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
Shaikh Muhammad bin Khalifa bin Muhammad
1762-1772
Shaikh Khalifa bin Muhammad Al Khalifa
1772-1782
Shaikh Ahmad bin Muhammad Al Khalifa (Al Fatih)
1782-1795
Shaikh Salman bin Ahmad Al Khalifa
1795-1821
Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Khalifa
1821-1843
Shaikh Muhammad bin Khalifa Al Khalifa
1843-1868
Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa
1868-1869
Shaikh Muhammad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa
1869 (September- December)
Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa
1869-1932
Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
1932-1942
Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa
1942-1961
Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa
1961-1999
HRH King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
1999- Now
Page Last Updated: 12 Jul, 2018