--- title: Bahrain — English Wikipedia · full text with trees · page 3 description: Wikipedia's «Bahrain», whole, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics, CC BY-SA 4.0. It begins: Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in the eastern part of Arabian Peninsula in West Asia. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/3/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/) / [en](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/) / Bahrain # Bahrain · page 3 From Wikipedia, [«Bahrain»](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain), revision of the 2026-09-01 dump, [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). The trees and pragmatics of these pages, Mova's parse of that text, are CC BY-SA 4.0 too. [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/2/) **3** [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/4/) [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/5/) [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/6/) About 92% of Bahrain is desert with periodic droughts and dust storms, the main natural hazards for Bahrainis.[\[148\]](../../page/6/#ref-148 "note 148")[192](../../192/ "tree and pragmatics") In Bahrain [forest cover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_cover) is around 1% of the total land area, equivalent to 700 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, up from 220 hectares (ha) in 1990.[193](../../193/ "tree and pragmatics") For the year 2015, 100% of the forest area was reported to be under [public ownership](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_ownership).[\[149\]](../../page/6/#ref-149 "note 149")[\[150\]](../../page/6/#ref-150 "note 150")[194](../../194/ "tree and pragmatics") Environmental issues facing Bahrain include desertification resulting from the degradation of limited arable land, coastal degradation (damage to coastlines, [coral reefs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef), and sea vegetation) resulting from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, distribution stations, and illegal land reclamation at places such as [Tubli Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubli_Bay).[195](../../195/ "tree and pragmatics") The agricultural and domestic sectors' over-utilisation of the Dammam Aquifer, the principal aquifer in Bahrain, has led to its [salinisation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_salinity) by adjacent brackish and saline water bodies.[196](../../196/ "tree and pragmatics") A hydrochemical study identified the locations of the sources of aquifer salinisation and delineated their areas of influence.[197](../../197/ "tree and pragmatics") The investigation indicates that the aquifer water quality is significantly modified as groundwater flows from the northwestern parts of Bahrain, where the aquifer receives its water by lateral underflow from eastern Saudi Arabia to the southern and southeastern parts.[198](../../198/ "tree and pragmatics") Four types of salinisation of the aquifer are identified: brackish-water up-flow from the underlying brackish-water zones in north-central, western, and eastern regions; seawater intrusion in the eastern region; intrusion of [sabkha](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabkha) water in the southwestern region; and irrigation return flow in a local area in the western region.[199](../../199/ "tree and pragmatics") Four alternatives for the management of groundwater quality that are available to the water authorities in Bahrain are discussed and their priority areas are proposed, based on the type and extent of each salinisation source, in addition to groundwater use in that area.[\[151\]](../../page/6/#ref-151 "note 151")[200](../../200/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Climate Main article: [Climate of Bahrain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_of_Bahrain) The [Zagros Mountains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zagros_Mountains) across the Persian Gulf in Iran cause low-level winds to be directed toward Bahrain.[201](../../201/ "tree and pragmatics") Dust storms from Iraq and Saudi Arabia transported by northwesterly winds, locally called [shamal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamal_%28wind%29) wind, cause reduced visibility in the months of June and July.[\[152\]](../../page/6/#ref-152 "note 152")[202](../../202/ "tree and pragmatics") Summers are very hot.[203](../../203/ "tree and pragmatics") The seas around Bahrain are very shallow, heating up quickly in the summer to produce very high [humidity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humidity), especially at night.[204](../../204/ "tree and pragmatics") This is in stark contrast to other desert climates such as those of [Baghdad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baghdad) [corpus](../../../Baghdad/ "in our corpus") or [Phoenix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix,_Arizona).[205](../../205/ "tree and pragmatics") Summer temperatures may reach up to 40 C under the right conditions.[\[153\]](../../page/6/#ref-153 "note 153")[206](../../206/ "tree and pragmatics") Rainfall in Bahrain is minimal and irregular.[207](../../207/ "tree and pragmatics") Precipitation mostly occurs in winter, with an average of 70.8 mm of rainfall recorded annually.[208](../../208/ "tree and pragmatics") The country experienced [widespread flooding](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Persian_Gulf_floods) in April 2024 after heavy rainfall affected the Gulf region.