About Bahrain INTRODUCTION 1. Political situation 2. Economy 3. Health 4. Education a. Universities 5. Media 6. Demographics 7. Religions 8. Peoples 9. Languages 10. History 11. Cities and Towns Rulers Until 1971: Hakims 1971-2002: Emirs Since 2002: Kings Ahmad 1783-1796 Abdullah 1796-1843 Salman 1 1796-1825 Khalifah 1825-1834 Muhammad 1 1834-1869 Muhammad 2 1869 Isa 1 1869-1932 Hamad 1 1932-1942 Salman 2 1942-1961 Isa 2 1961-1999 Hamad 2 1999-

Bahrain has no democracy; it is controlled by one family, the al-Khalifas. In recent years there has been violent opposition from the country's Shi'i majority.
The family al-Khalifa has ruled the state since 1869, and the ruler has carried the title emir since independence in 1971. Despite these restrictive factors there is more freedom of speech and action than in neighbouring countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The liberty of lifestyles in Bahrain is fairly open.
There are 5 daily newspapers in Bahrain: Khaleej Times with a circulation of about 73,000; Gulf Daily News with a circulation of about 50,000; Al-Ayam with a circulation of about 37,000; Akhbaru l-Khalij with a circulation of about 17,000; and Bahrain Tribune with a circulation of about 13,000. There are 2 radio stations (one in both Arabic and English) and one TV-station with 5 channels.

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By: Tore Kjeilen