This unique guide produced by the Department of Defense provide comprehensive information about all aspects of life in Bahrain, with a special emphasis on geography, history, the economy, society, security and military matters, religion, traditions, urban and rural life, ethnic groups, crime, the environment, government, holidays, gender issues and much more.CHAPTER 1 - GEOGRAPHYIntroduction * Geographic Regions and Topographic Features * Climate * Bodies of Water * Cities * Manama * Muharraq * Hamad Town * Riffa * A'Ali * Natural Hazards * Environmental Concerns * Chapter 1 AssessmentCHAPTER 2 - HISTORYIntroduction * Early History * Dilmun * Pre-Islamic Period * Islamic Era * Islam and the Qarmatians * Local Dynasties * Portuguese and Persian Domination * Al Khalifa Era * Origins of Al Khalifa Rule * Pre-Protectorate Power Struggles * Al Khalifa Succession Battles * British Dominance * Discovery of Oil * Social Unrest * Independence * Security Concerns * Recent History * Reforms and a New Constitution * The Arab Spring and Sectarian Unrest * Aftermath of the Arab Spring Demonstrations * Chapter 2 AssessmentCHAPTER 3 - ECONOMYIntroduction * Agriculture * Crops * Livestock * Industry and Manufacturing * Energy Resources * Natural Resources * Trade * Tourism * Banking, Finance, and Currency * Investment * Transportation * Standard of Living * Organizations * Chapter 3 AssessmentCHAPTER 4 - SOCIETYIntroduction * Ethnic and Linguistic Groups * Religion * Cuisine * Traditional Clothing * Gender Issues * Arts * Pottery * Poetry * Music * Sports and Recreation * Chapter 4 AssessmentCHAPTER 5 - SECURITYIntroduction * U.S.-Bahraini Relations * Relations with Neighboring Countries * Saudi Arabia * Qatar * Iran * Military * Terrorist Groups and Violent Activities * Other Issues Affecting Stability * Economic Effects of Anti-Government Protests * Sectarian Balance and Electoral Legitimacy * Chapter 5 Assessment