| BAHRAINI GOVERNMENT STATS: |
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Administrative divisions 5 governorates; Asamah, Janubiyah, Muharraq, Shamaliyah, Wasat note: each governorate administered by an appointed governor |
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Capital city > Geographic coordinates
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26 14 N, 50 34 E |
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Constitution
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adopted 14 February 2002 |
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Corruption
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5.8 |
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[36th of 160]
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Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address PSC 451, Box 660, FPO AE 09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama |
Executive branch > Cabinet Cabinet appointed by the monarch |
Executive branch > Chief of state King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969) |
Flag description red, the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states, with a white serrated band (five white points) on the hoist side; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam |
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Government type
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constitutional monarchy |
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Independence
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15 August 1971 (from UK) |
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Judicial branch
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High Civil Appeals Court |
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Legal system based on Islamic law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
Legislative branch bicameral legislature consists of the Consultative Council (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of Representatives or Chamber of Deputies (40 seats; members directly elected to serve four-year terms) |
National holiday National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection |
Political parties and leaders political parties prohibited but political societies were legalized per a July 2005 law |
Political pressure groups and leaders Shia activists; Sunni Islamist legislators |
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Status
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pseudo-democracy |
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Suffrage 20 years of age; universal |
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Trademarks, residents
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379
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[45th of 98]
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Transnational Issues > Disputes > International
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none |
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