref>, [[BBC]]<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4229337.stm Young in the Arab world: Bahrain], BBC, 25 February 2005</ref>, and the [[New York Times]]<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/15/international/middleeast/15bahrain.html?ex=1294981200&en=d45a7850a027cefb&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&pagewanted=all In Tiny Arab state, web takes on ruling elite] New York Times, 15 January 2006</ref>, estimate it to be approximately 45% [[Sunni]] and 55% [[Shia]]. The last official census to include sectarian identification (in 1941) reported 53% as Shia.
Bahrain has transformed into a cosmopolitan society with mixed communities; two thirds of Bahrain's population consists of [[Arabs]]. A Large contingent of people of [[Iranian peoples|Iranian]] descent as well as immigrants and guest workers from [[South Asia]] and [[Southeast Asia]] are present. A Financial Times published on [[31 May]] [[1983]] found that "Bahrain is a [[Multilingualism|polyglot]] state, both religiously and racially. Leaving aside the temporary immigrants of the past ten years, there are at least eight or nine communities on the island."
The present communities may be classified as:
* '''Tribals''' - Sunni Arab [[bedouin]] tribes allied to the [[Al-Khalifa]] including the [[Utoob]] tribes, [[Dawasir]], [[Al Nuaim]], [[Al Mannai]] etc.
* '''[[Baharna]]''' - Shia Arabs divided between those indigenous to the islands, and the ''Hassawis'' hailing from the [[Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia]]
* '''[[Howala]]''' - descendants of Sunni Arabs who migrated to Persia and returned later on, although some of them are originally Persians.<ref>Rentz, "al- Baḥrayn.": "A good number of the Sunnīs of Baḥrayn are Arabs or the descendants of Arabs onze resident on the Persian coast; such are known as Huwala."</ref><ref>Rentz, G. "al- Kawāsim." Encyclopaedia of Islam. Edited by: P. Bearman , Th. Bianquis , C.E. Bosworth , E. van Donzel and W.P. Heinrichs. Brill, 2008. Brill Online. 15 March 2008 [http://www.brillonline.nl/subscriber/entry?entry=islam_SIM-4036]</ref>
* '''[[Ajam (Bahrain)|Ajam]]''' - ethnic Persians from Shia and Sunni faith.
* '''[[Najd]]is''' (also called ''Hadhar''), non-tribal urban Sunni Arabs from [[Najd]] in central Arabia. These are families whose ancestors were pearl divers, traders, etc. An example is the [[Al Gosaibi]] family.
* '''Banyan''' - Indians who traded with Bahrain and settled before the age of oil<ref>[http://www.alwasatnews.com/newspager_pages/ViewDetails.aspx?news_id=33950&news_type=LOC «البونيان» تاريخ طويل يمتد في وسط المنامة باسم «ليتل إنديا», Alwasat Newspaper]<!--originally from http://www.bahrainforums.com/showthread.php?t=17159--></ref> (formerly known as the Hunood or Banyan, {{ArB|البونيان}}) -- see also [[Bania (caste)]];
* '''[[Afro-Arab]]s''' - Descendants of black African slaves from East Africa
* '''[[History of the Jews in Bahrain|Bahraini Jews]]''' - a tiny Jewish community; and a miscellaneous grouping.
==Culture==
{{main|Culture of Bahrain}}
Bahrain is sometimes described as the "Middle East lite"<ref>[http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=9be313d4-b349-40e2-a5f0-05fe3ee3a17a Bahrain Profile] [[National Post]] 7 April 2007</ref> because it combines modern infrastructure with a Gulf identity and, unlike other countries in the region, its prosperity is not solely a reflection of the size of its oil wealth, but is also related to the creation of an indigenous middle class. This unique socioeconomic development in the Persian Gulf has meant that Bahrain is generally more liberal than its neighbours. While Islam is the main religion, Bahrainis have been known for their tolerance, and churches, a [[Hindu temple]], a Sikh [[Gurdwara]] and a Jewish [[synagogue]] can be found alongside mosques. The country is home to several communities that have faced persecution elsewhere.
[[Image:Bahrain fountain.jpg|thumb|right|A 123 meter-high fountain off the coast of [[Manama]]. The mechanism is contained in a barge, anchored to the seabed.<ref>[http://gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=136481&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28343&date=2-26-2006 ''Fountain is new coastal landmark'']—Gult Daily News</ref>]]
[[Image:Bahrain Grand Mosque.jpg|thumb|right|Bahrain Grand Mosque.]]
