Country Profile: Bahrain
Bahrain is a small archipelago located in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia. It has a population of approximately 1.57 million, with a significant urbanization rate exceeding 90%. The nation has shifted from being a traditional oil exporter to a diversified economy, emphasizing sectors like finance, construction, and tourism. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, Bahrain navigates complex relations between its Sunni ruling family and Shia-majority population, while maintaining strategic alliances with larger neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United States.
Geography
Bahrain is situated in the Middle East, in the Persian Gulf, comprising an archipelago with a total area of 760 square kilometers. The landscape primarily consists of low desert plains, with its highest point being Jabal ad Dukhan at 135 meters. It has a coastline of 161 kilometers and is characterized by an arid climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
- Geographic coordinates: 26° N, 50° E
- Climate: Arid, with a mild winter and very hot, humid summer
- Natural resources: Oil and natural gas, along with fish and pearls
- Urbanization rate: Exceeds 90%
- Capacity for agriculture: 10.1% of land use, with only 2.6% as arable land
- Major aquifer: Arabian Aquifer System
People and Society
Bahrain has an estimated population of about 1.57 million as of 2024, with a diverse demographic composition of Bahraini (47.4%), Asian (43.4%), and other ethnic groups. The country has an almost universal literacy rate of 97.8% and enjoys a relatively high life expectancy of 80.4 years. The population is predominantly Muslim, with a notable Shia majority.
- Population (2024 est.): 1,566,888
- Languages: Arabic (official), English
- Urban population: 89.9%
- Birth rate: 12.08 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Death rate: 2.86 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- Median age: 33.5 years (2025 est.)
- Total fertility rate: 1.64 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Economy
Bahrain has transitioned into a high-income economy with a focus on diversification away from oil dependency. Its GDP was estimated at $93.937 billion (PPP) in 2024, with a growth rate of 3% projected for the same year. The country's economic structure is predominantly service-oriented, and it is establishing itself as a regional banking and finance hub.
- GDP (PPP) 2024: $93.937 billion
- Real GDP per capita: $59,100 (2024 est.)
- Unemployment rate: 1.2% (2024 est.)
- Public debt: 111.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
- Exports (2024 est.): $41.303 billion
- Major industries: Petroleum processing, aluminum production, financial services
Government
Bahrain operates under a constitutional monarchy, with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa serving as the head of state. The government comprises a bicameral legislature, including the elected Council of Representatives and the appointed Shura Council. Political societies exist, but traditional political parties are prohibited.
- Capital: Manama
- Legal system: Mixed system of Islamic law and English common law
- Suffrage: Universal at age 20
- Independence: Achieved on August 15, 1971
- National holiday: December 16 (marking independence from British protection)
Military and Security
Bahrain’s military includes the Bahrain Defense Force, which encompasses the army, navy, and air force. The country allocates 3% of its GDP to military expenditures, reflecting its regional security concerns, particularly in relation to Iran.
- Active personnel: Approximately 10,000 in the Bahrain Defense Force
- Military service age: Voluntary from age 18
- Military expenditures (2024 est.): 3% of GDP
- International alliances: Strong ties with Saudi Arabia and the US
Energy
Bahrain's energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, with a significant portion of electricity generated from natural gas. The kingdom is also working to enhance its renewable energy capabilities.
- Electricity access: 100% of the population (2022 est.)
- Total petroleum production: 190,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- Natural gas production: 19.55 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
- Electricity consumption: 35.09 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Environment
Bahrain faces environmental challenges such as desertification and water scarcity, exacerbated by its arid climate. The country is a participant in multiple international environmental agreements.
- Total water withdrawal: 275.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 47.818 million metric tonnes (2023 est.)
- Waste recycling rate: 14.1% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)
- Agricultural land use: 10.1% of total area (2023 est.)
Transportation
Bahrain has a developed transportation network, including road, air, and maritime facilities. The country has three airports and several key ports facilitating trade and travel.
- Airports: 3 (2025)
- Merchant marine: 184 vessels (2023)
- Road network: Well-developed for intra-country transport
- Civil aircraft registration prefix: A9C
Communications
Bahrain boasts a high level of connectivity with nearly all citizens having access to mobile and internet services. The communications sector is well-developed, with a growing number of broadband subscriptions.
- Internet users: 100% of the population (2023 est.)
- Mobile cellular subscriptions: 2,415,720 (2023 est.)
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 246,000 (2023 est.)
- Broadband subscriptions: 268,000 (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,566,888 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 760 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $93.937 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy consumption per capita | 554.202 million Btu | 2023 estimate |
| Birth rate | 12.08 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy at birth | 80.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy rate | 97.8% | 2024 estimate |
| Total fertility rate | 1.64 children/woman | 2025 estimate |
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