Sunni Islamist legislators support a greater role for shari'a in
daily life; several small leftist and Islamic fundamentalist groups
are active

International organization participation:
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICCt
(signatory), ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
IOC, IPU, ISO, ITU, ITUC, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN,
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Nasir bin Muhammad al-BALUSHI
chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111
FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador William T. MONROE
embassy: Building #979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club),
Block 331, Zinj District, Manama
mailing address: American Embassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE
09834-5100; international mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama
telephone: [973] 1724-2700
FAX: [973] 1727-0547

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

Economy Bahrain

Economy - overview:
With its highly developed communication and transport facilities,
Bahrain is home to numerous multinational firms with business in the
Gulf. Petroleum production and refining account for about 60% of
Bahrain's export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 20% of
GDP, underpinning Bahrain's strong economic growth in recent years.
The financial and construction sectors have also bolstered GDP
growth. Bahrain is actively pursuing the diversification and
privatization of its economy to reduce the country's dependence on
oil. As part of this effort, Bahrain and the US in August 2006
implemented a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the first FTA between the
US and a Gulf state. Unemployment, especially among the young, and
the depletion of oil and underground water resources are major
long-term economic problems.

GDP (purchasing power parity):
$17.7 billion (2006 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate):
$12.12 billion (2006 est.)

GDP - real growth rate:
7.6% (2006 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP):
$25,300 (2006 est.)

GDP - composition by sector:
agriculture: 0.5%
industry: 3