Country Profile: Bahrain
Bahrain is a small archipelago located in the Persian Gulf, strategically positioned between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The nation has a diverse population of approximately 1.57 million people, characterized by a mix of ethnic groups including a significant Shia majority and a Sunni ruling family. Economically, Bahrain has transitioned from its reliance on oil production to a more diversified economy, focusing on finance, retail, and tourism. The political landscape is marked by a constitutional monarchy, facing challenges in managing ethnic and sectarian tensions while maintaining stable governance and foreign relations.
Geography
Bahrain is located in the Middle East, comprising a series of islands in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia. The country has a total area of 760 sq km, making it about 3.5 times the size of Washington, D.C. The terrain consists of mostly low desert plains, and it has a coastline of 161 km. The climate is primarily arid, with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
- 0 km land boundaries
- Highest point: 135 m at Jabal ad Dukhan
- 90% urbanization rate, with Manamah being the largest urban area
People and Society
Bahrain's estimated population is 1,566,888 as of 2024, with a gender distribution of 940,022 males and 626,866 females. The society is primarily Arab, with a notable number of Asian expatriates. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by 74.2% of the population. The country boasts a high literacy rate of 98%.
- 18.1% of the population is aged 0-14 years
- Median age is 33.4 years
- 1.5 males for every female in the total population (2024 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth: 80.4 years (2024 est.)
Economy
Bahrain's economy is classified as high-income, heavily relying on oil and aluminum exports, while increasingly diversifying into services and finance. The GDP (PPP) in 2024 is estimated to be $93.937 billion. The real GDP growth rate is projected at 3% for 2024, with the unemployment rate remaining low at 1.2%.
- GDP per capita stands at $59,100 (2024 est.)
- Public debt as a percentage of GDP was 111.6% (2020 est.)
- Exports are valued at $41.303 billion (2024 est.)
- Leading industries include petroleum processing and Islamic banking
Government
Bahrain operates under a constitutional monarchy, with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa as head of state since 1999. The government is characterized by a bicameral legislature, including an elected lower house and an appointed upper house. The constitution adopted in 2002 remains in effect, underpinning a mixed legal system of Islamic law and English common law.
- 4 governorates: Asimah, Janubiyah, Muharraq, Shamaliyah
- Universal suffrage at 20 years of age
- National holiday on 16 December, marking independence from British protection
Military and Security
The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) comprises the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with an estimated strength of 10,000 active personnel. Military expenditures are projected at 3% of GDP for 2024. The BDF plays a critical role in maintaining internal security and participates in regional security cooperation.
- The National Guard consists of approximately 3,000 personnel
- Bahrain hosts the US Naval Forces Central Command
- Military service is voluntary for individuals aged 18 and above
Energy
Bahrain's energy sector is primarily driven by fossil fuels, with 99.7% of electricity generated from these sources. The country's petroleum production is approximately 190,000 bbl/day. Bahrain's electricity access is universal, with installed capacity reaching 7,031 million kW in 2023.
- Natural gas consumption at 19.878 billion cubic meters (2023)
- Total CO2 emissions reached 47.818 million metric tonnes (2023)
Environment
Bahrain faces significant environmental issues, including desertification and limited freshwater resources. The country is party to several international environmental agreements, aimed at addressing climate change and biodiversity.
- 10.3% of land is agricultural, with most land used for urban development
- Annually generates 951,943 tons of municipal solid waste (2016 est.)
Transportation
Bahrain has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, consisting of multiple air and sea connections. The country is home to 3 airports and a merchant marine fleet of 184 vessels.
- 4 major ports including Al Manamah and Khalifa Bin Salman
- 8 heliports (2025 est.)
Communications
Bahrain has a robust telecommunications network, with total mobile cellular subscriptions at 2.42 million. The entire population has access to the internet, reflecting a fully digital society.
- 100% of the population uses the internet (2023)
- Fixed broadband subscriptions total 268,000 (2023 est.)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,566,888 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 760 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $93.937 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Energy consumption per capita | 554.202 million Btu/person | 2023 estimate |
| Birth rate | 12.2 births/1,000 population | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment rate | 1.2% | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 80.4 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy rate | 98% | 2023 estimate |
| Military expenditures | 3% of GDP | 2024 estimate |
| Urban population | 89.9% | 2023 estimate |
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