Bahrain Independence Day occurred on 15 August 1971, when the country declared independence from the
British following a
United Nations survey of the Bahraini population. The British announced the withdrawal of their troops
east of Suez in the early 1960s.
Bahrain declared its independence on 15 August 1971,
marked by the signing of a
friendship treaty with the British that terminated previous agreements between the two sides.
Although 15 August is the actual date on which Bahrain gained its independence from the British, the kingdom does not celebrate or mark that date. Instead, the state annually celebrates 16 December as
National Day, to coincide with the day that late emir (ruler)
Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa ascension to the throne. As such, 16 December is a national holiday and is usually celebrated with
firework displays. The celebration is usually held at the
Bahrain International Circuit.
References
1971 establishments in Bahrain
Society of Bahrain
Recurring events established in 1971
December observances
August observances
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