[209](../../209/ "tree and pragmatics") Due to [climate change](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change) Bahrain is experiencing more frequent extreme heat, drought, flooding and [dust storms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_storm) and the threat of sea level rise.[210](../../210/ "tree and pragmatics") These conditions threaten Bahrain's food and water security, and are expected to become more severe in the future.[\[154\]](../../page/6/#ref-154 "note 154")[211](../../211/ "tree and pragmatics") Despite being a relatively low-emitting country overall, Bahrain was the second highest [greenhouse gas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas) emitter per capita in 2023, at approximately 42 tonnes per person.[\[155\]](../../page/6/#ref-155 "note 155")[212](../../212/ "tree and pragmatics") Most of Bahrain's emissions arise from burning [fossil fuels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil_fuel) in the energy sector.[\[156\]](../../page/6/#ref-156 "note 156")[213](../../213/ "tree and pragmatics") The nation has committed to [net zero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Net-zero_emissions) by 2060[\[156\]](../../page/6/#ref-156 "note 156") and also aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2035.[\[157\]](../../page/6/#ref-157 "note 157")[214](../../214/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Biodiversity Main article: [Wildlife of Bahrain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildlife_of_Bahrain), [List of birds of Bahrain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_of_Bahrain) More than 330 species of birds were recorded in the Bahrain archipelago, 26 species of which breed in the country.[215](../../215/ "tree and pragmatics") Millions of migratory birds pass through the Persian Gulf region in the winter and autumn months.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[216](../../216/ "tree and pragmatics") One globally endangered species, [Chlamydotis undulata](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houbara_bustard), is a regular migrant in the autumn.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[217](../../217/ "tree and pragmatics") The many islands and shallow seas of Bahrain are globally important for the breeding of the [Socotra cormorant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socotra_cormorant); up to 100,000 pairs of these birds were recorded over the Hawar Islands.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[218](../../218/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain's national bird is the [bulbul](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbul) while its national animal is the [Arabian oryx](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_oryx).[219](../../219/ "tree and pragmatics") And the national flower of Bahrain is the beloved Deena.[220](../../220/ "tree and pragmatics") Only 18 species of mammals are found in Bahrain, animals such as [gazelles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gazelle), desert rabbits and [hedgehogs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hedgehog) are common in the wild but the [Arabian oryx](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_oryx) was hunted to [extinction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extinction) on the island.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[221](../../221/ "tree and pragmatics") Twenty-five species of [amphibians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphibian) and [reptiles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptile) were recorded as well as 21 species of [butterflies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly) and 307 species of [flora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flora).[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[222](../../222/ "tree and pragmatics") The marine [biotopes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biotope) are diverse and include extensive [sea grass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_grass) beds and [mudflats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudflats), patchy [coral reefs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef) as well as offshore islands.[223](../../223/ "tree and pragmatics") Sea grass beds are important foraging grounds for some threatened species such as [dugongs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dugong) and the [green turtle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_turtle).[\[159\]](../../page/6/#ref-159 "note 159")[224](../../224/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2003, Bahrain banned the capture of [sea cows](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sirenia), [marine turtles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_turtle) and [dolphins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolphin) within its territorial waters.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[225](../../225/ "tree and pragmatics") The Hawar Islands Protected Area provides valuable feeding and breeding grounds for a variety of migratory seabirds; it is an internationally recognised site for [bird migration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bird_migration).[226](../../226/ "tree and pragmatics") The breeding colony of [Socotra cormorant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socotra_cormorant) on Hawar Islands is the largest in the world, and the dugongs foraging around the archipelago form the second-largest dugong aggregation after Australia.