In 1783, the Sunni Al-Khalifa family took power in Bahrain. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its independence in 1971. A steady decline in oil production and reserves since 1970 prompted Bahrain to take steps to diversify its economy, in the process developing successful petroleum processing and refining, aluminum production, and hospitality and retail sectors, and also to become a leading regional banking center, especially with respect to Islamic finance. Bahrain's small size and central location among Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors.
The Sunni-led government has long struggled to manage relations with its large Shia-majority population. In early 2011, amid Arab uprisings elsewhere in the region, the Bahraini Government confronted similar pro-democracy and reform protests at home with police and military action, including deploying Gulf Cooperation Council security forces to Bahrain. Political talks throughout 2014 between the government and opposition and loyalist political groups failed to reach an agreement, prompting opposition political societies to boycott parliamentary and municipal council elections in late 2014. Ongoing dissatisfaction with the political status quo continues to factor into sporadic clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy.
Source: CIA World Factbook
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Displaying 26 - 30 of 37Resolution No. 2 of 1979 concerning the taking away and transportation of sand, pebbles and stones necessary for the filling up with of wetlands and lands covered with marine water as well as for construction operations.
This Resolution aims at protecting the soil and the environment. This Resolution is composed of 15 articles. Articles 1 and 2 allow the transportation, removal and taking away of sand, pebbles and stones only from the zones defined in article 3 of this Resolution and only after obtaining a licence from the Temporary Central Municipality Authority. Article 3 defines the zones from which it is allowed to take away or transport the aforementioned materials. Article 5 specifies the zones from which it is allowed to take away or transport agricultural sand.
Legislative Decree No. 5 of 1971 concerning the transportation and taking away of sand, pebbles and stones necessary for filling up and construction operations.
This Legislative Decree aims at soil and environment protection. This Legislative Decree is composed of 6 articles. Article 1 defines the zones from which it may be allowed to take away or transport sand, pebbles and stones in accordance with Ancient Law of 1970. Article 2 prohibits transportation or taking away of sand, pebbles and stones unless a previous licence from the Agriculture and Municipalities Department has been obtained. Article 3 defines the requirements and conditions for the transportation of the aforementioned materials. Article 4 contains offences and penalties.
Legislative Decree No. 3 of 1994 on the division of lands destined for development and construction.
This Legislative Decree aims at land and environmental planning. The present Decree is composed of 20 articles. Article 1 deals with terms and definitions. Article 2 specifies the scope of this Decree. Article 3 defines requirements and conditions for the division of land. Article 4 decrees that the division of land or amendment of division should be adopted by the Ministry of Housing in accordance with provisions of this Decree and of its Implementing Regulations. Requirements and conditions for the division and planning of land shall be provided for in the Implementing Regulations (art.
Resolution No. 2 of 1997 issuing the Implementing Regulation of Legislative Decree No. 3 of 1994 on the division of lands destined for development and construction.
This Implementing Regulation explains and specifies provisions of Legislative Decree No. 3 of 1994 concerning land and environment planning. The Implementing Regulation is composed of 4 Sections divided into 59 articles. Section 1 deals with terms and definitions. Section 2 specifies the objectives of this Regulation as well as the basis and standards for the division of lands. Section 3 refers to procedures adopted for the division of lands. Section 4 deals with the following matters: (a) projecting provisions; (b) complaint affairs; (c) fees; and (d) offences and penalties.
Resolution No. 67 of 2006 amending Resolution No. 43 of 2003 concerning the appropriation of land by foreigners.
This Resolution amends article 1 of Resolution No. 43 of 2003 as follows: “allowing non Bahraini citizens, whether physical person or juridical person, to appropriate land and houses in zones A, B and C of the Kingdom as well as to appropriate tourist and investment projects after the approval of the Ministerial Committee for Public Facilities”.
Amends: Resolution No. 43 of 2003 on the appropriation of lands by foreigners. (2003-08-11)