Political Profile
Country's NameKingdom of Bahrain
Type of GovernmentConstitutional Monarchy
National Holiday(s)National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection
Cheif of State King HAMAD bin Isa Al-Khalifa
|
Capital City(ies)Manama
Independence Date15 August 1971
Suffrage20 years of age; universal; note - Bahraini Cabinet in May 2011 endorsed a draft law lowering eligibility to 18 years
Head of StatePrime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman Al-Khalifa
|
Description of Executive Branch
The monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch
Description of Legislative Branch
Bicameral National Assembly consists of the Shura Council or Consultative Council (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of Representatives or Chamber of Deputies (40 seats; members directly elected to serve four-year terms)
Description of Judicial Branch
High Civil Appeals Court
Ambassador to U.S.Ambassador Huda Azra Ibrahim NUNU
Location of Embassy (City) in U.S.Washington, DC
Location of Consulates (cities) in U.S.New York
Representative to the United NationsTawfeeq Ahmed Khalil Almansoor
|
U.S. Ambassador to themAmbassador Thomas C. KRAJESKI
Location of U.S. Embassy (city) thereManama
Location of U.S. Consulates (cities) thereN/A
|
Description of Symbolism within Flag
Red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states, with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side; the five points represent the five pillars of slam
note: until 2002 the flag had eight white points, but this was reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag
note: until 2002 the flag had eight white points, but this was reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag
National Anthem |
National Symbol(s)No known National Symbol(s) |