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 majority urbanized, particularly around the capital, Manama. The country's economy, originally reliant on substantial oil reserves, has shifted towards diversification through sectors such as finance, manufacturing, and tourism. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, Bahrain has seen ongoing tensions between its Sunni ruling family and Shia-majority population, impacting its political landscape.

Geography

Bahrain's geographic coordinates are 26°N latitude and 50°E longitude, making it strategically positioned in the Persian Gulf. The total area is 760 square kilometers, comparable to 3.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. The climate is arid, characterized by mild winters and extremely hot and humid summers. Bahrain features a coastline of 161 kilometers and has no land boundaries.

• 760 sq km - Total area (2023)
• 161 km - Coastline length
• 0 km - Land boundaries
• 2.6% - Arable land (2023)
• 4.3% - Forest cover (2023)
• 90% - Urbanization rate exceeds 90% (2023)
• 135 m - Highest point at Jabal ad Dukhan

People and Society

As of 2024, Bahrain's population stands at approximately 1.57 million, with a notable gender imbalance of 1.5 males for every female. The median age is 33.4 years, reflecting a youthful demographic structure. Arabic is the official language, while Islam is the predominant religion, with Muslims comprising around 74.2% of the population. High literacy rates and a significant urban population underscore the country's educational advancements.

• 1.57 million - Total population (2024)
• 97.8% - Literacy rate (total population, 2024)
• 18.1% - Population aged 0-14 years (2024)
• 80.4 years - Life expectancy (total, 2024)
• 0.82% - Population growth rate (2024)
• 12.2 births/1,000 - Birth rate (2024)
• 100% - Access to improved drinking water (2022)

Economy

Bahrain boasts a high-income, diversified economy primarily driven by oil and aluminum exports. The economy has been diversifying into services and tourism sectors to reduce dependency on oil revenues. In 2024, the estimated GDP is around $93.9 billion, with a GDP per capita of $59,100. The unemployment rate remains low at approximately 1.2%, reflecting the country's robust economic policies.

• $93.9 billion - Estimated GDP (2024)
• $59,100 - GDP per capita (2024)
• 3% - Real GDP growth rate (2024)
• 51.9% - Services sector contribution to GDP (2023)
• 1.2% - Unemployment rate (2024)
• $41.3 billion - Exports (2024)
• $33 billion - Imports (2024)

Government

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a political system characterized by a mix of Islamic law and Western legal principles. The king serves as head of state, while a prime minister oversees government functions. The country has a bicameral legislature comprising an elected Council of Representatives and an appointed Shura Council. Political parties are prohibited, but political societies operate within the political framework.

• King HAMAD bin Isa Al-Khalifa - Chief of state since 1999
• Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al-Khalifa - Prime minister since 2020
• 4 - Number of governorates
• 20% - Women in the lower house of legislature (2022)
• Universal suffrage - Voting age is 20 years
• National Day - Celebrated on 16 December (1971)
• 15 August 1971 - Independence from the UK

Military and Security

The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) includes the army, navy, and air force, with a total active personnel of around 10,000. Military expenditure accounts for about 3% of the GDP. The BDF has been actively involved in regional security frameworks and partnerships, particularly with the United States. The country does not enforce compulsory military service.

• 3% - Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP (2024)
• 10,000 - Active personnel in the BDF
• 18 years - Minimum age for voluntary military service
• Naval Forces Central Command - Hosts the US 5th Fleet
• Major Non-NATO Ally - Designated status by the US (2003)

Energy

Bahrain's energy sector is predominantly fueled by fossil fuels, contributing to the nation's economy. In 2023, Bahrain's total petroleum production reached 190,000 barrels per day, and natural gas production was 19.55 billion cubic meters. The country relies on a high percentage of fossil fuels for electricity generation, with 99.7% of its capacity sourced from these fuels.

• 190,000 bbl/day - Petroleum production (2023)
• 99.7% - Electricity generation capacity from fossil fuels (2023)
• 100% - Electrification rate (2022)
• 35.09 billion kWh - Total electricity consumption (2023)
• 19.55 billion cubic meters - Natural gas production (2023)

Environment

Bahrain faces several environmental challenges, including desertification and water resource depletion. The arid climate exacerbates issues such as drought, while coastal regions suffer from degradation due to oil spills and industrial activities. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these challenges.

• 100% - Improved sanitation access (2022)
• 14.1% - Municipal solid waste recycled (2022)
• 951,900 tons - Annual municipal solid waste generated (2024)
• 116 million cubic meters - Total renewable water resources (2022)
• 47.818 million metric tonnes - CO2 emissions (2023)

Transportation

Bahrain has a developing transportation infrastructure that includes multiple airports and a merchant marine fleet. The country features three major airports and several heliports, facilitating both passenger and cargo transport. The transportation sector is a critical part of Bahrain's economy, with key ports serving as gateways for trade.

• 3 - Total airports (2025)
• 184 - Merchant marine vessels (2023)
• 4 - Major ports (2024)
• 8 - Heliports (2025)

Communications

Bahrain's communication infrastructure is well-developed, with a high rate of mobile and internet usage across the population. The country maintains several state-run and private broadcasting services, ensuring access to diverse media content. The internet penetration rate is at 100%, reflecting widespread connectivity among citizens.

• 100% - Internet user rate (2023)
• 2.42 million - Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
• 246,000 - Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2023)
• 268,000 - Fixed broadband subscriptions (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,566,888	Estimated for 2024
Area	760 sq km	Total area
GDP (PPP)	$93.9 billion	Estimated for 2024
Energy consumption per capita	554.2 million Btu/person	Estimated for 2023
Birth rate	12.2 births/1,000 population	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment rate	1.2%	Estimated for 2024
Life expectancy	80.4 years	Estimated for 2024
Total CO2 emissions	47.818 million metric tonnes	Estimated for 2023
Literacy rate	97.8%	Estimated for 2024
Military expenditure	3% of GDP	Estimated for 2024