Political Overview

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a unitary semi-constitutional monarchy ruled by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa serving also as Prime Minister. Its capital and largest city is Manama, home to the National Assembly and many ministerial offices. Administratively, Bahrain is divided into four governorates Capital, Northern, Southern, and Muharraq each headed by a governor appointed by the Prime Minister, with locally elected municipal councils beneath them. Since gaining independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1971, Bahrain has played a moderating role in Gulf politics, is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and was designated a “Major Non‑NATO Ally” by the United States in 2001.

Cultural Heritage and Identity

Bahrain’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in the ancient Dilmun civilization and its millennia‑old pearl‑diving industry. The Pearling Path in Muharraq inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 is a 3.5 km trail linking seventeen historic buildings, oyster beds, and coastal landmarks that testify to Bahrain’s global pearl trade prominence. The island nation also boasts Qal’at al‑Bahrain (Bahrain Fort), its first UNESCO site, the Bahrain National Museum, and the House of Quran, preserving Islamic manuscripts and artifacts. Modern cultural life flourishes through events like the annual Spring of Culture festival and the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix, which have elevated Bahrain’s profile on the international arts and sporting stages.

Geographical Landscape, Area and Climate

Situated in the Persian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Bahrain comprises an archipelago of about 50 natural and over 30 reclaimed islands centered on Bahrain Island, spanning roughly 780 km², making it the third‑smallest country in Asia. The topography is generally flat and arid, rising gently to the 134 m summit of Jabal ad Dukhan (“Mountain of Smoke”), with a coastline of 161 km. Bahrain experiences mild, pleasant winters and very hot, humid summers. Tourism is a key sector: visitors flock to sandy beaches, luxury resorts, the Bahrain International Circuit, and archaeological sites like the A’ali burial mounds, attracting over eleven million tourists in 2019 and earning Manama titles such as Arab Capital of Culture in 2012.