The Country & People of Bahrain

This page contains links to sites in Bahrain and Bahrain related sites.
For Middle East, North Africa, Arab and regional information visit Arab Countries

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History
Anciently known as Dilmun, the island was known to the Greeks as Tylos. Ruled by Portugal (16th cent.) and Persia (intermittently from 1603, and long claimed by Iran), Bahrain became a sheikhdom in 1783 and a British-protected state in 1861. Independence was declared in 1971. A constitution, adopted in 1973, limited the sheikh's powers and established an elected national assembly, but in 1975 the sheikh suspended the constitution and dissolved the national assembly. Bahrain established closer ties with other Persian Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, in the early 1980s, and Bahraini territory was used by coalition forces during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Since late 1994, Bahrain's Shiites, many of whom live in poverty, have staged demonstrations demanding better living conditions and the return of an elected parliament. Sheikh Isa bin Salman al-Khalifa, who had ruled since 1961, died in 1999; he was succeeded by his son, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa. A new national charter, establishing a constitutional monarchy, was approved in 2001, and Bahrain was proclaimed a kingdom in 2002. Elections to the lower house of the national assembly were held in Oct. 2002; they marked the first time that women in a Arab Persian Gulf monarchy could vote or run for national office. Shiite-Sunni tensions in Bahrain increased again after the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

In Sept., 2006, a former government adviser of Sunni Sudanese descent accused a number of government officials (but not the king or prime minister) of conspiring to manipulate elections and use other means to maintain Sunni control of Bahrain’s government and society. The detailed report was denounced by the head of Bahrain intelligence service, who was accused of being central to the conspiracy, and the adviser was deported and then accused of attempting to overthrow the government and other crimes. An investigation into the evidence and charges was sought by Shiite opposition groups.

In the Nov.–Dec., 2006, parliamentary elections themselves, the Shiite opposition secured 18 seats while Sunnis won 22; conservatives and Islamists were dominant in both groups.

In 2009 tensions between the government and Shiite opposition activists led to arrests of activist leaders and recurring protests against the government; the protests continued into 2010, with an increased security crackdown in the second half of the year.

The results of the Oct., 2010, parliamentary elections were largely similar to those in 2006 except that Sunni Islamists won fewer seats; the opposition again failed to secure a majority.

In Feb.–Mar., 2011, there were massive antigovernment protests in the capital, paralleling the protests in other Arab nations; opposition Shiite legislators resigned after protesters were killed in February (and the main Shiite party boycotted the by-elections held in September). In March, Saudi and Emirati forces entered Bahrain at the request of the government, and Bahrain, which painted the initially relatively nonsectarian protests as an Iranian-inspired Shiite attempt at revolution, quickly and violently quashed the protests and arrested hundreds. A number of opposition leaders and others were convicted and harshly sentenced.

In the aftermath of the protests, sectarian tensions in Bahrain increased, aggravated by anti-Shiite repression that was economic and social as well as political. An indepdendent government report (Nov., 2011) on the events of February and March said that security forces had used excessive force and engaged in torture; the report also said it could not find a clear link between the demonstrators and Iran. Some constitutional reforms were adopted in the first half of 2012, but the opposition criticized them as inadequate. The situation subsequently remained tense and unsettled, and the government continued to take repressive measures against the opposition, which mounted recurring demonstrations against the government. In the Nov., 2014, elections progovernment candidates won a majority of the seats; the main Shiite party boycotted the election, but 13 independent Shiite candidates won seats.

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About Bahrain

All Referer Earth & environment, history, literature & arts, people, places, plants & animals, religion, science & technology, sports & everyday life

AME Info Geography, people, government, economy, communication, transportation

ArabInfo Overview, government, history, links

ArabNet Overview, history, geography, business, culture, government, transport, tour guide, links

Atlapedia Geography, climate, people, demography, religion, education, modern history, currency, other information....

BBC Country Profile Key facts, figures and dates

Britannica.Com Country info, land, people, economy, society, government, history, culture, maps, statistics, links....

CIA World Factbook Map, geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, issues

Country Reports Economy, defense, geography, government, people, anthem, map, news, weather, links....

Encarta OnLine Info, land & resources, population, economy, government, history, other related items, links....

Encyclopaedia of the Orient Geography, politics, economy, health, education, religion, people, history, anthem, cities....

Expedia Almanac, fast facts, communications, on business, health & safety, transportation, traveler's directory

Info Please General info, map, geography, government, history, land & people....

Nation By Nation Info, government, human rights, news, geography, history, people, links....

US Library of Congress Everything you ever wanted to know about Bahrain....

