Country Profile
From The Report: Bahrain 2012
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This chapter includes information about Bahrain’s history, economy, government, financial services sector (including Islamic financial services), population, climate, natural resources, language and culture. It also includes a viewpoint with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Abdul Latif bin Rashed Al Zayani, Secretary-General of the GCC. This section also includes an interview with Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President, Supreme Council for Women.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

An island of commerce: Leveraging natural strengths and strategic advantages
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As the Arabic word for “two seas”, Bahrain’s name refers to the sweet-water springs that fill the Kingdom’s aquifers and the salty seas that surround the island. HISTORY: The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to one of the region’s oldest civilisations, the Dilmun civilisation, which dates back nearly 6000 years. Throughout history, Bahrain attracted the attention of empires and nations due to its strategic position in the Gulf. Consequently, the country was influenced by a number of…

Viewpoint

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on the report of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI)
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The BICI Report deals with controversial matters of importance. The commission has sought to establish the true facts of a period of painful unrest, which has affected all of Bahrain. The commission understood the unprecedented challenges faced by our authorities. They have recognised the need for our authorities to re-establish public order in the face of violence and intimidation against ordinary people as well as against the nation’s essential institutions. At the same time, they have…

Interview

OBG talks to Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of the King, and President, Supreme Council for Women (SCW)
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Interview: Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa How has the role of women in Bahraini politics progressed following the recent elections? PRINCESS SABEEKA BINT IBRAHIM AL KHALIFA: Bahraini women’s progress in political life started in 2001, after King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa announced reforms and a political modernisation process. Support for women from the leadership and the people is evident in the overwhelming 98.4% vote in favour of the National Action Charter, which ultimately led to…

Viewpoint

Abdul Latif bin Rashed Al Zayani, GCC Secretary-General, on regional development and security
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Bahrain is an integral part of the GCC and experiences many benefits of membership. While all GCC member states have their own foreign policies, they nevertheless communicate closely with each other. It is difficult to find an example where, on important global or regional matters, the members speak with different voices. This is particularly important as we are an intrinsic part of the Arabic and Islamic world, with our home at the epicentre of a turbulent region. The main challenges we…