ng the
arrest of a popular Shi'a cleric, Shi'a activists have fomented
unrest sporadically since late 1994, demanding the return of an
elected National Assembly and an end to unemployment

International organization participation: ABEDA, AFESD, AL, AMF,
ESCWA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent),
ITU, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, UN, UN Security Council (temporary),
UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Dr. Muhammad ABD AL-GHAFFAR Abdallah
chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
consulate(s) general: New York

Diplomatic representation from the US:
chief of mission: Ambassador Johnny YOUNG
embassy: Building No. 979, Road 3119 (next to Al-Ahli Sports Club),
Block 3119, Zinj District, Manama
mailing address: American Embassy Manama, PSC 451, FPO AE
09834-5100; International Mail: American Embassy, Box 26431, Manama

Flag description: red with a white serrated band (eight white
points) on the hoist side

Economy

Economy--overview: In Bahrain, petroleum production and processing
account for about 60% of export receipts, 60% of government
revenues, and 30% of GDP. Economic conditions have fluctuated with
the changing fortunes of oil since 1985, for example, during and
following the Gulf crisis of 1990-91. With its highly developed
communication and transport facilities, Bahrain is home to numerous
multinational firms with business in the Gulf. A large share of
exports consists of petroleum products made from imported crude.
Construction proceeds on several major industrial projects.
Unemployment, especially among the young, and the depletion of both
oil and underground water resources are major long-term economic
problems.

GDP: purchasing power parity--$8.2 billion (1998 est.)

GDP--real growth rate: -2% (1998 est.)

GDP--per capita: purchasing power parity?$13,100 (1998 est.)

GDP--composition by sector:
agriculture: 1%
industry: 46%
services: 53% (1996 est.)

Population below poverty line: NA%

Household income or consumption by percentage share:
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%

Inflation rate (consumer prices): -0.2% (1996 est.)

Labor force: 150,000 (1997 est.)
note: 44% of the population in the 15-64 age group is non-national
(July 1