[\[159\]](../../page/6/#ref-159 "note 159")[227](../../227/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain has five designated [protected areas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_area), four of which are marine environments.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[228](../../228/ "tree and pragmatics") They are:[229](../../229/ "tree and pragmatics") - [Hawar Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawar_Islands)[230](../../230/ "tree and pragmatics") - Mashtan Island, off the coast of Bahrain.[231](../../231/ "tree and pragmatics") - [Arad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arad,_Bahrain) bay, in Muharraq.[232](../../232/ "tree and pragmatics") - [Tubli Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tubli_Bay)[233](../../233/ "tree and pragmatics") - [Al Areen Wildlife Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Areen_Wildlife_Park), which is a zoo and a breeding centre for [endangered animals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endangered_species), is the only protected area on land and also the only protected area which is managed on a day-to-day basis.[\[158\]](../../page/6/#ref-158 "note 158")[234](../../234/ "tree and pragmatics") ## Government and politics Main article: [Politics of Bahrain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Politics_of_Bahrain) Bahrain is a [semi-constitutional monarchy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semi-constitutional_monarchy) headed by King Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.[235](../../235/ "tree and pragmatics") King Hamad enjoys wide executive powers which include appointing the [prime minister](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime_Minister_of_Bahrain) and his [ministers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_of_Bahrain), commanding the Bahrain Defence Force, chairing the [Higher Judicial Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judiciary_of_Bahrain), appointing the [parliament](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Assembly_%28Bahrain%29)'s [upper house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consultative_Council_%28Bahrain%29) and dissolving its elected [lower house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Representatives_%28Bahrain%29).[\[160\]](../../page/6/#ref-160 "note 160")[236](../../236/ "tree and pragmatics") The head of government is the prime minister.[237](../../237/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2010, about half of [the cabinet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabinet_of_Bahrain) was composed of the [Al Khalifa family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_of_Khalifa).[\[161\]](../../page/6/#ref-161 "note 161")[238](../../238/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain has a [bicameral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicameralism) National Assembly (al-Majlis al-Watani) consisting of the Shura Council (Majlis Al-Shura) with 40 seats and the Council of Representatives (Majlis Al-Nuwab) with 40 seats.[239](../../239/ "tree and pragmatics") The forty members of the Shura are appointed by the king.[240](../../240/ "tree and pragmatics") In the Council of Representatives, 40 members are elected by absolute majority vote in [gerrymandered](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerrymandered) single-member constituencies to serve four-year terms.[\[162\]](../../page/6/#ref-162 "note 162")[241](../../241/ "tree and pragmatics") The appointed council "exercises a de facto veto" over the "rubber-stamp" elected, because draft acts must be approved so they may pass into law.[242](../../242/ "tree and pragmatics") After approval, the king may ratify and issue the act or return it within six months to the National Assembly where it may only pass into law if approved by two-thirds of both councils.[\[160\]](../../page/6/#ref-160 "note 160")[243](../../243/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1973, the country held its first [parliamentary elections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahraini_general_election,_1973); however, two years later, the [late emir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isa_bin_Salman_Al_Khalifa) dissolved the parliament and suspended the [constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Bahrain#Constitution_of_1973) after parliament rejected the [State Security Law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Security_Law_in_Bahrain).[\[107\]](../../page/6/#ref-107 "note 107")[244](../../244/ "tree and pragmatics") The period between 2002 and 2010 saw three parliamentary elections.[245](../../245/ "tree and pragmatics") The [first](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahraini_parliamentary_election,_2002), held in 2002 was boycotted by the opposition, [Al Wefaq](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Wefaq), which won a majority in the [second](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahraini_general_election,_2006) in 2006 and [third](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahraini_general_election,_2010) in 2010.[\[163\]](../../page/6/#ref-163 "note 163")[246](../../246/ "tree and pragmatics") [A 2011 by-election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahraini_parliamentary_by-election,_2011) was held to replace 18 members of Al Wefaq who resigned in protest against government crackdown.