Bahrain

Bahrain—whose name means “two seas”—was one of the first Gulf states to discover oil and build a refinery. However, unlike its neighbors Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain’s oil reserves never reached the same level of production. As a result, the country has worked to diversify its economy, focusing on sectors such as finance, tourism, and services.

A Muslim nation ruled by a Sunni king, Bahrain’s ruling family holds the key political and military positions. This has contributed to long-standing tensions with the country’s Shia majority, leading to periodic unrest and episodes of civil disobedience.

Since 1971, Bahrain has also served as the strategic headquarters for the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, reinforcing its importance in regional and international security.