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Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries
require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among
its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has
turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself
into an international banking center. The new amir, installed in 1999,
has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked to improve
relations with the Shi'a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters
approved a referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece
of the amir's political liberalization program. In February 2002, Amir
HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002,
Bahrainis elected members of the lower house of Bahrain's
reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly.
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Location |
Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia
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Area
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total: 665 sq km, land: 665 sq km, water: 0 sq km |
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Climate |
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers |
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Natural Resources
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oil, associated and non associated natural gas, fish, pearls
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Population |
677,886 includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)
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Ethnic Groups |
Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8% |
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Religion
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Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30% |
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Languages
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Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu |
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