[\[164\]](../../page/6/#ref-164 "note 164")[\[165\]](../../page/6/#ref-165 "note 165")[247](../../247/ "tree and pragmatics") According to the [V-Dem Democracy indices](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-Dem_Democracy_indices) Bahrain is 2023 the 4th least [electoral democratic country in the Middle East](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democracy_in_the_Middle_East_and_North_Africa).[\[166\]](../../page/6/#ref-166 "note 166")[248](../../248/ "tree and pragmatics") Similarly, according to [International IDEA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Institute_for_Democracy_and_Electoral_Assistance)'s Global State of Democracy (GSoD) Indices and Democracy Tracker, Bahrain performs in the low range on overall democratic measures, with particular weaknesses in social group equality, judicial independence, and freedom of association and assembly.[\[167\]](../../page/6/#ref-167 "note 167")[\[168\]](../../page/6/#ref-168 "note 168")[\[169\]](../../page/6/#ref-169 "note 169")[249](../../249/ "tree and pragmatics") The opening up of politics saw big gains for both [Shīa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia_Islam) and [Sunnī](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunnī) [fundamentalists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim_fundamentalists) in elections, which gave them a parliamentary platform to pursue their policies.[\[170\]](../../page/6/#ref-170 "note 170")[250](../../250/ "tree and pragmatics") It gave a new prominence to clerics within the political system, with the most senior Shia religious leader, Sheikh [Isa Qassim](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isa_Qassim), playing a vital role.[\[171\]](../../page/6/#ref-171 "note 171")[251](../../251/ "tree and pragmatics") This was especially evident when in 2005 the government called off the Shia branch of the "Family law" after over 100,000 Shia took to the streets.[252](../../252/ "tree and pragmatics") Muslim fundamentalists opposed the law because "neither elected MPs nor the government has the authority to change the law because these institutions could misinterpret the word of God".[253](../../253/ "tree and pragmatics") The law was supported by women activists who said they were "suffering in silence".[254](../../254/ "tree and pragmatics") They managed to organise a rally attended by 500 participants.[\[172\]](../../page/6/#ref-172 "note 172")[\[173\]](../../page/6/#ref-173 "note 173")[\[174\]](../../page/6/#ref-174 "note 174")[255](../../255/ "tree and pragmatics") [Ghada Jamsheer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghada_Jamsheer), a leading woman activist[\[175\]](../../page/6/#ref-175 "note 175") said the government was using the law as a "bargaining tool with opposition Islamic groups".[\[176\]](../../page/6/#ref-176 "note 176")[256](../../256/ "tree and pragmatics") Analysts of democratisation in the Middle East cite the fundamentalist' references to respect human rights in their justification for these programmes as evidence that these groups can serve as a progressive force in the region.[\[177\]](../../page/6/#ref-177 "note 177")[257](../../257/ "tree and pragmatics") Some fundamentalist parties have been particularly critical of the government's readiness to sign international treaties such as the [United Nations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations)' International Convention on Civil and Political Rights.[258](../../258/ "tree and pragmatics") At a parliamentary session in June 2006 to discuss ratification of the convention, Sheikh [Adel Mouwda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adel_Mouwda), the former leader of a [salafist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salafi_movement) party, [Asalah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Asalah), explained the party's objections: "The convention has been tailored by our enemies, God kill them all, to serve their needs and protect their interests rather than ours.[259](../../259/ "tree and pragmatics") This why we have eyes from the American Embassy watching us during our sessions, to ensure things are swinging their way".[\[178\]](../../page/6/#ref-178 "note 178")[260](../../260/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Military Main article: [Bahrain Defence Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain_Defence_Force) The kingdom has a small but professional and well-equipped military called the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), numbering around 8,200 personnel, including 6,000 in the [Royal Bahraini Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Bahraini_Army), 700 in the [Royal Bahraini Naval Force](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Bahraini_Naval_Force), and 1,500 in the Royal Bahraini Air Force.[261](../../261/ "tree and pragmatics") The BDF command structure includes the [Bahrain Royal Guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain_Royal_Guard), which is the size of one battalion and has its own armored vehicles and artillery.[262](../../262/ "tree and pragmatics") The [Bahrain National Guard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain_National_Guard) is separate from the BDF, though it is tasked with assisting it in defense from external threats, and it has about 2,000 personnel.[\[179\]](../../page/6/#ref-179 "note 179")[\[180\]](../../page/6/#ref-180 "note 180")[263](../../263/ "tree and pragmatics") The supreme commander of the Bahraini military is King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.