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Bahrain Flag of Bahrain Map of Bahrain Introduction Bahrain
Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf
countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign
affairs among its larger neighbors. Possessing minimal oil
reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and
refining, and has transformed itself into an international
banking center. The new amir is pushing economic and political
reforms, and has worked to improve relations with the Shi'a
community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a
referendum on the National Action Charter - the centerpiece of
the amir's political liberalization program. Geography Bahrain
Geographic coordinates: 26 00 N, 50 33 E Map references: Middle
East total: 665 sq km water: 0 sq km land: 665 sq km Area -
comparative: 3.5 times the size of Washington, DC Land
boundaries: 0 km 161 km Maritime claims: contiguous zone: 24 NM
territorial sea: 12 NM continental shelf: extendin