In 1973 a new constitution provided for a National Assembly with 30 members popularly elected every four years. But two years after the first elections the Emir in 1995 dissolved the Assembly.
In 1992 the Emir set up a Consultative Council with 30 members appointed by himself for four year terms.
|RDefense:|N The strength is 11 000 men and also a paramilitary police force of 9 000 men.
|RNational holiday:|N December 16.
|RNature and climate:|N Some 30 islands in the Persian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The islands are low. Highest point above sea level 122 m.
Dry and hot climate. Average temperature in January 17°C and in July 33°C. Percipitation below 100 mm.
|RPeople:|N Mostly Arabs with big minorities of Asians and Europeans.
|REducation:|N Education is free but not compulsory from 6 to 17 years. There are two universities.
|REconomy:|N Oil was discovered in 1931 and has since then dominated the economy. Vast ventures are made to decrease the dependence on oil. Aluminum meltingplants has been built as well as shipyards for repair of large vessels.
Other industries are also built to occupy the population and give incomes when oil runs out, which is supposed to happen before the end of the century.
Extensive attempts have been made with agriculture to reach self-sufficiency.
|RHistory:|N Bahrain was populated during the Stone Age. Archeological excavations have revealed finds from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.
1507 - 1622 a Portuguese colony and after that under Persia. From 1782 sheikdom under the still reigning Khalifa-family.
