the Kingdom of Bahrain
Muslim (Shia and Sunni) 81.2%, Christian 9%, other 9.8% (2001 census). Sunni- led government, yet a Shia majority population. 

Petroleum production and refining: 60% of Bahrain's, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP
Free Trade Agreement w/US in 2006. Major exports also include aluminum. 

revenues: $8.07 billion

expenditures: $8.673 billion (2012 est.)

Deficit: -2.3% of GDP (2012 est.)

Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar: 0.376 (2012 est.)

Bahrain is home to Bahrain Polytechnic Institute, where they offer courses necessary to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Information and Communications Technology. Their courses include

• Management Information Systems
• Networking
• Programming
• Database Systems

clude 

Debt - external:

$27.54 billion (31 December 2012 est.) The Bahraini protests (aka "The Pearl Revolution" and "The February 14 Revolution." began in February 2011, seeking more political freedom and equality for the Shia majority population. The protests also called for the end of the monarchy of Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa. In March 2011, the government sent in police and troops to Manama where protesters were camping out at the Pearl Roundabout. Troops form Saudi Arabia and UAE were called in as well to quell the protesters.Even though these protests are only being brought to attention on a large scale now, Bahrainians have been demanding social, economic, and political rights since the early 20th century. It seems that they have become more noticed now because of protests happening all over the Arab world. the protests in Bahrain have been more violent than others throughout the Arab world, with constant clashes between police, military personnel, and the protesters. During the protests, dozens of Shiite mosques and religious structures were damaged or destroyed.  The vast majority of protesters were Shiite, but were not demanding any religious changes. Instead, demands were for democracy, human rights, and improvement in public services.   Bahrain is a very key outpost for the US Navy; the Fifth Fleet is stationed there. Because of the country's proximity to Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, it plays a key role in the Iraq War and keeping oil shipments secure.   Pearl Roundabout before: After:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ba.html
http://guides.library.cornell.edu/content.php?pid=259276&sid=2163172

http://www.infoplease.com/country/bahrain.html?pageno=3

http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/105-%20Popular%20Protests%20in%20North%20Africa%20and%20the%20Middle%20East%20-III-The%20Bahrain%20Revolt.ashx