It is too early to say whether political liberalisation under [[King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa]] has augmented or undermined Bahrain's traditional pluralism. The new political space for Shia and Sunni Islamists has meant that they are now more able to pursue programmes that often seek to directly confront this pluralism, yet political reforms have encouraged an opposite trend for society to become more self critical with more willingness to examine previous social taboos. It is now common to find public seminars on once unheard of subjects such as marital problems and sex<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/1yr_arc_Articles.asp?Article=133261&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28308&date=1-22-2006 Scholarly 'lacking sexual awareness'] Gulf Daily News, 22 January 2006</ref> and child abuse<ref>[http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/arc_Articles.asp?Article=132912&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=28304 Gulf Daily News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Another facet of the new openness is Bahrain's status as the most prolific book publisher in the Arab world, with 132 books published in 2005 for a population of 700,000. In comparison, the average for the entire Arab world is seven books published per one million people in 2005, according to the United Nations Development Programme. <ref>[http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/01/04/10009260.html Bahrain tops publishing sector among Arab states] Gulf News, 4 January 2006</ref>
[[Ali Bahar]] is the most famous singer in Bahrain. He performs his music with his Band [[Al-Ekhwa]] (The Brothers).
On [[October 20]] [[2005]], it was reported that [[Michael Jackson]] intended to leave the [[United States]] permanently in order to seek a new life in Bahrain. Jackson has reportedly told friends that he feels "increasingly Bahraini"<ref>[http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/01/23/10013403.html Jackson settles down to his new life in the Gulf] Gulf News, 23 January 2006</ref>after buying a former PM's mansion in [[Sanad, Bahrain|Sanad]], and is now seeking another property by the seashore. Jackson reportedly moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2006. Other celebrities associated with the Kingdom include singer [[Shakira]] and Grand Prix driver [[Jenson Button]], who owns property there.
In Manama lies the new district of Juffair, predominantly built on reclaimed land. This is the location of the U.S. Naval Support Activity. The concentration of restaurants, bars and nightlife make this area a magnet for U.S. service members and Saudi weekend visitors.
===Language===
[[Arabic]] is the official language of Bahrain, though [[English language|English]] is widely used. Another language spoken by some of the local inhabitants of Bahrain is a dialect of [[Persian language|Persian]] which has been heavily influenced by [[Arabic]]. [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]] , [[Urdu language|Urdu]] and [[Tagalog language|Tagalog]] are widely spoken amongst the domestic workers, housemaids and construction workers.
===Formula One and other motorsports events===
Bahrain has a [[Formula One]] race-track, hosting the [[Gulf Air]] [[list of Formula One Grands Prix|Grand Prix]] on [[4 April]] [[2004]], the first for an Arab country. The race was won by Michael Schumacher of [[Scuderia Ferrari]]. This was followed by the [[Bahrain Grand Prix]] in 2005. Bahrain has successfully hosted the opening Grand Prix of the 2006 season on 12 March. Both the above races were won by Fernando Alonso of Renault. The 2007 event took place on April 13th, 14th and 15th resulting in victory of Ferrari's Felipe Massa<ref>[http://www.bahraingp.com.bh/ Bahrain International Circuit]</ref>. On Sunday, April 6th, 2008, Ferrari's Felipe Massa once again took the Bahrain Grand Prix victory, with BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica being the first Polish driver on pole position, and BMW's first pole as well.
In 2006, Bahrain also hosted its inaugural Australian [[V8 Supercar]] event dubbed the "Desert 400".
The V8s will return every November to the [[Sakhir]] circuit.
The inaugural round was won by Ford Performance Racing's [[Jason Bright]].
The [[Bahrain International Circuit]] also features a full length [[Drag Racing|drag strip]], and the Bahrain Drag Racing Club has organised invitational events featuring some of Europe's top drag racing teams <ref>[http://www.eurodragster.com/live/2006bahraindragracingfestival/default.htm Eurodragster.com]</ref> to try and raise the profile of the sport in the Middle East. There has been much speculation about Bahrain hosting a round of the FIA European Drag Racing Championship, but as yet this has not come to fruition due to problems with the track gaining the necessary licence <ref>[http://www.eurodragster.com/news/keith_bartlett_2006_autosport.asp Eurodragster.com]</ref>.