World66 General info, cities, history, people, economy, getting around, getting there, links....

Cities, Towns, Municipalities & Places

Hawar Islands Wildlife, birds, activities, exhibition....

Manama Municipality Capital Governorate - History, services, photo gallery....

Mina Sulman An import/export port as far as container traffic is concerned. Guide to Bahrain

Northen Governorate Maps, towns & villages, projects, tourism and services

Southern Governorate

Flag, Maps, Emblems and other information....

Cellular News Cellular coverage map, systems, frequencies....

Ethnologue Languages

Flag Description, meaning, history, interesting facts

Flag Explanation, historical, military & political flags, subdivisions, national emblem....

Maps on the internet All types of maps from different sources

World Atlas A brief description, fast facts, flag, landforms, maps, traveller info, weather

World Clock Local time, sunrise, sunset, GMT offset, daylight saving....

World Paper Money Paper currency since 1964

Business and Economy

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Fact sheet (pdf) & travel information....

Bahrain Financing Company Deal in various aspects of Exchange, Transfers and the purchase and sale of bullion....

Bahrain and the IMF Position in the fund, reports....

Bahrain Stock Exchange Market, news, statistics, publications....

Bahrain Tender Board Protection of public property and preventing the influence of personal interests on tender formalities

Bahrain Urban Indicators Programme Info for for creating policies, programmes and projects for developing cities....

Bilateral Relations with Japan Diplomatic, investment, economic cooperation, residents....

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Enhancing economic development and increasing the competitiveness of the private sector

MBendi Business information, news, industries, events

Muslim Trade Network Trade reference directory and guide....

Ports Focus Ports, harbours, marinas....

Tenders Board The provisions of the law and tenders....

US Department of Energy Analysis, information, oil, natural gas, coal, electricity....

US Department of State Country commercial guide 2001 (pdf)

US Department of State Country reports on economic policy and trade practices - 1999

World Bank Overview, news & events, data & statistics, publications & reports, development topics, projects & programs, Public Information Center

World Trade Organization - WTO Provides trade statistics, goods schedules, services schedules and MFN exemptions, trade policy reviews, dispute cases, and notifications

Banks

Al-Baraka Islamic Bank Offering a wide range of quality products and services

Al-Ahli Bank One of Bahrain's fastest growing financial service institution

Bahrain Islamic Bank To serve all the sectors of the society

Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Investment, exchange rate, interest rate, job openings....

Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain Provider of Islamic commercial and investment banking services

National Bank of Bahrain Offers a comprehensive range of quality banking services

Shamil Bank of Bahrain To promote the development of new instruments of investments compatible with Islamic Shariah

Standard Chartered Bank An international bank with extensive branch network

Taib Bank A unique range of products to match varying investment needs

Directories, Job Opportunities

Bab Al-Bahrain Classified ads, forums, e-commerce

Manama Classifieds Free and includes job search

Tele-Gulf Bahrain official Yellow Pages

Teal Pages Bahrain Business Directory - close to 10,000 companies registered in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Bahrain government institutions and NGOs

Investment & Promotion....

Arabian Exhibition Management Exhibition organisers, calendar of events.

Bahrain International Exhibition Centre Major international conferences and exhibitions

Art, Culture & Sport

Al-Jasra Handicrafts Centre Historical brief, photos, news, events, gifts....

Beit Al Qur'an Unique Islamic cultural institution and museum housing an internationally celebrated collection of historic Quranic manuscripts

Art, Literature, Photography, Cinema....

Bahrain Arts Society Bahraini fine arts for the 21st century

Music, Song & Dance....

Cultural, Environmental, Sporting Entities & Info

Anglican Community in Bahrain News, events, history....

Bahrain Expat Community Fellow Expats, Expat forum, guide and events

British Club One of the oldest and most popular clubs in Bahrain

Kannada Sangha Cultural and charitable activities....

Animal Info Threatened species, environmental and social data

AquaStat Information on quantity and quality of freshwater and its availability

BirdLife To determine the priorities for bird conservation in the region

Environment Electronic Friends Save the environment, forum....

Bahrain Bowling Association Committee, teams, national league, ranking....

Bahrain Diving Committee Plans weekly scuba dives, dive holidays to other countries and promotes SCUBA diving

Bahrain Formula 1 Race in the desert

Bahrain International Circuit Bringing Formula One to Bahrain....

