History of Bahrain
Bahrain was the site of Dilmun, a trade center that thrived intermittently from about 2600 to 600 B.C. on the shipping route between Mesopotamia and the Indus River Valley. After Dilmun's decline, little is known of Bahrain until about 1500 A.D., when it came under control first of the Portuguese and later of the Persians. The Persians were driven out in 1783 when the family of the present ruler gained power.
By the 1800's, a number of European nations were attempting to colonize the area. Great Britain succeeded in gaining the strongest influence, and it persuaded Bahrain to accept its protection. Under treaties between the two countries, Bahrain remained independent except in its foreign affairs and defense, which were handled by Britain. In 1971 Bahrain ended its relationship with Britain, becoming fully independent. In 1986 an overseas causeway linking Bahrain with Saudi Arabia was completed. Bahrain's leader died suddenly in 1999 and was succeeded by his son, the crown prince Hamad. He was responsible for many political reforms, such as establishing an elected legislature, and giving women the right to vote and to hold office.
In February, 2002, after approval from Bahraini voters, emir Shik hamad bin Isa A-Khalifa declared himself king and Bahrain to be a constitutional monarchy.