Bahrain (BAH-rain), country and archipelago (265.5 sq mi/687.6 sq km; 1997 estimated population 590,042; 2004 estimated population 677,886), in the Persian Gulf, 20 mi/32 km to 25 mi/40 km from Qatar; (cap.) Manamah (which is also the chief port). Important communications (air and sea) and trading center for the Persian Gulf region.
Geography
The archipelago consists of 331 islands and six principal islands: Bahrain (572 sq mi/1,481 sq km), Muharraq (17.4 sq mi/45.1 sq km), Sitra (9.9 sq mi/25.6 sq km), Umm Nasan ( 19 sq mi/49 sq km), Hawar (38 sq mi/98 sq km), and Jidda. The two main islands are Bahrain and Muharraq, connected by a causeway. Divided into eight small geographical and administrative areas: Manama, Muharraq, Jidhafs, Northern, Central, Western, Sitra, and Rifa'a.The islands are flat and sandy, with a few low hills (highest elevation 450 ft/137 m). The climate is hot and humid March-November, but is pleasant December-April.
Population
The population is about 63% Bahraini, along with other Arabs, Asians, Indians, and Iranians. Languages spoken other than Arabic include English, Farsi, and Urdu. 85% are Muslims (70% Shiites, 30% Sunni), 7.3% Christians; there is a Hindu minority.
Economy
Dates, alfalfa, cereals, fruits, and vegetables are grown, but the majority of Bahrain’s food is imported. Bahrain was once a chief center of pearling, but the industry has declined precipitously. Oil was found in 1931, and oil revenues have financed extensive modernization projects, particularly in health and education. Large refineries process mainly Saudi oil. Oil and petroleum and related products account for about 85% of Bahrain’s exports. However, Bahrain is expected to be the first Persian Gulf nation to run dry of oil, and steps are being taken to diversify the nonagricultural sector of the economy. Ship repair, aluminum, and turbine-manufacturing industries have been started, and oil refineries are operated. It has become a thriving banking and financial services center for Persian Gulf countries, largely replacing Lebanon since the war there; is a key tourist and recreation center for the region; Manamah is a free port.
History to 1970
Bahrain was known in ancient times as Tylos or Delmon Island, and its inhabitants were ancestors of the Phoeniceans. They were famous seafarers, conveying commerce and culture to neighboring civilizations. Bahrain was ruled in the 16th century by Portugal and intermittently from 1602 to 1783 by Persia. The Persians were expelled by an Arabian family that established the current dynasty of ruling sheikhs. In 1861, Bahrain became a British protectorate. Nearly a century later, demonstrations and strikes in the 1950s and 1960s demanded greater popular participation in government.
History 1970 to Present
Iran claimed the islands in 1970 after the UN reported that the inhabitants desired independence. In 1971, after Britain withdrew from the Persian Gulf area, Bahrain became independent. It is governed by a monarchy. Bahrain is a member of the UN and the Arab League. A council of state, constituting the executive, was appointed by the sheikh in 1970. In June 1973, a constitution was adopted limiting the powers of the sheikh and granting women the right to vote. Bahrain was a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in May 1981, along with neighboring Persian Gulf countries. Disputes with Qatar over the Hawar Islands and the large natural-gas resources of the Dome field (in the shallow sea between both countries) persisted throughout the 1980s and 1990s, despite Saudi attempts to mediate the situation. Since the end of the Iran-Iraq War (1988), attempts have been made to improve relations with Iran. A causeway road was opened connecting Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in 1986. During the 1991 Persian Gulf War, coalition forces were allowed extensive use of Bahraini territory. Bahrain has two universities (Bahrain University and Arabian Gulf University) in addition to independent institutions. A U.S. naval base was established in the mid-1990s, serving as the administrative headquarters for the U.S. 6th fleet.
Government
Since 1999 the chief of state has been King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Sometimes spelled Bahrein and Bahrayn.
