In 2002, Bahrain was an independent country located in the Persian Gulf. It had a population of around 700,000 people and a largely service-based economy that was heavily reliant on oil and gas production, banking and financial services. Despite this, there were still economic challenges such as high levels of unemployment, particularly among young people and those living in rural areas. In addition, there were concerns over rising levels of poverty and inequality within the country. According to computerannals, Bahrain was a stable monarchy with strong government institutions which enabled it to address pressing issues such as crime and corruption. Furthermore, Bahrain also enjoyed close diplomatic ties with other countries in the region which enabled it to remain an important player in international affairs. In terms of development, the government began to focus on improving infrastructure and providing basic services such as healthcare and education which provided a glimmer of hope for a better future for Bahrainis. Additionally, efforts have been made by both local and international organizations to strengthen democratic institutions within the country in order to promote stability within Bahrain.

Yearbook 2002

Bahrain. On February 14, Emir Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifa proclaimed Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and himself as king.

The first local and parliamentary elections of almost 30 years were held during the year. Women were allowed to run for the first time, but none of the 31 women who ran in the May 9 local elections were elected. Islamic parties won two-thirds of the 50 seats in five local assemblies.

In the October 24 parliamentary elections, turnout was more than 50%, despite a boycott of four parties representing the Shiite majority population. They objected that the legislative power was divided between a council appointed by the king and the elected parliament. None of the eight female candidates came into Parliament, but Islamists secured 19 of the 40 seats.

In November, the king appointed six women to the council, the shura, which is beside the parliament. According to Countryaah website, national day of Bahrain is every December 16. The Council has 40 seats, including representatives of various minorities.

In August, King Hamad visited Iran. The visit was the first since the Iranian Revolution of 1979.

In May, Bahrain banned the Qatar-based Arab TV channel al-Jazira from broadcasting from within the country.

History. – Further steps towards independence were represented by the issue of postage stamps (1960) and of its own currency, the d ī n ā r del Bahrain (1965); finally in May 1970 Persia accepted, albeit with some reservations, the final report of a United Nations mission that had visited the country in April, which showed that the majority of the population was in favor of full independence. This was proclaimed on August 14, 1971, at the expiry of the treaty with Great Britain (with which a treaty of friendship was signed); in consequence the sheikh he assumed the title of Emir (August 17) and the Council of State of 12 members, which from January 1970 exercised executive power by delegation of the sheikh, was transformed into a government authorized to direct both internal and foreign affairs. In September the state was welcomed as a member of the Arab League and the United Nations. In December 1972 elections were held for a constituent assembly, and on June 2, 1973 the state constitution was approved and promulgated; in addition to the normal freedoms, it guarantees citizens free primary education and health care. A Chamber of 44 members was established (of which 14 ex officio, as members of the government, appointed by the Emir), which was however dissolved in August 1975 following irreconcilable conflicts with the government; The ultimate cause was the opposition to a law, promulgated in October 1974, which authorized the Minister of the Interior to imprison suspected elements for a period of up to 3 years, without having them appear before the courts. At the end of 1974 new pressures, especially Saudi ones, for the Bahrain to join a federation with Qatar and eventually with the states of the Truce Coast found, as in the past, a cold reception.