Bahrain is composed of small islands off eastern shore of Arabian Peninsula . Ruling population is Sunni , but Shiite Muslims make up two - thirds of population . Ships of the Fifth Fleet , naval arm of American forces in Mideast , based there . Oil makes up 10 % of economy but reserves are tiny compared to those of neighbors .
Bahrain is chain of small islands off eastern shore of Arabian Peninsula . Ruling family is Sunni , but Shiite Muslims make up two-thirds of population . HQ of U.S. Fifth Fleet , naval arm of American forces in Mideast , based there . Oil makes up 30 % of economy but reserves are tiny compared to those of neighbors .