A millennium later, the Dilmun civilization is thought to have been centered around Bahrain. And, closer to modern times, Britain's 19th-century interest in Bahrain was prompted by its desire to prevent Persian, Egyptian, and Russian influence in the region. It is also a growing tourist destination and a host to international conferences. In foreign policy, Bahrain opposes extremism. It has close relations with the USA and is, in fact, the administrative base for the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet.
Many Western nations view Bahrain as a bridge to other members of the Gulf region.
Bahrain is a small country. And when students research it, they'll find it has very few resources other than location. And its own market is wide-open. Economically, it is open to global changes in technology and trade. Culturally, it is a traditional Arab Muslim society.