Government: Ruler (amir) is head of state and head of government. Shaykh Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifa became amir in 1961; his son and designated successor, Shaykh Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa, continued to serve as deputy prime minister in 1993. National Assembly elected in 1973, dissolved in 1975; no plans in 1993 to reestablish it.
Politics: No political parties. Senior members of Al Khalifa and other notable families dominate political and economic decision making.
Foreign Relations: Shaykh Isa ibn Salman continued in 1993 to maintain friendly relations with most countries, Iraq being the principal exception. Major diplomatic activities channeled through Gulf Cooperation Council. Member of United Nations, League of Arab States, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, and Organization of the Islamic Conference.
Data as of January 1993