Bahrain

Bahrain (Al-Mamlaka Al-Bahrayn or Kingdom of Bahrain) is a country in the Middle East, forming an archipelago of 36 low-lying islands. It is situated in the Persian Gulf, with Saudi Arabia to the west, and has a population of less than 750,000.

The country has been in the control of the Khalifa family since 1783, although increasing British influence prompted a declaration of independence in 1971. A National Assembly, elected under the terms of the 1973 constitution, never served it's four year term as the Amir of Bahrain, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, announced its dissolution in 1975 in favour of rule by decree. His successor oversaw Bahrains transition to a kingdom in 2002, becoming King of Bahrain.

Although the National Assembly was reinstated in 2002, control of the country rests with the King, who appoints all judges and much of the government.