[264](../../264/ "tree and pragmatics") The deputy supreme commander is the Crown Prince, [Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salman_bin_Hamad_bin_Isa_Al_Khalifa).[\[181\]](../../page/6/#ref-181 "note 181")[\[182\]](../../page/6/#ref-182 "note 182")[265](../../265/ "tree and pragmatics") The Commander-in-Chief of the BDF has been Field Marshal [Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khalifa_bin_Ahmed_Al_Khalifa) since 2008.[\[183\]](../../page/6/#ref-183 "note 183")[266](../../266/ "tree and pragmatics") The BDF is primarily equipped with American made equipment, such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, [F-5 Freedom Fighter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-5_Freedom_Fighter), [UH-60 Blackhawk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UH-60_Blackhawk), [M60A3 tanks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M60_Patton), and the ex-, an [Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Hazard_Perry_class_frigate) renamed the.[\[180\]](../../page/6/#ref-180 "note 180")[\[184\]](../../page/6/#ref-184 "note 184")[\[185\]](../../page/6/#ref-185 "note 185")[267](../../267/ "tree and pragmatics") In August 2020, the UK's [HMS Clyde](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Clyde_%28P257%29) was transferred to the Royal Bahrain Naval Force, with the ship renamed as RBNS Al-Zubara.[\[186\]](../../page/6/#ref-186 "note 186")[\[187\]](../../page/6/#ref-187 "note 187")[268](../../268/ "tree and pragmatics") In January 2024 the Bahraini Navy received a second Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, the former, which was renamed RBNS Khalid bin Ali.[\[188\]](../../page/6/#ref-188 "note 188")[\[189\]](../../page/6/#ref-189 "note 189")[269](../../269/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain was the first country in the Gulf to operate the F-16.[270](../../270/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2024 the Royal Bahraini Air Force expects to receive 16 aircraft of the modernised F-16 Block 70 variant,[\[190\]](../../page/6/#ref-190 "note 190") in addition to its current 20 F-16C/D and 12 F-5E/F fighters.[271](../../271/ "tree and pragmatics") The Royal Bahraini Army has 180 M60A3 main battle tanks, with 100 in active service and 80 in storage.[\[180\]](../../page/6/#ref-180 "note 180")[272](../../272/ "tree and pragmatics") The Government of Bahrain has [close relations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain–United_States_relations) with America, having signed a cooperative agreement with the [American military](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Armed_Forces), and has provided America a base in [Juffair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juffair) since the early 1990s.[273](../../273/ "tree and pragmatics") An American naval presence has existed since 1948.[\[191\]](../../page/6/#ref-191 "note 191")[274](../../274/ "tree and pragmatics") This is the home of the headquarters for Commander, American Naval Forces Central Command ([COMUSNAVCENT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COMUSNAVCENT)) / American Fifth Fleet (COMFIFTHFLT),[\[192\]](../../page/6/#ref-192 "note 192") and around 6,000 American military personnel.[\[193\]](../../page/6/#ref-193 "note 193")[275](../../275/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain participates in the [Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabian-led_intervention_in_Yemen) against the [Houthis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houthis) and forces loyal to former President [Ali Abdullah Saleh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Abdullah_Saleh),[\[194\]](../../page/6/#ref-194 "note 194") who was deposed in the 2011 [Arab Spring](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arab_Spring) uprising.[\[195\]](../../page/6/#ref-195 "note 195")[276](../../276/ "tree and pragmatics") The permanent British [Royal Navy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Navy) base at [Mina Salman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mina_Salman), [HMS Jufair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Jufair), was officially opened in April 2018.[\[196\]](../../page/6/#ref-196 "note 196")[277](../../277/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Foreign relations Main article: [Foreign relations of Bahrain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Bahrain) Bahrain has established [bilateral relations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilateral_relations) with 190 countries worldwide.[\[197\]](../../page/6/#ref-197 "note 197") as of 2012, Bahrain maintains a network of 25 [embassies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embassies), three [consulates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consulates) and four permanent missions to the Arab League, United Nations and [European Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain–European_Union_relations) respectively.[\[198\]](../../page/6/#ref-198 "note 198")[278](../../278/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain also hosts 36 embassies.[279](../../279/ "tree and pragmatics") America designated Bahrain a [major non-NATO ally](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_non-NATO_ally) in 2001.[\[199\]](../../page/6/#ref-199 "note 199")[280](../../280/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain plays a modest, moderating role in regional politics and adheres to the views of the Arab League on Middle East peace and [Palestinian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Palestine) rights by supporting the [two state solution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_state_solution).