===Holidays===
{| class="wikitable"
!width="120px"| Date !!width="200px"| English name !!width="100px"| Local name
!
|-
| [[January 1]] || [[New Year's Day]] || <big> رأس السنة الميلادية </big>
| <!-- WHAT IS THIS?? رأس السنة الميلادية -->
|-
| [[May 1]] || Labour Day || <big> عيد العمال </big>
|
|-
| [[December 16]] || National Day || <big> العيد الوطني </big>
| <!-- WHAT IS THIS?? العيد الوطني -->
|-
| [[December 17]] || Accession Day || <big> عيد الجلوس </big>
|
|-
| 10th Zilhajjah || Feast of the Sacrifice (4 days)<ref>Also known as the Big Feast</ref>
| ''[[Eid ul-Adha]]''
| {{smaller|Commemorates [[Ibrahim#Ibrahim in Islam|Ibrahim]]'s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail; occurs at the 10th day of the month of [[hajj]]. i.e. the month of [[Dhu al-Hijjah]]}}
|-
| 1st Shawal || Little Feast (3 days) || ''[[Eid ul-Fitr]]''
| {{smaller|Commemorates end of [[Ramadan]]}}
|-
| 1st Moharram || Hijri New Year || ''[[Muharram]]''
| {{smaller|Islamic New Year}}
|-
| 9th & 10th Moharram || Ashura Day || ''[[Muharram]]''
|-
| Last days of [[Ramadan]] || Al-Isra' wa ul-Miraj || ''[[Lailat al Miraj]]''
| {{smaller|Commemorates Muhammad's journey to the Heavens}}
|-
| 27th Rajab || Al-Isra' wa ul-Miraj || ''[[Rajab]]''
| {{smaller|Non [[Salafi]] [[Sunni]] celebrate [[Isra and Mi'raj|Mi'raj]] i.e. the day [[Muhammad]] is alleged to have ascended to [[heaven]]}}
|-
| 12th Rabiul Awal || [[Prophet]] [[Muhammad]]'s birthday || ''Mawlid al-Nabi''
|-
| 9th-10th Moharram || [[Ashoura]] (2 days) ||
| {{smaller|Commemorates the martyrdom of [[Husayn ibn Ali]] at the [[Battle of Karbala]]}}
|}
On [[1 September]] [[2006]] Bahrain changed its weekend from being Thursdays and Fridays to Fridays and Saturdays, in order to have a day of the weekend shared with the rest of the world.
==Military==
The kingdom has a small but well equipped military called the [[Military of Bahrain|Bahrain Defense Force]]. They have a cooperative agreement with the [[United States Military]] and have provided the United States a base in [[Juffair]] since the early 1990s. This is the home of the United States Navy Central Command ([[COMUSNAVCENT]]) and about 1500 U.S. and coalition military <ref>[http://www.nsa.bahrain.navy.mil/ United States Navy Central Command web site]</ref>.
==Education==
{{Cleanup|date=December 2006}}
{{main|Education in Bahrain}}
{{seealso|Boy Scouts of Bahrain}}
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Quranic schools (''Kuttab'') were the only form of education in Bahrain. They were traditional schools aimed at teaching children and youth the reading of the [[Qur'an]]. After the [[First World War]], Bahrain became open to western influences and a demand for modern educational institutions appeared.
1919 marked the beginning of modern public school system in Bahrain when [[Al-Hidaya Al-Khalifia School]] for boys was opened in Muharraq. In 1926, the Education Committee opened the second public school for boys in Manama and in 1928 the first public school for girls was opened in Muharraq.
In 2004 King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa introduced a project that uses information communication technology (ICT) to support [[K–12 education]] in Bahrain. This project is named King Hamad Schools of Future. The objective of this project is to connect and link all schools within the kingdom with the internet.
In addition to British intermediate schools, the island is served by the [[Bahrain School]] (BS). The BS is a [[United States Department of Defense]] school that provides a K-12 curriculum including [[International Baccalaureate]] offerings.
There are also private schools that offer either the [[IB Diploma Programme]] or UK [[A-Levels]]. In 2007, St Christopher's School Bahrain became the first school in Bahrain to offer a choice of IB or A-Levels for students. The British School of Bahrain was listed by [[The Times]] newspaper as being one of the top 10 schools outside the [[United Kingdom]].
Numerous international educational institutions and schools have established links to Bahrain. A few prominent institutions are [[DePaul University]], [[Bentley College]], and [[NYIT]].
