Constitutional Framework
Since the 18th century, the head of the Al Khalifa, the country's ruling family, has assumed the title of Amir. A constitution promulgated in 2002 established Bahrain as a constitutional hereditary monarchy whose head of state is now titled king. Under the new constitution the executive is composed of a prime minister, who is head of the government, and a Council of Ministers, all of whom are appointed by the king. The legislative branch consists of two houses: a 40-member Consultative Council that is also appointed by the king and a 40-member Chamber of Deputies that is elected by universal adult suffrage.
Rulers of Bahrain
Ahmad Al Fateh
1783-1796
Salman bin Ahmad Al Khalifa
1796-1825
Abdullah bin Ahmad Al Khalifa
1796-1843
Khalifah bin Salman Al Khalifa
1825-1834
Muhammad bin Khalifa Al Khalifa
1834-1869
Muhammad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa
1869
Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa
1869-1932
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
1932-1942
Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
1942-1961
Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa
1961-1999
Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
1999 to date
Page Last Updated: 12 Jul, 2018