Land
and People
The islands
are flat and sandy, with a few low hills. The climate is hot
and humid during the summer, mild and pleasant in the winter.
The largely urban population is about 63% Bahraini; the balance
of the people consist of other Arabs and Iranians, Indians,
and other Asians. Islam is overwhelmingly the religion of
Bahrain, with 75% Shiite and 25% Sunni Muslims. Languages
spoken other than Arabic (the official language) include English,
Farsi, and Urdu. Bahrain has two universities.
|
His Majesty
Sheikh Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa |
Government
Bahrain
is a constitutional monarchy. The executive branch consists
of the king, who is head of state, and an appointed prime
minister and cabinet. The national legislature is the National
Assembly, consisting of the 40-member Consultative Council
and the 40-member Chamber of Deputies. Members serve for a
four-year term. Administratively, the country is divided into
five municipalities.
Economy
Bahrain
was once a chief center of pearling, but the industry declined
in the 20th century. Oil was found in 1931, and oil revenues
have financed extensive modernization projects, particularly
in health and education. Oil and petroleum products account
for about 60% of Bahrain's exports. However, Bahrain is expected
to be the first Persian Gulf nation to run dry of oil, and
steps have been taken to diversify the nonagricultural sector
of the economy. Ship-repair, aluminum-smelting, and banking
and financial-services industries have been established, as
have oil refineries that largely process Saudi crude. Bahrain
is home to numerous multinational firms, and the government
actively encourages foreign investment. The U.S. navy's 5th
Fleet, which patrols the Persian Gulf, is based in Bahrain.
There is some fishing, and dates, fruits, and vegetables are
grown, but the majority of Bahrain's food is imported.
|