{{seealso|List of universities in Bahrain}}
Schooling is paid for by the government. Primary and secondary attendance is high, although it is not compulsory. Bahrain also encourages institutions of higher learning, drawing on expatriate talent and the increasing pool of Bahrain Nationals returning from abroad with advanced degrees. The [[University of Bahrain]] has been established for standard undergraduate and graduate study, and the College of Health Sciences – operating under the direction of the Ministry of Health – trains physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and paramedics. The national action charter, passed in 2001, paved the way for the formation of private universities. The first private university was [[Ahlia University]], situated in Manama. The University of London External has appointed MCG as the regional representative office in Bahrain for distance learning programs. MCG is one of the oldest private institutes in the country.
Institutes have also been opened which educate Asian students, such as the [[Pakistan Urdu School]], the [[Indian School, Bahrain]] and the ''New Indian School, Bahrain''.
==Tourism==
[[Image:Al Bander Resort.jpg|thumb|Al Bander Resort in Bahrain.]]
{{main|Tourism in Bahrain}}
Bahrain is a popular tourist destination with over eight million tourists a year. Most of the visitors are from the surrounding Arab states but there is an increasing number of tourists from outside the region thanks to a growing awareness of the kingdom’s heritage and its higher profile with regards to the [[Bahrain Grand Prix|Bahrain Formula One Race Track]].
The [[Lonely Planet]] describes Bahrain as "an excellent introduction to the Persian Gulf"<ref>[http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/bahrain Bahrain, Destination Guide] Lonely Planet</ref> because of its authentic Arab heritage and reputation as relatively liberal and modern. The kingdom combines Arab culture, Gulf glitz and the archaeological legacy of five thousand years of civilization. The island is home to castles including [[Qalat Al Bahrain]] which has been listed by [[UNESCO]] as a [[World Heritage Site]]
The [[Bahrain National Museum]] has artifacts from the country's history dating back to the island's first human inhabitation 9000 years ago.
Some of the major projects underway are Durrat Al Bahrain, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain Bay, Financial Harbour, Areen Resort and Spa, Bahrain City Center, Bahrain Bay, Salam Resort Bahrain, Reef Island, Bahrain Health Island, Diyaar Al Muharraq, Bahrain International Circuit, Riffa Views, Marina West, Al Jazir Beach, World Trade Center and Abraj Lulu, and the new Iceberg Tower (which is a ski resort) to be opened in 2009.
'''<br />[http://www.Bahrain.com Bahrain Offical Tourist Website]
'''<br />[http://www.bahrainedb.com Bahrain Economic Development]''''''
==See also==
*[[Bahrain Bay]]
*[[Bahrain Grand Prix|Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix]]
*[[Durrat Bahrain]]
*[[Bahrain Financial Harbour]]
*[[Amwaj Island]]
*[[Bahrain Riding School]]
==External links==
{{sisterlinks|Bahrain}}
* [http://www.e.gov.bh Kingdom of Bahrain - eGovernment Portal]
* [http://www.bahraintourism.com Bahrain Tourism]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/country_profiles/790690.stm BBC Country profile: Bahrain]
* {{CIA World Factbook link|ba|Bahrain}}
* [http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/middle-east/bahrain Lonely Planet Destination Guide]
* [http://www.to-bahrain.com/ Bahrain Guide]
* [http://www.bahrainguide.org/ A Guide to Bahrain for Visitors and Expatriates]
* [http://www.bahrainbrief.com.bh Bahrain Brief]
* [http://www.ixpats.com/bh/ Bahrain Expatriate Community]
* [http://bahrain.wikia.com/ Bahrain Wiki]
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Template group
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{{Countries bordering the Persian Gulf}}
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}}
{{Template group
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{{Arab League}}
{{Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG)}}
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[[sr:Бахреин]]
[[sh:Bahrein]]
[[fi:Bahrain]]
[[sv:Bahrain]]
[[tl:Bahrain]]
[[ta:பஹ்ரேய்ன்]]
[[te:బహ్రయిన్]]
[[th:ประเทศบาห์เรน]]
[[vi:Bahrain]]
[[tg:Баҳрайн]]
[[tr:Bahreyn]]
[[tk:Bahreyn]]
[[udm:Бахрейн]]
[[uk:Бахрейн]]
[[ur:بحرین]]
[[vec:Bahrein]]
[[vo:Bahruäns]]
[[war:Barein]]
[[wuu:白莱恩]]
[[yo:Bahrain]]
[[zh-yue:巴林]]
[[diq:Behreyn]]
[[bat-smg:Bahreins]]
[[zh:巴林]]