3 GeoFroggy

Country Name

Conventional long form: State of Bahrain

Conventional short form: Bahrain

Local long form: Dawlat al Bahrayn

Local short form: Al Bahrayn

Administrative Divisions

all municipalities administered from Manama

Independence

15 August 1971 (from UK)

National Holiday

National Day, 16 December (1971)

Constitution

26 May 1973, effective 6 December 1973

Legal System

based on Islamic law and English common law

International Law Organization Participation

Citizenship

Suffrage

none

Executive Branch

Chief of state: Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969)

Head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al Khalifa (since NA 1971)

Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch

Elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch

Legislative Branch

Unicameral National Assembly was dissolved 26 August 1975 and legislative powers were assumed by the Cabinet; appointed Advisory Council established 16 December 1992

Judicial Branch

High Civil Appeals Court

Political Parties and Leaders

Political parties prohibited

Political Pressure Groups and Leaders

Shi'a activists have fomented unrest sporadically since late 1994, demanding the return of an elected National Assembly and an end to unemployment; several small, clandestine leftist and Islamic fundamentalist groups are active

Flag Description

Red with a white serrated band (eight white points) on the hoist side

National Anthem

Year

Government Type

  • Traditional monarchy

Data Code

  • BA

Capital

    Manama

Diplomatic Representation in the US

  • Chief Of Mission
    Ambassador Dr. Muhammad ABD AL-GHAFFAR Abdallah
  • Chancery
    3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
  • Telephone
    [1] (202) 342-0741
  • FAX
    [1] (202) 362-2192
  • Consulate(s) General
    New York

Diplomatic Representation from the US

  • Chief Of Mission
    Ambassador Johnny YOUNG
  • Embassy
    Building Number 979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 311, Zinj District, Manama
  • Mailing Address
    American Embassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE 09834-5100; International Mail
  • Telephone
    [973] 273-300
  • FAX
    [973] 272-594

International Organization Participation

  • ABEDA
  • AFESD
  • AL
  • AMF
  • ESCWA
  • FAO
  • G-77
  • GCC
  • IBRD
  • ICAO
  • ICRM
  • IDB
  • IFC
  • IFRCS
  • IHO
  • ILO
  • IMF
  • IMO
  • Inmarsat
  • Intelsat
  • Interpol
  • IOC
  • ISO (correspondent)
  • ITU
  • NAM
  • OAPEC
  • OIC
  • OPCW
  • UN
  • UNCTAD
  • UNESCO
  • UNIDO
  • UPU
  • WFTU
  • WHO
  • WIPO
  • WMO
  • WTrO