Bahrain

Bahrain is one of the most densely populated countries in the world; about 89 percent of the population lives in the two principal cities of Manama and Al Muharraq. Approximately 66 percent of the indigenous population is originally from the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. The indigenous population is almost 100 percent Muslim.

Women are more publicly active in Bahrain than most other Arab countries. Many women choose not to be completely veiled. Bahrani women are highly educated and well represented in all of the major professions. More than 25 percent of Bahraini women hold jobs outside the home. Bahraini women were given the right to vote in 2002.

The most pressing issue for many Bahraini women is the need for a unified family law. The Sharia judges ...