Country Profile: Bahrain

Bahrain is a small archipelago situated in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia. With a population of approximately 1.57 million, it is characterized by a high degree of urbanization. The nation has a mixed economy that primarily relies on oil and aluminum but has been actively diversifying into finance, hospitality, and tourism sectors. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, Bahrain has experienced ongoing sociopolitical challenges particularly with its Shia-majority population and is strategically aligned with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Geography

Bahrain is an archipelago located in the Middle East and has a total area of 760 square kilometers. The terrain consists mainly of low desert plains, with no significant land boundaries and a coastline of 161 kilometers. The country's climate is arid, featuring mild winters and hot, humid summers.

Area: 760 sq km
Coastline: 161 km
Highest Point: 135 m (Jabal ad Dukhan)
Lowest Point: 0 m (Persian Gulf)
Urbanization Rate: Exceeds 90%

People and Society

As of 2024, Bahrain's estimated population stands at 1,566,888, with a notable majority being Bahraini nationals. The country is ethnically diverse, comprising 47.4% Bahraini, 43.4% Asian, and other groups. Arabic is the official language, while English is widely spoken. The population experiences a high urban concentration, primarily in the capital city, Manama.

Population: 1,566,888 (2024 est.)
Urban Population: 89.9% (2023)
Literacy Rate: 97.8% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy: 80.4 years (2024 est.)
Median Age: 33.5 years (2025 est.)

Economy

Bahrain's economy is classified as high-income and has been diversifying from oil dependency to a more balanced structure with significant contributions from the services sector. The nation's real GDP (PPP) is projected to reach nearly $93.94 billion by 2024. Despite its economic advancements, Bahrain grapples with high public debt and economic vulnerabilities.

Real GDP (PPP): $93.937 billion (2024 est.)
GDP Growth Rate: 3% (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate: 1.2% (2024 est.)
Public Debt: 111.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
Labor Force: 913,300 (2024 est.)

Government

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy, with a king who acts as the chief of state. The National Assembly includes a bicameral legislature made up of the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council. Political parties are prohibited, but political societies exist, leading to a unique political landscape.

Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
Capital: Manama
Suffrage: Universal at age 20
Last Legislative Elections: November 2022
Next Expected Elections: November 2026

Military and Security

The Bahrain Defense Force is tasked with the nation's defense and internal security, operating under the Ministry of Interior. Military expenditures constitute about 3% of GDP, and Bahrain participates actively in regional security initiatives, notably in cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the US.

Military Expenditures: 3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Active Military Personnel: Approximately 10,000
Year Established: Bahrain Defense Force in 1968

Energy

Bahrain's energy landscape is primarily centered around fossil fuels, with a notable electricity generation capacity that meets the needs of its population (100% electrification). The country is also engaged in renewable energy advancements while continuing to rely heavily on oil and natural gas.

Electricity Generation Capacity: 7.031 million kW (2023 est.)
Total Petroleum Production: 190,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Natural Gas Production: 19.55 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)

Environment

Bahrain faces environmental challenges such as desertification, water scarcity, and coastal degradation. It is a party to several international agreements aimed at combating climate change and promoting biodiversity.

Water Resources: Total renewable water resources: 116 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Carbon Dioxide Emissions: 47.818 million metric tons (2023 est.)
Agricultural Land: 10.1% of total area (2023 est.)

Transportation

Bahrain has a well-established transportation infrastructure, including three airports and a merchant marine fleet. The country's ports are essential for trade and logistics, particularly concerning oil exports.

Airports: 3 (2025)
Ports: 4 (2024)
Merchant Marine: 184 vessels (2023)

Communications

With 100% internet access and a well-developed telecommunications system, Bahrain facilitates extensive communication capabilities for its population.

Internet Users: 100% (2023 est.)
Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 2,415,720 (2023 est.)
Fixed Line Subscriptions: 246,000 (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	1,566,888 (2024 est.)
Area	760 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$93.937 billion (2024 est.)
Unemployment Rate	1.2% (2024 est.)
Life Expectancy	80.4 years (2024 est.)
Literacy Rate	97.8% (2024 est.)
Total Energy Consumption per Capita	554.202 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Electric Power Consumption	35.09 billion kWh (2023 est.)