RICHMOND, Va. — Bahrain is the third smallest country in Western Asia, located just off the Persian Gulf. Bahrain became an independent country in less than 50 years and secured full independence in 1971. Bahrain is a very small island, and its capital is called Manama. Approximately 70% of Bahrain’s people are Shia, but the ruler is Sunni. Bahrain is home to the Tree of Life, a symbol of Judaism. Music and art are also important aspects of Bahraini culture.
inequality
Approximately 1 in 13 Bahrainis live below the poverty line. Bahrain is home to many wealthy people and is considered by many to be a divided society. On the other hand, poverty in Bahrain is a serious problem that requires more attention to solve. While much of the population lives above comfort, some live on almost nothing. Some areas of Bahrain have large buildings and structures, beautiful cities, and there are also small, undeveloped cities.
Opportunities are hard to find in Bahrain, some parts of the population have little, and a huge disparity exists between the rich and the poor. Many employment opportunities in Bahrain are targeted at immigrants and foreign tourists rather than local residents. People living in poverty generally live in small villages on the outskirts of cities.
Inequality is high in Bahrain, mainly due to wage disparities, making life even more difficult for people who start with nothing. It is unlikely to improve the quality of life for struggling Bahrainis and their families. Data also shows that there is a large disparity in spending between the rich and the poor in Bahrain.
poverty
The Borgen Project spoke to a senior military officer who was stationed in Bahrain for three years. The interviewees have lived in Bahrain for a period of time and therefore have first-hand knowledge of what Bahrainis’ daily life is like. Although poverty in Bahrain is not as severe as in other parts of the world, it still exists and requires attention.
Interviewees highlighted the existence of poverty in Bahrain in recent interviews. “Poverty, as usually defined, is relatively low in Bahrain.” [less than 8% of the populace]. Daily life in Bahrain is similar to that of any rich, Westernized city. ” What was later explained during the interview was the disparity in wealth among Bahrainis.
What is interesting is that “Bahrain does not allow its citizens to become “workers”.” They are not plumbers, electricians, construction workers, maids, housekeepers, nannies, etc. All of the labor involved in building huge skyscrapers, highways, and even naval bases is 100% imported from India, Pakistan, and Indonesia. , Sri Lanka and other countries with poor citizens who need jobs.
health care
Recently, the Bahraini government further restricted access to health care for some Bahraini families. Currently, poverty in Bahrain affects approximately 1 in 13 of society’s members. This number could easily be even higher due to limited free access to public health services. This is seen in societies around the world, with statistical evidence that countries that provide free health services are more likely to have lower poverty rates.
education
Bahrain’s education system is excellent, with almost 100% of children attending primary and secondary school. Public education in Bahrain began in his year 1919 and today all citizens are entitled to free public education. The majority of Bahrain’s population is literate, and the government monitors student performance.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has been a member of the United Nations since 1971 and has a set of Sustainable Development Goals, the first two of which are zero poverty and zero hunger. The United Nations contributes to achieving these goals, with 3.3% of its funds earmarked for poverty eradication and 4.4% for hunger.
For the future
This year, Bahrain submitted its second voluntary national report on progress towards its 2020 development goals. The Kingdom is based on a “leave no one behind” strategy in an effort to ensure equal opportunities for all Bahrainis. Poverty in Bahrain has increased since 2010, due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the development strategy looks to 2030 with the hope that poverty will decline again.
According to an interviewee, “Bahrain’s “disparities” are much smaller than in other Middle Eastern countries, and the country continues to improve as a society despite being strongly influenced by the West.” The current Crown Prince (who will one day become King) actually attended a high school run by the US Department of Defense (most of which are military personnel from the US and UK). ” They also explained that the government is making great efforts to reduce poverty in Bahrain and cares deeply about the indigenous people. Imported labor faces some of the biggest challenges within Saudi Arabia, and typically faces the highest levels of poverty in Bahrain.
– Alessandra Cowardine
Photo: Wikimedia Commons