# Hamad II of Bahrain > King of Bahrain since 2002 and Emir from 1999 to 2002 **Wikidata**: [Q57352](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57352) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamad_bin_Isa_Al_Khalifa) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hamad-ii-of-bahrain ## Summary Hamad II of Bahrain is the King of Bahrain, a role he has held since 2002, having previously served as the Emir from 1999 to 2002. As the country's head of state since March 6, 1999, he leads a constitutional monarchy located in the Persian Gulf. He is a recipient of numerous international orders and awards, recognizing his status as a sovereign and political leader. ## Biography - **Born:** January 28, 1950 - **Nationality:** Bahrain - **Education:** United States Army Command and General Staff College - **Known for:** Serving as King of Bahrain and Head of State - **Employer(s):** Government of Bahrain (Head of State) - **Field(s):** Politics, Sovereignty ## Contributions Hamad II of Bahrain has led the Kingdom of Bahrain through significant political transitions. His tenure as head of state, beginning March 6, 1999, oversaw the country's evolution from an Emirate to a Kingdom in 2002. Under his leadership, Bahrain operates as a constitutional monarchy with Manama as its capital. He serves as the highest authority in the nation, presiding over a government headed by the Crown Prince, Salman bin Hamad. His reign is noted for maintaining Bahrain's strategic geopolitical presence in the Persian Gulf and its membership in international bodies such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization. ## FAQs **What is Hamad II of Bahrain's background?** Hamad II was born on January 28, 1950. He was educated at the United States Army Command and General Staff College. **When did Hamad II become the leader of Bahrain?** He became the Head of State on March 6, 1999. He served as Emir from 1999 until 2002, when he became King of Bahrain. **What awards has Hamad II of Bahrain received?** He has received numerous international honors including the Order of the Republic (Egypt), Order of Al-Khalifa, Supreme Order of the Renaissance (Jordan), Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud (Saudi Arabia), Order of Zayed (UAE), and the Legion of Merit (United States), among many others. **How is Hamad II related to the government of Bahrain?** Hamad II is the Head of State of Bahrain, a constitutional monarchy. The Head of Government is Salman bin Hamad, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, who took office on November 11, 2020. ## Why They Matter Hamad II of Bahrain matters significantly as the stabilizing head of state for a key geopolitical entity in the Persian Gulf. As the leader of Bahrain since 1999, he has navigated the country's transition to a constitutional monarchy and maintained its status as a sovereign state with a high Human Development Index. His leadership influences the country's strategic alliances with major powers like the US and UK, and his long tenure provides continuity in a region of critical global economic and political importance. ## Notable For - **Head of State:** Serving as King of Bahrain since 2002 and Emir from 1999. - **Sovereign Status:** Holding the highest authority in Bahrain since March 6, 1999. - **International Recognition:** Recipient of dozens of prestigious orders, including the Order of the Nile, Order of Zayed, and Legion of Merit. - **Military Education:** Being an alumnus of the United States Army Command and General Staff College. - **Political Leadership:** Presiding over a constitutional monarchy with a population of over 1.5 million. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Hamad II of Bahrain was born on January 28, 1950. His educational background includes training at the United States Army Command and General Staff College, a United States army graduate school. This military education has contributed to his background as a leader in the region. ### Political Career and Titles Hamad II's official tenure as the head of state began on March 6, 1999. Initially holding the title of Emir, he transitioned to the title of King of Bahrain in 2002. He functions as a sovereign and politician, leading the country which is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain. The political system under his leadership is a constitutional monarchy. He works alongside the head of government, Salman bin Hamad, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, who assumed office on November 11, 2020. ### Awards and Honors Hamad II has been recognized with a vast array of international orders and decorations. His awards include: * **Egypt:** Order of the Republic and Order of the Nile. * **Jordan:** Supreme Order of the Renaissance, Order of the Star of Jordan, and Order of al-Hussein bin Ali. * **Saudi Arabia:** Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud. * **United Arab Emirates:** Order of Zayed. * **United States:** Legion of Merit. * **United Kingdom:** Order of Saint Michael and Saint George. * **Spain:** Order of Isabella the Catholic. * **France:** National Order of Merit. * **Indonesia:** Star of the Republic of Indonesia. * **Other honors:** Order of Al-Khalifa (Bahrain), Civil Order of Oman, Order of the Two Rivers (Iraq), Order of the Crown (Iran), Order of the Crown of the Realm (Malaysia), Order of the Crown of Brunei, Order of the Throne (Morocco), Order of Mohammed (Morocco), Order of the Southern Cross (Brazil), Order of the Netherlands Lion, Order of Vytautas the Great (Lithuania), Order of Makarios III (Cyprus), and the Order of the Rajamitrabhorn (Thailand). ### Context of Governance Hamad II leads Bahrain, a sovereign state and island country in the Persian Gulf. The nation covers an area of 786.5 square kilometers and has a population estimated at 1,569,666 in 2023. The country operates with Manama as its capital. Under his rule, the country maintains distinct administrative governorates and utilizes the Bahraini dinar as its currency. The country's official religion is Islam (Malikism school), and the official language is Arabic. Bahrain holds membership in the United Nations (joined September 21, 1971), the League of Arab States, and the World Trade Organization. The nation maintains diplomatic relations with key global powers including the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, and China. ## References 1. Catalog of the German National Library 2. Integrated Authority File 3. BnF authorities 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Roglo 6. Munzinger Personen 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. BBC Things 9. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 10. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/c9prv6pw1lzp7j0)