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Country Name

Conventional long form: State of Bahrain

Conventional short form: Bahrain

Local long form: Dawlat al Bahrayn

Local short form: Al Bahrayn

Former: Dilmun

Administrative Divisions

all municipalities administered from Manama

Independence

15 August 1971 (from UK)

National Holiday

National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of independence from British protection

Constitution

Adopted late December 2000 (new constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary)

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; the National Action Charter created a bicameral legislature on 23 December 2000; approved by referendum of 14 February 2001

Judicial Branch

High Civil Appeals Court

Political Parties and Leaders

Political parties prohibited

Political Pressure Groups and Leaders

Shi'a activists fomented unrest sporadically 1994-97, 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	2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Government Type

Constitutional monarchy

Capital

Manama

Diplomatic Representation in the US

Chief Of Mission
Ambassador (vacant)
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
#979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 321, 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
ICC
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

Bahrain