Country Profile: Bahrain

Bahrain is a small archipelago in the Persian Gulf situated to the east of Saudi Arabia. With a population of approximately 1.57 million, this constitutional monarchy has historically depended on oil, but has undertaken significant steps to diversify its economy, enhancing sectors such as banking, tourism, and manufacturing. Governed by the Sunni Al-Khalifa family since 1783, Bahrain grapples with internal tensions due to its Shia-majority population, which has resulted in sporadic protests advocating for democratic reforms. Despite these challenges, Bahrain continues to align its foreign policies closely with Saudi Arabia while expanding its international partnerships.

Geography

Bahrain is located in the Middle East as an archipelago in the Persian Gulf, characterized by a mainly low desert plain. The total area of the country is 760 square kilometers, with no land boundaries, and a coastline stretching 161 kilometers. The climate is arid, featuring mild winters and extremely hot summers, while natural resources include oil and natural gas.

• 0 km: Total land boundaries.
• 12 nm: Territorial sea claims.
• 161 km: Coastline.
• 135 m: Highest elevation at Jabal ad Dukhan.
• 10.1%: Percentage of land used for agriculture (2023).
• 90%+: Urbanization rate.

People and Society

Bahrain's estimated population is about 1,566,888 as of 2024, with a significant proportion of expatriates. The country exhibits a diverse demographic, comprising 47.4% Bahraini citizens and a substantial Asian community. Arabic is the official language, and Islam is the predominant religion. The nation has an urbanization rate exceeding 89.9%, indicating a concentrated population in urban areas like the capital, Manama.

• 1.57 million: Total population (2024 est.).
• 33.5 years: Median age (2025 est.).
• 80.4 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
• 97.8%: Literacy rate (2024 est.).
• 12.08 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.).
• 99.9%: Access to improved drinking water sources (2022 est.).

Economy

Bahrain has a high-income economy that has diversified beyond oil, focusing on sectors like services and tourism. As of 2024, the Real GDP is estimated at $93.937 billion, with a per capita GDP of $59,100. The economy is characterized by a heavy reliance on oil revenues, and the government is currently facing high public debt levels.

• $93.937 billion: Real GDP (PPP, 2024 est.).
• 3%: Real GDP growth rate (2024 est.).
• 1.2%: Unemployment rate (2024 est.).
• $5.538 billion: Government revenues (2020 est.).
• 43.4%: Industry sector contribution to GDP (2023 est.).
• $41.303 billion: Exports (2024 est.).

Government

Bahrain operates as a constitutional monarchy, with King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa as the head of state and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa serving as head of government. While political parties are prohibited, political societies are allowed. The country has a bicameral National Assembly consisting of an elected lower house and an appointed upper house.

• 4 governorates: Administrative divisions.
• 20 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
• 3%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
• 1: National holiday celebrated on December 16.
• 100%: Access to sanitation facilities (2022 est.).

Military and Security

The Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) encompasses the army, navy, and air force, focusing primarily on territorial defense and internal security in collaboration with Saudi Arabia and the US. The military relies on older US armaments and has an active personnel strength of approximately 10,000.

• 3%: Military expenditures as a percentage of GDP (2024 est.).
• 10,000: Active personnel in the BDF (2025 est.).
• 18+ years: Age of voluntary military service.
• Indivisible security ties: With Saudi Arabia emphasized by Bahraini leaders.

Energy

Bahrain's energy sector is predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, with nearly all electricity produced from these sources. The installed electricity generation capacity is 7.031 million kW, meeting the needs of a fully electrified population.

• 100%: Electrification of the total population (2022 est.).
• 190,000 bbl/day: Total petroleum production (2023 est.).
• 99.7%: Share of electricity generation from fossil fuels (2023 est.).
• 19.55 billion cubic meters: Natural gas production (2023 est.).

Transportation

Bahrain's transportation infrastructure includes 3 airports and a merchant marine fleet consisting of 184 vessels. The country operates several ports that facilitate trade, significantly enhancing its economic connectivity.

• 3: Number of airports (2025).
• 4: Total ports (2024).
• 184: Total merchant marine vessels (2023).

Communications

Bahrain boasts a high degree of connectivity, with nearly the entire population having access to the internet. The telecommunications network includes a mix of fixed and mobile subscriptions, facilitating efficient communication.

• 100%: Internet usage rate (2023 est.).
• 2.4 million: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.).
• 246,000: Fixed line subscriptions (2023 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,566,888	2024 estimate
Area	760 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$93.937 billion	2024 estimate
Energy consumption	554.202 million Btu/person	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