Kingdom of Bahrain
Background
Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia located near the western shore of the Persian Gulf, between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia. It consists of a small archipelago of 33 natural islands and 50 artificial islands, centered on Bahrain Island, which accounts for most of its land area. The country covers about 760 square kilometres, making it the third-smallest nation in Asia, and its capital and largest city is Manama. As of 2024, it has a population of about 1.59 million, with Bahraini nationals forming a minority of the total population.
Its importance in international affairs comes from its position in the Gulf, its role as a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and its place in regional diplomacy and security discussions. Bahrain is a high-income economy and an established financial center, with banking and tourism playing major roles alongside remaining oil revenues in government finances. In Russian foreign policy reporting, Bahrain has recently appeared in connection with regional tensions in the Persian Gulf and discussions between the foreign ministers of Russia and Bahrain on de-escalation, ceasefire, and protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Russian travel advisories have also referred to Gulf states, including Bahrain, amid broader regional hostilities.
The territory has a long historical record, including its association with the ancient Dilmun civilization and its early influence by Islam in the 7th century. Bahrain was ruled by Portugal from 1521 to 1602, later came under British protection in the late 19th century, and declared independence in 1971. Since 1783 it has been ruled by the Al Khalifa family, and in 2002 it was declared a semi-constitutional monarchy. The country has also experienced political unrest, including protests in 2011, and remains relevant in regional affairs because of its location, alliance ties, and exposure to wider Gulf security developments.
Timeline
Russia’s Foreign Ministry warned Russian citizens to avoid travel to the Kingdom of Bahrain because of the risks associated with ongoing regional hostilities.
Warning for Citizens of the Russian Federation Planning Travel AbroadThe ministry said travel to the Kingdom of Bahrain could expose Russian citizens to personal safety risks and to cancelled connecting flights.
Warning for Citizens of the Russian Federation Planning Travel AbroadBahrain’s foreign minister Abdullatif Al-Zayani and Sergey Lavrov called for an immediate ceasefire in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Press Release: On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Abdullatif Al-ZayaniBahrain and Russia jointly condemned strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Press Release: On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Abdullatif Al-ZayaniBahrain’s foreign minister discussed the conflict with Iran in a telephone conversation with Sergey Lavrov and backed a move toward negotiations.
Press Release: On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Abdullatif Al-Zayani
Documents
Press Release: On the Telephone Conversation Between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain Abdullatif Al-Zayani
Lavrov and Bahrain's FM discussed the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, jointly calling for an immediate ceasefire, negotiations, and condemning strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Warning for Citizens of the Russian Federation Planning Travel Abroad
Russia's Foreign Ministry warned citizens against travel to Gulf states amid ongoing regional hostilities, citing risks of cancelled connecting flights and personal safety concerns.