Government and Politics of Bahrain

Government Type

constitutional hereditary monarchy

Administrative Divisions

12 municipalities (manatiq, singular - mintaqah); Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa' wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah

Legal System

based on Islamic law and English common law

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Bahrain dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 25 years; 15 years for Arab nationals

Executive Branch

chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al Khalifa (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969) head of government: Prime Minister Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al Khalifa (since 11 November 2020); note: Crown Prince Salman also serves as Prime Minister following the death of longtime Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa in November 2020 cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the prime minister is appointed by the monarch

Legislative Branch

Bicameral Parliament consists of the Shura Council (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of Representatives, also known as the House of Deputies (40 members directly elected to serve four-year terms). Elections: Council of Representatives — elections are held every four years. The most recent general election was held on 12 November 2022, with runoff elections on 19 November 2022. Election results: Council of Representatives — percent of vote by party — NA; seats by party — political societies and independents loyal to the government hold the majority of seats; no formal opposition parties participated following the dissolution of major opposition groups in prior years. Note: Bahrain's modern parliamentary history began with the first National Assembly elected on 7 December 1973, which was dissolved on 26 August 1975. The National Action Charter established the current bicameral legislature on 23 December 2000, approved by referendum on 14 February 2001. The first legislative session of the reconstituted Parliament was held on 25 December 2002. Political societies, which function similarly to parties, are permitted under Bahraini law, though formal political parties remain banned. The main Shia opposition movement, Al-Wefaq, was dissolved by court order in 2016, significantly reshaping the political landscape of subsequent elections.

Judicial Branch

High Civil Appeals Court

Political Parties

political parties prohibited but political societies were legalized per a July 2005 law

Head of State

King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa

Head of Government

Prime Minister Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al Khalifa

Cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the monarch

Elections

Council of Representatives — elections are held every four years. The most recent general election was held on 12 November 2022, with runoff elections on 19 November 2022.

Election Results

Council of Representatives — percent of vote by party — NA; seats by party — political societies and independents loyal to the government hold the majority of seats; no formal opposition parties participated following the dissolution of major opposition groups in prior years. Note: Bahrain's modern parliamentary history began with the first National Assembly elected on 7 December 1973, which was dissolved on 26 August 1975. The National Action Charter established the current bicameral legislature on 23 December 2000, approved by referendum on 14 February 2001. The first legislative session of the reconstituted Parliament was held on 25 December 2002. Political societies, which function similarly to parties, are permitted under Bahraini law, though formal political parties remain banned. The main Shia opposition movement, Al-Wefaq, was dissolved by court order in 2016, significantly reshaping the political landscape of subsequent elections.

Constitution

adopted late December 2000; Bahrani voters approved on 13-14 February 2001 a referendum on legislative changes (revised constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary)

Independence

15 August 1971 (from UK)

National Holiday

National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of independence from British protection

International Organization Participation

ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, ISO, ITU, LAS, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic Representation in the U.S.

chief of mission: Ambassador Nasir bin Muhammad al-BALUSHI chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008 telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111 FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192 consulate(s) general: New York

U.S. Diplomatic Representation

chief of mission: Ambassador William T. MONROE embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club), Block 331, Zinj District, Manama mailing address: American Embassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama telephone: [973] 1724-2700 FAX: [973] 1727-0547 (consular)

Capital City

Manama

Location

26 14 N, 50 34 E

Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

History

name derives from the Arabic "al-manama" meaning "place of rest" or "place of dreams"

The U.S. Embassy in Manama Building No. 979 Road 3119, Block 331 Zinj District Manama Telephone: (973) 1724-2700 Emergency after-hours telephone: (973) 1727-5126 Facsimile: (973) 1725-6242 The workweek in Bahrain is Sunday through Thursday.

Military Branches

Bahrain Defense Force (BDF): Royal Bahraini Army (RBA), Royal Bahraini Navy (RBN), Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF), Royal Bahraini Air Defense Force (RBADF)

Service Age and Obligation

18 years of age for voluntary military service; 15 years of age for NCOs, technicians, and cadets; no conscription