Bahrain

Bahrain is a small island state in the Persian Gulf, linked by causeway to Saudi Arabia, with its capital at Manama. An ancient trading and pearling centre, it became a British-protected sheikhdom before gaining independence in 1971. Ruled by the Al Khalifa monarchy, it diversified beyond oil into banking and serves as a strategic naval hub in the Gulf.

• Existed: 1971 CE – present
• Type: Country
• Government: Constitutional monarchy
• Capital: Manama