Bahrain is a small Arab island nation that is found in the Persian Gulf and which does not share borders with any other country. Though Bahrain attained independence in 1971 it boasts of quite a long and ancient history. It is quite strategically located in the Persian Gulf, and was therefore influenced by the Sumerians, Babylonians, Persians, Assyrians, Arabs, and the Portuguese. If you were to delve deep into the history of this beautiful island, you will find it both mesmerizing and fascinating. Bahrain which was a British Protectorate became one of the most flourishing places in the world with the discovery of oil.
Bahrain is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, which if translated from Arabic means ‘Kingdom of the Two Seas’. Saudi Arabia lies to its west and to its south east lies the Gulf of Bahrain. Bahrain has been under the influence of various rulers since the ancient times and which is the reason for its varied and mixed culture. The discovery of oil in 1932 made Bahrain the first place in the Persian Gulf to have oil wells. With the discovery of oil wells, the pearling industry, which was hitherto the mainstay of Bahrain’s economy, took a beating.
During the Second World War, Bahrain fought on the side of the allies and it was a key base for the allies. The National Union Committee, a leftist National movement, was formed in 1954 which called for the end of British interference in the region. With no significant results the movement intensified and was followed by strikes and riots. The British moved out its troops from the region in the early 1960s, paving the way for the independence of Bahrain. However, Iran tried to claim the island, but the United Nations stepped in and allowed Bahrain to form an independent state. Bahrain attained its independence on August 15, 1971.