Bahrain

U.S. Department of StateBackground Notes: Bahrain, October 1996Bureau of Public AffairsOfficial Name: State of BahrainPROFILEGeographyArea: 693 sq. km. (268 sq. mi.); about four times the size of Washington, DC. Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of 33 islands, only six of them inhabited.Cities: Capital--Manama (pop. 145,000--1993 est.). Other city--Al Muharraq (81,000--1993 est.).Terrain: Low interior plateau and hill on main island.Climate: Hot and humid from May-September, temperate from October-April.PeopleNationality: Noun and adjective--Bahraini(s).Population (1996 est.): 586,000; 66% indigenous.Ethnic groups: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%.Religions: Shi'a and Sunni Muslim.Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu.Education: Attendance--73%. Literacy (1990 est.)--77% (male 82%, female 69%).Work force (1987 est.): 197,000 (about 44% indigenous, 56% expatriate). Industry and commerce--74%. Services--19%. Agriculture--4%. Government--3% ... [Read More]

Bahrain

U.S. Department of State [Read More]

Bahrain
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1997 Human Rights Report - Bahrain

In the event of divorce, the courts routinely grant Shi'a and Sunni women custody of daughters under the age of 9 and sons under age 7, although custody usually reverts to the father once the children reach those ages. In all circumstances except mental incapacitation, the father, regardless of custody, retains the right to make certain legal decisions for his children such as guardianship of any property belonging to the child until the child reaches legal age. A non-Bahraini woman automatically loses custody of her children if she divorces their Bahraini father. Women may obtain passports and leave the country without the permission of the male head of the household. Women are free to work outside the home, to drive cars without escorts, to wear the clothing of their choice, and have increasingly taken jobs previously reserved for men. The Labor Law does not discriminate against women; however, in practice, there is discrimination in the workplace, including inequality of wages ... [Read More]

Bahrain (11/04)
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Bahrain
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V. Country Narratives -- Countries A through G
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