The Kingdom of Bahrain is located in the Central Persian Gulf. As a small island country, it consists of several archipelagos situated around Bahrain Island. The King Fahd Causeway, Saudi Arabia, and the Qatar Peninsula surround the country. The population of nearly 1.6 million is comprised of nearly 700,000 non-nationals, and it is the third smallest country in Asia.

Bahrain was one of the first nations in Asia to convert to Islam, and after a period of Arab rule, the country was ruled by the Portuguese, from 1521 to 1602, at which point they were overthrown by the Shah Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty, of the Persian Empire. The country declared its independence in 1971. The country’s economy is highly driven by banking and tourism sectors, and many financial institutions have a presence in the capital city of Manama.

The country is ruled under a Constitutional-Monarchy, which is headed by  King, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Ministers and the Prime Minister are appointed by the King, and he is in charge of the military branches, appointing parliament members, chairing the Judicial system, and dissolving the elected lower houses. The Bicameral National Assembly is comprised of 40 Shura Council Members, and 40 seats for the council of representative members.

Bahrain maintains international relations with 190 nations around the world, and is a member of the European Union, United Nations, and the Arab League, among other groups. Bahrain does not have a good Human Rights record. 

A 2006 report indicated that Bahrain had the fastest growing economy in the Arab world, and the freest economy in the middle east. The 2011 Index of Economic Freedom rated the country among the top 12 freest economies in the world, and is currently ranked in the top 50-freest countries in 2018. Banking and financial services sectors greatly impact the country’s economy. Demand for oil, and oil production in the country, also impact the economic returns from trade, and import/exports. Aluminum production is also great in the nation, as it is the second largest export trade from Bahrain, to international trade partners. The country is a tourist destination, with over 8 million visitors coming to the nation in 2008.

Visitors to the National Law Review can read about the latest stories and news from the country, surrounding Arab countries, and international relations. International aluminum trade, import and export laws and duties, FinTech Regulations, and Diplomatic relations, are some of the news stories which are covered on the site.