The citizens of Baharin today celebrated their National Day.
The discovery of oil in 1932 brought rapid modernization to Bahrain, according to Wikipedia.
US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, speaking in Washington, DC, extended the congratulations of President Obama and the people of the United States, to the people of Barbados.

Ms. Clinton said both countries have shared a long history of partnership built on mutual interest and mutual respect.
She stressed that the United States values the friendship, rooted in the history of our people-to-people ties dating back to the early years of the 20th century.
“We look forward to working closely with the Government of Bahrain and all Bahrainis on the important endeavor of building a prosperous, secure, and peaceful future for your nation.” -Ms. Clinton
Women’s political rights in Bahrain improved when women were granted the right to vote and stand in national elections for the first time in the 2002 election.