[\[200\]](../../page/6/#ref-200 "note 200")[281](../../281/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain is also one of the founding members of the [Gulf Cooperation Council](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Cooperation_Council).[\[201\]](../../page/6/#ref-201 "note 201")[282](../../282/ "tree and pragmatics") Relations with Iran tend to be tense as a result of a [failed coup](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1981_Bahraini_coup_d%27état_attempt) in 1981 which Bahrain blames Iran for and occasional claims of Iranian sovereignty over Bahrain by [ultra-conservative](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conservatism) elements in the Iranian public.[\[202\]](../../page/6/#ref-202 "note 202")[\[203\]](../../page/6/#ref-203 "note 203")[283](../../283/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2016, following the storming of the Saudi embassy in Tehran, both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain cut diplomatic relations with Iran.[284](../../284/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain and Israel established bilateral relations in 2020 under the [Bahrain–Israel normalisation agreement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain–Israel_normalization_agreement).[\[204\]](../../page/6/#ref-204 "note 204")[285](../../285/ "tree and pragmatics") Bahrain is the 81st most peaceful country in the world, according to the 2024 [Global Peace Index](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Peace_Index).[\[205\]](../../page/6/#ref-205 "note 205")[286](../../286/ "tree and pragmatics") ### Human rights Main article: [Human rights in Bahrain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Bahrain) The period between 1975 and 1999, known as the "[State Security Law Era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Security_Law_in_Bahrain)", saw wide range of human rights violations including arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, torture and forced exile.[\[206\]](../../page/6/#ref-206 "note 206")[\[207\]](../../page/6/#ref-207 "note 207")[287](../../287/ "tree and pragmatics") After Emir (now King) Hamad Al Khalifa succeeded his father Isa Al Khalifa in 1999, he introduced wide reforms and human rights improved significantly.[\[208\]](../../page/6/#ref-208 "note 208")[288](../../288/ "tree and pragmatics") These moves were described by Amnesty International as representing a "historic period of human rights".[\[116\]](../../page/6/#ref-116 "note 116")[289](../../289/ "tree and pragmatics") Consensual male and female homosexual relations between adults over the age of 21 are legal in Bahrain, which is the only Muslim Gulf country where it has been legal since 1976.[\[209\]](../../page/6/#ref-209 "note 209")[290](../../290/ "tree and pragmatics") Human rights conditions started to decline by 2007 when [torture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torture_in_Bahrain) began to be employed again.[\[210\]](../../page/6/#ref-210 "note 210")[291](../../291/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2011, Human Rights Watch described the country's human rights situation as "dismal".[\[211\]](../../page/6/#ref-211 "note 211")[292](../../292/ "tree and pragmatics") Due to this, Bahrain lost some of the high [International rankings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_rankings_of_Bahrain) it had gained before.[\[212\]](../../page/6/#ref-212 "note 212")[\[213\]](../../page/6/#ref-213 "note 213")[\[214\]](../../page/6/#ref-214 "note 214")[\[215\]](../../page/6/#ref-215 "note 215")[\[216\]](../../page/6/#ref-216 "note 216")[293](../../293/ "tree and pragmatics") In 2011, Bahrain was criticised for its crackdown on the [Arab spring uprising](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahraini_uprising_of_2011).[294](../../294/ "tree and pragmatics") In September, a government-appointed [commission](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain_Independent_Commission_of_Inquiry) confirmed [reports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_reports_on_the_Bahraini_uprising_of_2011) of grave human rights violations, including [systematic torture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torture_during_the_Bahraini_uprising_%282011–present%29).[295](../../295/ "tree and pragmatics") The government promised to introduce reforms and avoid repeating the "painful events".[\[217\]](../../page/6/#ref-217 "note 217")[296](../../296/ "tree and pragmatics") However, reports by human rights organisations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch issued in April 2012 said the same violations were still happening.[\[218\]](../../page/6/#ref-218 "note 218")[\[219\]](../../page/6/#ref-219 "note 219")[297](../../297/ "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/) [2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/2/) **3** [4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/4/) [5](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/5/) [6](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/6/) - ← previous: [page 2](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/2/) - next →: [page 4](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/Bahrain/page/4/) - ↑ back to [English Wikipedia](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/wikipedia/en/)