Bahrain - the country with the recent boat tragedy Knowing about the countries where Diaspora Goans live and work. The following is what was published about Bahrain. Kind Regards, GL
Country profile: Bahrain An archipelago made up of some 30 islands, Bahrain was once viewed by the ancient Sumerians as an island paradise to which the wise and the brave were taken to enjoy eternal life. With the current harsh Gulf climate, however, it is mostly desert. It still plays a traditional role as an important trading centre. OVERVIEW Bahrain - whose name means "two seas" - was one of the first states in the Gulf to discover oil and to build a refinery. As such, it saw the benefits of the new oil wealth before most of its neighbours. But it never reached the levels of production enjoyed by Kuwait or Saudi Arabia and has been forced to diversify its economy. The country has been headed since 1783 by the al-Khalifah family, members of the Sunni Bani Utbah tribe, who succeeded in expelling the Persians. From 1861, when a treaty was signed with Britain, until independence in 1971, Bahrain was virtually a British protectorate. The king is the supreme authority and the ruling family holds all important political and military posts. Since the National Assembly was dissolved in 1975, there have been outbreaks of civil unrest involving the Shia majority. In 2001 Bahrainis strongly backed proposals put by the emir - now the king - to turn the country into a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament and an independent judiciary. Elections were duly held in 2002 for a 40-member parliament, the Council of Deputies. It was the first such poll in nearly 30 years. The new body included a dozen Shia MPs. The country has also been enjoying increasing freedom of expression, and monitors report that the human rights situation has improved. However, opposition groups and campaigners continue to press for political reforms, including greater powers for the elected assembly. The island state has for the past few years been a centre for tourists from the region taking advantage of its relaxed social environment. A close ally of the US, it is home to the American navy's Fifth Fleet. _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list ([email protected]) Help/Unsubscribe/Update your Subscription: %(user_optionsurl)s This email sent to %(user_address)s
