(Population circa 1,855,207)

Bahrain’s National Days are on 16 and 17 December. That’s two designated days in which to celebrate this island kingdom, when schools and virtually all businesses in Bahrain are closed, and their national flag is flown everywhere.

Bahrain is an island nation with an archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial ones. Together with several other Arabian Gulf territories, this island nation was a British Protectorate in the 1960s. According to the Protectorate Treaty, the British would offer protection to Bahrain in the event of attacks by sea. However, the catch was that Bahrain was FORBIDDEN to build international relations with any other nation without the consent of Britain. The agreement effectively allowed Britain indirect, but near-absolute, control over this island nation.

World War 2 brought sweeping changes to the global landscape, and Bahrain was no exception. Discontent about British Rule had been simmering for a while but would soon spill over. Numerous protests took place and conflict /riots became more commonplace. On August 15, 1971, the two countries finally signed an agreement that freed Bahrain from being a British Protectorate.

Four months later Britain left Bahrain and Bahrain became an independent country.

Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa was Bahrain’s first Emir and ascended the throne on December 16, 1971 when the country became independent. He was responsible for introducing numerous reforms that transformed the economy and brought stability to the country.

Bahrain has risen to become the financial hub of the Arabian Gulf and the country celebrates its independence every year on the 16^th and 17^th of December with fireworks, shows and a range of cultural events

Also in this series by Ian Carse: Finland