| The Countries of Qatar &Bahrain |
| Qatar Government and History? Qatar started out as a country a long time ago, when the Al Thani family moved from Central Arabia in the earley 1800s to settle near Doha (the capital of Qatar). The Al Kahalifa family ruled Qatar from Bahrain. By 1868, Britan helped negotiate an end to Bahrain's control over Qatar and signed a treaty with Mohammed bin Thani. Long after that, the country of Qatar became a hereditary monarchy headed by an emir. An emir is a ruler or prince, in Muslim countries. A provisional constitution was promulgated in 1972, but emirs rule according to the ancient Arab tradition of reaching a consensus after consulting with leading citizens. Members of the Al Thani family occupy many of the top posts. A council of Ministers and Majils al-Shara (advisory council), composed of 35 appointed citizens which advise the emir. The appointed judiciary is comprized of mostley non-Qatars because few nations are trained in law. Adlea (civil) code quids judicial practice, but Shari (Islamic law) is applied in family affairs and criminal proceedings. |
| Bahrain Bahrain is a country in Southwest Asia. The population in Bahrain is 629,090. Two hundred and twenty seven people are non Bahrains. The goverenment is a traditional monarchy. Most key government positions are held by the al-Khalifa family members. The country has employeed the traditional Islamic administrative system of the majils, which allows people to petition the emir directly. The emir is a very respected leader. In practice, the few times avalible citizens to meet with the emir reduces the interaction to greetings and other pleasantries rather than serious discussion. But it still gives people contact with the monarchy. Bihrain has no legislature, but the 40 appointed members of the shura council can be nonroyal citizens. There are not yet no political parties. |
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| Above is a picture of an Birainian preying and talking to national leaders. |
| Above is a McDonalds in Bihrain. This picture shows that Bahrain has some of the same similarities as the US. |
| Bibliography http://www.bahrain.gov.bh/english/index.asp http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ba.html |
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| This is a picture of an erg in Qatar. In the background you can see more ergs and a small village. |
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| Above is a picture of Qatar curency or money |