Bahrain Independence Day is on August 15, 1971. The British removed their troops from the Suez in the early 1960s, leaving the non-independent Bahrain with a decision to make. However, Iran was claiming the island.[citation needed] Eventually, the United Nations stepped in and denied Iran’s claim, allowing Bahrain to form an independent state[citation needed]. Due to the British influence, Bahrain was able to run more efficiently compared to neighbouring countries.[citation needed][1]
Bahrain formally declared its independence on the 15th of August, 1971,[2][3] marked by the signing of a friendship treaty with the British that terminated previous agreements between the two sides.[2][4]
Although August 15 is the actual date on which Bahrain gained its independence from the British, the state does not celebrate or mark that date. Instead, the state annually celebrates the 16th of December as "National Day" to coincide with the day that former ruler Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa was coronated to the throne. As such, December 16, is a national holiday and is usually celebrated with firework displays.[5]