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.
The image is of the royal family of Thailand.
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