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During the years of 1927 through 1957 Bahrain was subject to a major period of social reform under the ruling of Charles Belgrave. The first modern schools were established, along with the American Mission Hospital, and slavery was abolished.
In 1932 oil was discovered off of Bahrain's coast bringing a rapid change to the country, and pushing them into a closer relationship with the
United Kingdom.
Bahrain fought alongside the Allies during World War II, and subsequently became a key target area for
Italian air raids on the oil refineries.
Following World War II, a leftist nationalist movement was formed, and called for the end of
British interference. Political and social uprisings ensued, as strikes and riots continued through the 1960s.
Bahrain declared their independence on August 15, 1971, and joined the United Nations that very year.
However, it wasn't exactly smooth sailing for the country, as a failed coup attempt materialized in 1981 (following the Islamic revolution in
Iran), riots were triggered in 1994 by women's participation in a sporting event, and the mid-1990s saw intermittent violence between the government and the cleric-led opposition.
King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa became head of state in 1999, releasing all political prisoners and granting women the right to vote.
Demonstrators took to the streets of Manama, Bahrain on February 14, 2011, calling for more political freedom and an end to discrimination.
Most of the modern population is concentrated around Manama, the capital city, and much of that population (about 30%) are non-Bahraini immigrants.
This land (especially Bahrain Island) is primarily barren desert, with a limestone surface. Petroleum processing and refining, as well as international banking are the major industries.
Repressive heat and humidity are commonplace here, especially in summer, and most tourists arrive in the somewhat cooler months, November - February.