Bahrain Yacht Club Host to people of all nationalities who share a common interest in all forms of water sports

Education

Al-Hekma International Model School Offers a fully bilingual program for students from Nursery to Grade Twelve

Bahrain Bayan School A bilingual, coeducational, college preparatory school with an international curriculum and faculty

The French School The official French curriculum is taught in French, within a French cultural environment

Ibn Khuldoon National School Preparing students for higher education and for life

Kingdom University Essential quality education through constant collaboration with various locally and internationally recognized educational institutions

Modern Knowledge Schools Provide an education based on an American curriculum

Shaikha Hessa Girls’ School Emphasizes academic excellence and traditional, Islamic values. Follows an American curriculum

AMA International University Specialising in information technology and technical studies. The site incprporates AMA School of Medicine and AMA School of Basic Education

Applied Science University Administrative sciences, law, arts & sciences

Arabian Gulf University Curricula to the cultural, scientific and occupational needs of the contributing states

Bahrain Institute of Technology Training in IT and support services....

Birla Insititute of Technology Facilities essential for the development of professionals of the highest competence....

College of Health Sciences A regional center of excellence in health education, research and development....

Delmon University for Science and Technology Training in information technology management and improving the communications skills

Regional Institute for Advertising and Marketing To prepare young people for worthwhile employment in the industry....

Royal University for Women Dedicated solely to educating women....

University of Bahrain Commitment and dedication to excellence in education

University College Bahrain In collaboration with McMaster University, Canada, offers management education....

Institutions & Organizations

American Cultural and Educational Center To teach the ability to communicate in English according to the situation, purpose and roles of the participants

Bahrain Institute of Hotel Management Committed to meet the needs of tourism & hospitality industry

Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance To prepare candidates for professional qualifications in banking & finance

Bahrain Society for Training & Development Committed to excellence in managing and developing people effectively

Bahrain Training Institute Meets the needs of the manufacturing, process, construction, commercial and service industries

Birla Institute of Technology International Centre (BITIC) Offers technical and management education

Bridge Training Solutions A professional development, training and E-Learning solution provider

Research, Resources, Projects and Related sites

Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research To develop and improve natural and economic resources

Crown Prince’s International Scholarship Program Providing the opportunity for Bahrain’s most talented and outstanding youth to study at top international universities and colleges

History, Human Right & Politics

Bahrain A brief history, Bahrain today....

BBC Timeline A chronology of key events

Political Geography Land and people, economy, government, history....

World Statesmen Flags, chronology, rulers, governors, ministers, commissioners....

Human Rights, Politics & Political Parties....

Amnesty International News, reports, urgent action. Latest annual report....

Human Rights Watch Human rights developments & report

US Department of State Country reports on human rights practices

Related Sites, Articles....

Constitution Background, history & news

Media

Akhbar Al-Khaleej Daily newspaper

Al-Ayam Daily newspaper

Al-Thaqafia Cultural magazine

Al-Waqt Daily newspaper

Bahrain Tribune Local, world, sport & business news, cartoons....

Gulf Daily News Local, world, sport & business news, what's on....

OnLine News, Newsletters, News agencies....

Bahrain News Agency News, photos, weather....

Bahrain This Month

Washington Post News & references

Radio, TV, Internet....

Articles, Reports, Cartoons....

Government & Organizations, Corporations, Societies....

Bahrain Government Official site. royal family, government, about Bahrain, statistics, news, links....

Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members

Political Leaders Dates and figures of the leadership since 1961 (with pictures)

Bahrain Customsy Procedures, tariff, investment in Bahrain....

Bahrain Monetary Agency Clearly defined regulatory and supervisory standards for the financial sector

Civil Service Bureau Supervises the implementation of all laws, rules, and decisions on Government personnel affairs

Department of Legal Affairs >.

eGov All the transactions with the government can be made through new communications technology

eVisa System Obtaing an eVisa in advance of travel....

Economic Development Board Bahrain offers the ideal environment for diverse enterprises

General Directorate of Immigration and Passports Information about services provided by the Directorate

General Directorate Of Traffic Road safety, statistics, facts, services....

General Organisation for Social Insurance The Decree-Law promulgating the Law on Social Insurance

General Organization for Youth and Sports Host and organize youth & sports activates , championships , regionally & internationally....

Ministry of Cabinet Affairs & Information Special events & news....

Ministry of Commerce Responsible for a diverse range of activities which make up the commercial environment....

Ministry of Education Administering the governmental educational institutions and supervising private education

Ministry of Electricity & Water Provide electricity and water supply at a safe and cost effective manner to different sectors of consumers

Ministry of Finance -1 Formulates and implements the economic policy of the country

Ministry of Finance -2

Ministry of Health Improve the health of the population and access to a high quality, responsive health service....

Ministry of Housing Municipalities and Environment To bring together all the parties involved in urban development

Ministry of Industry The planning and development of Industrial Areas....

