Bahrain

HISTORY

The name "Bahrain" comes from the Arabic word "Bahr" which means "sea." This small, oil-rich group of islands was once home to the ancient, illustrious Dilmun empire. Bahrain was briefly invaded by the Portuguese in the 15^th century and was later ruled by the Persians. In 1820, the Al-Khalifa tribe from Kuwait seized control following several power struggles.

Bahrain later became a British protectorate, but experienced much unrest and violence as citizens protested British rule. Iran, which also laid claim to the territory, and Britain continued to dispute its sovereignty until 1970, when it was recognized as an independent nation.

GOVERNMENT

The Shia-majority nation is ruled by a Sunni king, and the country endures clashes between its Sunni and Shia Muslim populations. Its human rights record has also come under close scrutiny.

ECONOMY

The economy mainly revolves around the production of oil and natural gas. Lower energy prices worldwide have created a deficit in the country. The government has accumulated a lot of debt and faces challenges to increase their regional competitiveness to help stabilize their economy. In 2006, Bahrain entered into a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US, becoming the first Gulf state to do so, which helps foster trade between the nations. (1)

SOCIAL ISSUES

The majority of people in Bahrain have an access to higher education and over 95% of the population is literate (2) Almost 48% of the population are immigrants which creates a diverse culture along with a disparity in jobs and wealth. Three-fifths of the jobs are held by foreigners. Unemployment, which especially affects youth, is reported to be 15% in the nation. (3)

MEDIA

Satellite television is popular and 98% of the population are internet users. (4)

RELIGION

Bahrain has a large migrant population – only 45 percent of residents are citizens. It is more religiously diverse than other Gulf states; Muslims make up 70 percent of the total population, and 14.5 percent of all residents are Christian. The country is also home to Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Baha’is, and Jews.

It is estimated that 99 percent of citizens are Muslims and that the majority are Shia. One's religious affiliation is often associated with one's identity. Muslims who wish to change their religion face societal pressure not to do so.

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray for political reform that will result in full equality for all Bahrain’s citizens.
• Pray for peaceful relations between different communities and for an end to unrest in the country.
• Pray that new believers who endure opposition and pressure will know God’s peace and love throughout the trials they face.