The royal family of bahrain, Bahrain is a small archipelago (island group) in the Persian Gulf. It has been ruled by the al Khalifa dynasty since 1783. It became a British protectorate in the 19th century, and became independent in 1971.
The country's first elected parliament was suspended in 1975 by then-emir Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. Bahrain became a traditional monarchy.
In 1999, Sheikh Isa died suddenly of a heart attack. His son Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa assumed the throne and moved toward democratic reform.
Bahrain officially became a constitutional monarchy in 2002. It is now called the Kingdom of Bahrain, and Sheik Hamad's title has been changed from emir to king.
There is now a democratically elected parliament, although King Hamad has the right to appoint a consultative Shura council with legislative powers equal to those of parliament. Women can run for office. Political parties are still officially banned, but political societies can back candidates in elections.