History of bahrain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

History of bahrain - Essay Example Bahrain’s Economy With a 19.36 billion dollar GDP, and a real time GDP growth rate of 2.9%, Bahrain’s major natural resources include; oil, aluminum, textiles, natural gas, fish and pearls. Financial services are responsible for nearly 25% of the GDP, with government services holding firm with 14.8%. Oil and gas and manufacturing are lagging behind them with 13.1% and 12.4% respectively. Acknowledged as the first Gulf state to discover oil in 1931, their reserves are expected to last over a decade. Revenues from the state’s oil and natural gas capabilities account for an estimated 10% of the GDP. In addition, revenues from oil have been used to fund health and educational projects and accounts for an estimated 60% of the country’s exports. Bahrain is no stranger to economical successes since it was the important center linking trade routes between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley as early as 5,000 years ago. As reported by the US Department of State, in ke eping with its financial sector which is their largest GDP contributor, Bahrain holds a reputable regional and international financial business center that operates both on and offshore. Undoubtedly, Bahrain is a leader in its field with over 370 banking units offshore. In addition, regulations are being implemented to ascertain the title leading financial center in the Arab world. With reference to literature consulted it can be concluded that Bahrain has experienced a blossoming economy driven by its abundance of natural resources. Politics in Bahrain As mentioned before, Bahrain has been the subject to multiple ruling powers prior to their independence from the United Kingdom and a Constitutional Hereditary monarchy type of government. Bahrain was first ruled by Persia in the 4th century A.D, after which the Arabs took control until 1541, when the Portuguese invaded them. Then Persia regained control of these islands in 1602. By 1783 Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa took over and the al-Khalifas remained the ruling family until today. By 1820 Bahrain became a British protectorate. With reference to the US Department of State, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa acceded to the throne in March 1999, after the death of his father Shaikh Isa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain's ruler since 1961-10 years prior to their independence. Shaikh Hamad channeled a democratic reform to transform Bahrain from a hereditary emirate to a constitutional monarchy shortly after he took the throne. His actions were publicly endorsed by his people. Bahrain was pronounced a constitutional monarchy on February 14, 2002. Now operating under a constitutional monarchy, it has an executive appointed by the King of Bahrain and a bicameral legislature with the Chamber of Deputies elected by universal suffrage, and the Shura Council which is also appointed directly by the King. Like many other countries, Bahrain has had their fair share of political unrest, which started as far back as 1994 and st ill continues today. Particularly this year, it can be said that Bahraini protestors were influenced by events in Egypt and Tunisia. Euronews.net reported that reasons for this political unrest are; a new constitution, the release of all political prisoners, an enquiry into torture allegations, freedom of speech and an independent justice system. Social Life 1.1 Education The Bahraini Government introduced a free