Ministry of Labour & Social Affairs Enhancing the living standards of the Bahraini people

Ministry of Transportation Public Transport, Postal Services, Telecommunications and Civil Aviation

Municipal Affairs To bring together all the parties involved in urban development

Pension Fund Commission >

Supreme Council for Women >

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Protecting the interests of subscribers and users....

Embassy of Bahrain - Washington, USA Information, news, visas, business, tourism, culture and links....

Permanent Mission to UN Statements and press releases, oil for food program, the Consulate, Bahrain, government, business, tourism, education and culture

Corporations, Organizations, Hospitals and Industrial Entities

Bahrain Specialist Hospital Committed to raising the standards of healthcare in Bahrain and the region

International Hospital of Bahrain The specialist centre of caring excellence

Aluminium Bahrain - ALBA Stands at the very forefront of the international aluminium industry

Bahrain Ferro Alloys BSC - BAFA Non-integrated Ferro-Alloy producer

Bahrain National Gas Company Produces a substantial contribution to the national economy

Bahrain Telecommunications Company - BATELCO Providing world-class telecommunications and information services

Centers, Institutions, Societies....

Al-Eslah Society Islamic society. Charity and other activities....

American Bahraini Friedship Society To further the special relationship that has developed between the USA and Bahrain

American Mission Hospital Society Caring for the people of Bahrain for over a century

Bahrain Information Technology Society Promoting the computer profession in Bahrain and improving the awareness....

Bahrain International Seafarers' Society Caring for seafarers visiting the Bahrain ports

Bahrain Internet Society

Bahrain Society of Engineers Contribute to the industrial and urban development of the country

The Institution of Engineers India (Bahrain Chapter) Latest news on upcoing seminars and events

Foreign Entities

US Embassy Consular, public affairs & commercial sections, information resource & education advising centers....

Bahrain Society London - To promote friendship and a close understanding between Bahrainis and British....

British Counsil Library and information services, events, news, conferences, learn English

United Nations United Nations Development Programme

World Health Organization Tobacco & health, socio-economic situation

Travel & Tourism

Gulf Air A World of Difference. More than 50 destinations....

Bahrain Airport Services "Total Quality Ground Support" for all aircrafts and passengers

Bahrain Duty Free Offer a comprehensive and exciting range of Duty-Free products....

Bahrain International Airport Your gateway to the world

Travel, Tours, Guides.... More country info

Bahrain Cinemas Previews & timing, coming attractions, star profiles....

Bahrain Tourism Island of Golden Smiles. Tourist attractions, accommodation, restaurants, clubs, what's On....

Bahrain Travel Bahrain tours & excursions, activities

Come 2 Bahrain Tourist information, tourist attractions, historic sites, restaurants, hotels, shopping, and leisure/recreation activities....

My Bahrain Online guide to hotels, resturants, tourist info, attractions, economy, schools and colleges

Lonely Planet Travel information, maps, photos, background historical and cultural information

Middle East Travel Accommodation, history, after hours, travel info, addresses, cities & sights, business....

Travel Guide General & trave info, money, duty free, health, accommodation, visas....

World Travel Guide Travel information, regions & places....

Hotels, Resorts, Inns, Hostels....

Atlas Hotel Professional organisation, individual attention, comfort, convenience and value for money

Bahrain International Hotel Your home in the heart of Bahrain

Elite Luxury Suites & Residences Hotels, luxuriously furnished and serviced apartments

Gulf Hotel Overlooking Gudaibiya Bay and only 5 minutes from the city centre

Hilton Bahrain Manama

M?venpick Hotel Bahrain

The Ritz-Carlton Luxury Hotels Bahrain Hotel & Spa

Royal Merdien Leisure, business, rooms, bars & restaurants

All Hotels Hotels, description & rates

Bahrain Hotels and Restaurants Guide Daily-offers, the essentials....

Bahrain Hotels Travel Guide Offers hotels and resorts online reservations

Hotels of Bahrain Best rates and availability for hotels and car rental services

Hotels Travel Hotels directory & tourist information

Health & Travel Tips

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Travel information, country advise, latest travel updates....

Travel Document Systems Passports, visas, travel documents

US Consular Information Warning, visa, security, health, crime/drug penalties....

Weather....

Tide Calendar Tide times, sunset, sunrise and global position

Weather Underground Temperature, humidity, pressure and conditions by city

Yahoo Weather By city. Forcast, sunrise, sunset, humidity, wind, dewpoint....

Gateways to Bahrain

Al-Bahrain.Net Categorized listings, guide, news, local events, sport....