The Kingdom of Bahrain is comprised of 33 islands and is located on the western side of the Persian Gulf. More than 60% of the population is native-born, and in contrast to neighboring countries, Shia Muslims outnumber Sunnis in Bahrain. Islamic, mercantile, and Arab Bedouin roots combine to create the traditional Bahraini culture. Known as a commercial trading center for over 5,000 years, Bahrain became the first Arab state in the Persian Gulf to develop an oil-based economy. Excavations indicate that this country was once home to the Dilmun—an advanced trading culture, known as the “home of the Gods.” Bahrain’s long history as a trading nation is reflected in its relatively open and liberal modern-day society. After a long period of Islamic and then Iranian rule, the Al Khalifa came to power and successfully ruled the country under British protectorate until independence in 1971. Today, Bahrain’s turn to petroleum processing and its 2002 election of the lower house of the reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly, illustrate its recent efforts to realize economic and political reforms.