Name: Bahrain Continent: Asia Population: 667,000 Religion: Muslim 82%; Christian 9%; Other 1%

The island of Bahrain became Arab and Muslim centered during the Muslim conquests of the 7th Century AD. It was ruled by the Portuguese in the late 1500s, then ruled by the Persians from 1602 until 1783 when the sheikhs of the Khalifa family gained control. (The Khalifa family continues to rule to this day.) In 1820 a treaty was signed with Britain and eventually Britain took over its protection. Bahrain declared its independence in August 1971 ending the British protectorate.

Timeline of Events Date Event 1521   1521 Portugal rules Bahrain 1521 - 1602 1602   1602 Persia rules Bahrain 1602 - 1783 1783   1783 Sheikhs of Khalifa begin rule of Bahrain 1971  August 1971 Bahrain declares its independence from Britain 1999 6 March 1999 Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Assumes Power in Bahrain Go here for timeline sources.