Interesting Facts About Bahrain By Oded Gold
The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf explain Oded Gold. It has a population of around 1.5 million people and is the smallest country in the Middle East. The country has a rich history, an impressive economy and is home to many world-class attractions.
Unlike most of the other countries in the Middle East, Bahrain is not a predominantly Muslim nation. Most citizens are Arab, while a significant minority is Persian. In addition, a small group of Sunni Muslims are also part of the Bahraini population.
Most people in Bahrain are Muslim, but they do not follow the strict Islamic rules. Instead, the country’s laws are a mix of religious law (Shariah), tribal law, and other civil codes and regulations.
The government in Bahrain is led by Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who was formerly known as the emir of Bahrain. He changed his title to king when the country was declared a kingdom in 2002.
Since then, the country has seen a period of economic growth and development. Its main economic drivers are oil refining and international banking.
In 2002, the country held municipal elections and candidates from a wide range of political groups formed a more pluralistic political culture than previously. The election was a major milestone in the transformation of the country’s political system from a monarchy to a parliamentary one.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Bahrain’s economy was largely dependent on its oil reserves. These resources are limited and the country’s oil production has been declining. However, oil and gas exploration rights have been granted to several companies, and the country’s offshore natural gas supplies are substantial.
The climate in Bahrain is dry and arid, with little rain. Despite its desert-like climate, the country is home to hundreds of species of plants, including gazelles, hares and wildflowers.
Bahrain is located in western Asia and is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west, Qatar to the north and south, and Oman to the east. It is a member of the United Nations, the Arab League, and several other regional organizations.
It is one of the four countries in the world that has a Shia majority population, making up about 55-70% of the Bahraini people. The Shia community is mainly Arab, but it has also absorbed members of the Persian minority.
Islam was adopted in Bahrain in 628 AD, four years before the death of the prophet Muhammad. According to traditional accounts, the local ruler responded favorably to the message and converted his kingdom to Islam.
The emir of Bahrain has the power to appoint his own family members to the country’s top positions, including the king and the prime minister. The emir is also responsible for approving new legislation and for appointing the country’s judges.
In the early 2000s, Bahrain faced protests from the Shia minority, which alleged that the ruling Sunni minority shut them out of housing, healthcare and government jobs. When the emir turned down the request for democratization, riots broke out across the country.