Official name
State of Bahrain (Dawlat al Bahrayn)
Ruler
Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.
Government type
Traditional monarchy
Capital
Manama
Administrative divisions
Al Hadd, Al Manamah, Al Mintaqah al Gharbiyah, Al Mintaqah al Wusta, Al Mintaqah ash Shamaliyah, Al Muharraq, Ar Rifa' wa al Mintaqah al Janubiyah, Jidd Hafs, Madinat Hamad, Madinat 'Isa, Juzur Hawar, Sitrah
Executive branch:
Chief of state
Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969)
Prime Minister
Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa
Judicial branch
High Civil Appeals Court
Independence
15 August 1971
National holiday
National Day, 16 December (1971)