HomeCountries & Areas…Bahrain hide Bahrain Subscribe View Fact Sheet Embassies & Consulates Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs International Travel Information What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc. International Travel Information: Learn More Current Travel Advisories Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Learn More U.S. Relationship These are excerpts from the U.S. Relations With Bahrain U.S.-Bahrain Relations U.S. Assistance to Bahrain Bilateral Economic Relations U.S.-Bahrain Relations The U.S. established diplomatic relations with Bahrain in 1971 following its independence from the United Kingdom. The U.S. embassy at Manama was opened September 21, 1971, and a resident ambassador was sent in 1974. The Bahraini Embassy in Washington, DC, opened in 1977. The American Mission Hospital has operated continuously in Bahrain for more than a century. U.S. Assistance to Bahrain The Government of Bahrain plays a key role in the Gulf’s security architecture and is an important member of the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition. U.S. assistance enables Bahrain to continue to obtain the equipment and training it needs to provide for its own defense and to operate alongside U.S. air and naval forces. U.S. assistance also strengthens Bahrain’s interoperability for regional The Government of Bahrain plays a key role in the Gulf’s security architecture and is an important member of the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition. U.S. assistance enables Bahrain to continue to obtain the equipment and training it needs to provide for its own defense and to operate alongside U.S. air and naval forces. U.S. assistance also strengthens Bahrain’s interoperability for regional security and counterterrorism cooperation; boosts Bahrain’s maritime defenses against smuggling and terrorism; and improves Bahrain’s ability to deny terrorist sponsorship, support, and sanctuary in a manner that respects the human rights of its residents. Collapse U.S. Assistance to Bahrain Read more about U.S. Assistance to Bahrain Bilateral Economic Relations Due to relatively limited energy reserves, Bahrain has been diversifying its economy away from oil and gas production and provides a climate that is seeking to attract foreign investment and businesses. The U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement took effect on August 1, 2006, and has generated increased U.S. commercial interest in Bahrain. In 2019, bilateral merchandise trade reached $2.45 billion, with Due to relatively limited energy reserves, Bahrain has been diversifying its economy away from oil and gas production and provides a climate that is seeking to attract foreign investment and businesses. The U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement took effect on August 1, 2006, and has generated increased U.S. commercial interest in Bahrain. In 2019, bilateral merchandise trade reached $2.45 billion, with an additional $1.5 billion of trade in services in 2019. U.S. exports to Bahrain include aircraft, machinery, and motor vehicles. The leading U.S. imports from Bahrain include aluminum, oil, textiles, and plastics. Collapse Bilateral Economic Relations Read more about Bilateral Economic Relations Integrated Country Strategies The Integrated Country Strategy is the four-year strategy articulating U.S. priorities in a given country. The Chief of Mission leads the strategy. View Integrated Country Strategies Investment Climate Statements The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates. View Investment Climate Statements Fiscal Transparency Report The Fiscal Transparency Report analyzes government transparency and identifies needed changes to improve public spending accountability. View Fiscal Transparency Report Discover More 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report View all Department Reports and Publications Highlights March 16, 2024 Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Bahraini Crown Prince-Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa March 12, 2024 Taking Coordinated Actions with Bahrain against Supporters of Al-Ashtar Brigades January 10, 2024 Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa January 10, 2024 Secretary Blinken’s Remarks to the Press December 16, 2023 Bahrain National Day VIEW ALL NEWS Tags Bahrain Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs