#152 in world Asia UN member

Bahrain

Manama Asia Western Asia

Bahrain is a sovereign island nation in Western Asia, recognized as a high-income constitutional monarchy situated in the Persian Gulf. Current estimates indicate a population of approximately 1.61 million people, supported by a robust economic framework with a GDP per capita of approximately 31,218 USD.

Where is Bahrain?

Bahrain

Continent
Asia
Country
Bahrain
Coordinates
26.00°, 50.55°

Population Details

Population
1.6M
Area
765 km²
Density per km²
2,107 / km²
Growth rate
+0.73%
Annual growth
+11.8K people
Daily growth
+32.4 people
World population share
0.02%

Population Trend

Historical series from 1960 to 2026

Start 165.5K Latest 1.6M

Population & Social Snapshot

Age structure, urbanization, and benchmark indicators for Bahrain

Age Distribution

0-14 years 301.7K
15-64 years 1.2M
65+ years 62.1K

Urbanization

100.0% Urban
1.6M
Urban 1.6M
Rural 0

Health & Education Benchmarks

Life Expectancy at Birth +10%
81.4 years
World avg: 74.0 years
Fertility Rate -23%
1.81 births per woman
World avg: 2.35 births per woman
Infant Mortality Rate -61%
7.3 per 1,000 live births
World avg: 18.6 per 1,000 live births
Literacy Rate (Adults) +9%
97.8 % of adults
World avg: 89.5 % of adults
Internet Users +38%
100.0 % of population
World avg: 72.5 % of population

Demographics

Quick Facts

Capital
Manama
Region
Asia
Area
765 km²
Languages
Arabic
Currency
Bahraini dinar (.د.ب)
Timezones
UTC+03:00
UN Member
Yes

Economy

The economy is driven by a mix of natural resources and a highly developed services sector, including finance and tourism. Recent data shows an annual GDP growth of 2.6%, contributing to a total GDP of approximately 47.1 billion USD. Latest rankings place Bahrain at a GDP per capita rank of 54 of 212 globally and 6 of 17 within Western Asia. The labor market remains exceptionally tight, with an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which ranks 180 of 186 globally (largest first).

Society

Bahrain excels in human development, maintaining a life expectancy at birth of 81.4 years, which holds a global rank of 41 of 215. The nation has achieved a 100% urban population and leads the world in digital connectivity, ranking 1 of 212 globally for the percentage of internet users. Education is a national priority, reflected in an adult literacy rate of 97.8%, placing the country at a rank of 47 of 170 globally.

Climate & Environment

Bahrain features an arid climate characterized by extremely hot, humid summers and mild, pleasant winters. During the peak summer months, temperatures frequently exceed 40 °C (104 °F), while winter averages often settle around 17 °C (63 °F).

Government & Politics

Government Type
Constitutional monarchy
Independence
1971-08-15 (UK)

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy where the King serves as the head of state with broad executive powers, including the appointment of the Prime Minister and the cabinet. The political system is supported by a bicameral National Assembly. This legislature consists of the Council of Representatives, which is elected by universal suffrage, and the Shura Council, whose members are appointed by the monarch. This dual-chamber approach is designed to balance popular representation with expert consultation. The legal system incorporates elements of English common law and Islamic Sharia, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of a society where approximately 69.7% of the population is Muslim. Administratively, the kingdom is divided into four governorates, all managed from the capital, Manama. The government has prioritized political stability and economic liberalization since the adoption of the National Action Charter, which transformed the state from an emirate into a kingdom.

History

The history of Bahrain dates back millennia to the Dilmun civilization, an ancient trading empire that flourished because of the island's strategic position and freshwater springs. In the 7th century, the region was among the first to adopt Islam. Following several centuries of Portuguese and Persian influence, the Al Khalifa family gained control of the islands in 1783. The 19th century brought British involvement, and Bahrain became a British protectorate in 1861, ensuring maritime protection in exchange for control over foreign relations. On 15 August 1971, Bahrain gained full independence from the United Kingdom. A pivotal moment in its modern development occurred in 1932 when oil was discovered, making it the first state on the Arabian side of the Persian Gulf to strike petroleum. This discovery fueled rapid modernization and a transition away from the traditional pearling industry. In 2002, the country officially became a kingdom, introducing significant political reforms. Today, the nation is a member of the United Nations and the Gulf Cooperation Council, playing a key role in regional diplomacy and commerce while maintaining a high life expectancy of 81.4 years.

Notable Facts

  • Bahrain is the first nation in the Middle East to achieve a 100% internet penetration rate among its population.
  • The King Fahd Causeway is a 25 km (15.5 mi) series of bridges and causeways that connects the island nation to mainland Saudi Arabia.
  • The kingdom hosted the first Formula 1 Grand Prix in the Middle East, an event that has become a cornerstone of its tourism and sports sectors.
  • Bahraini pearl diving history is recognized by UNESCO, honoring a legacy that was the primary economic driver before the discovery of oil in 1932.
  • The Tree of Life, a 400-year-old tree, grows in the desert with no apparent water source near the highest point of Jabal ad Dukhan at 122 m (400 ft).

Geography

Highest Point
Jabal ad Dukhan (122 m)
Lowest Point
Persian Gulf (0 m)
Coastline
161 km

Explore weather and climate data for cities in Bahrain

Monthly averages for Manama

January
Excellent
Temp
19°C / 17°C
Feels Like
18°C / 15°C
Rain
3days (16 mm) Excellent
Sun
9.6h Good
Humidity
73% Muggy
February best
Excellent
Temp
19°C / 18°C
Feels Like
19°C / 15°C
Rain
1days (5 mm) Excellent
Sun
10.3h Excellent
Humidity
72% Muggy
March best
Excellent
Temp
22°C / 20°C
Feels Like
23°C / 19°C
Rain
1days (4 mm) Excellent
Sun
10.9h Excellent
Humidity
71% Muggy
April best
Excellent
Temp
26°C / 24°C
Feels Like
29°C / 25°C
Rain
1days (9 mm) Excellent
Sun
11.7h Excellent
Humidity
70% Muggy
May
Fair
Temp
31°C / 29°C
Feels Like
35°C / 30°C
Rain
0days (1 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.8h Excellent
Humidity
66% Muggy
June
Poor
Temp
34°C / 32°C
Feels Like
39°C / 35°C
Rain
0days (0 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.9h Excellent
Humidity
63% Muggy
July
Poor
Temp
35°C / 33°C
Feels Like
43°C / 38°C
Rain
0days (1 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.5h Excellent
Humidity
66% Muggy
August
Poor
Temp
36°C / 34°C
Feels Like
44°C / 40°C
Rain
0days (0 mm) Excellent
Sun
12.2h Excellent
Humidity
68% Muggy
September
Poor
Temp
34°C / 32°C
Feels Like
41°C / 37°C
Rain
0days (0 mm) Excellent
Sun
11.2h Excellent
Humidity
66% Muggy
October
Fair
Temp
31°C / 29°C
Feels Like
35°C / 32°C
Rain
0days (1 mm) Excellent
Sun
11h Excellent
Humidity
69% Muggy
November best
Excellent
Temp
26°C / 25°C
Feels Like
29°C / 25°C
Rain
1days (4 mm) Excellent
Sun
10.5h Excellent
Humidity
69% Muggy
December best
Excellent
Temp
22°C / 20°C
Feels Like
22°C / 19°C
Rain
1days (6 mm) Excellent
Sun
9.8h Good
Humidity
73% Muggy
Month Temp Feels Like Rain Sun Humidity Status Details
January 19°C / 17°C 18°C / 15°C 3days (16 mm) Excellent 9.6h Good 73% Muggy Excellent View Details
February best 19°C / 18°C 19°C / 15°C 1days (5 mm) Excellent 10.3h Excellent 72% Muggy Excellent View Details
March best 22°C / 20°C 23°C / 19°C 1days (4 mm) Excellent 10.9h Excellent 71% Muggy Excellent View Details
April best 26°C / 24°C 29°C / 25°C 1days (9 mm) Excellent 11.7h Excellent 70% Muggy Excellent View Details
May 31°C / 29°C 35°C / 30°C 0days (1 mm) Excellent 12.8h Excellent 66% Muggy Fair View Details
June 34°C / 32°C 39°C / 35°C 0days (0 mm) Excellent 12.9h Excellent 63% Muggy Poor View Details
July 35°C / 33°C 43°C / 38°C 0days (1 mm) Excellent 12.5h Excellent 66% Muggy Poor View Details
August 36°C / 34°C 44°C / 40°C 0days (0 mm) Excellent 12.2h Excellent 68% Muggy Poor View Details
September 34°C / 32°C 41°C / 37°C 0days (0 mm) Excellent 11.2h Excellent 66% Muggy Poor View Details
October 31°C / 29°C 35°C / 32°C 0days (1 mm) Excellent 11h Excellent 69% Muggy Fair View Details
November best 26°C / 25°C 29°C / 25°C 1days (4 mm) Excellent 10.5h Excellent 69% Muggy Excellent View Details
December best 22°C / 20°C 22°C / 19°C 1days (6 mm) Excellent 9.8h Good 73% Muggy Excellent View Details

Temperature

42°C 36°C 30°C 24°C 18°C 12°C 6°C JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
HighLow

Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 19°C / 17°C . Feb: 19°C / 18°C . Mar: 22°C / 20°C . Apr: 26°C / 24°C . May: 31°C / 29°C . Jun: 34°C / 32°C . Jul: 35°C / 33°C . Aug: 36°C / 34°C . Sep: 34°C / 32°C . Oct: 31°C / 29°C . Nov: 26°C / 25°C . Dec: 22°C / 20°C .

Rainfall

0 mm 5 mm 10 mm 15 mm 20 mm 25 mm JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rainfall

Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 16 mm. Feb: 5 mm. Mar: 4 mm. Apr: 9 mm. May: 1 mm. Jun: 0 mm. Jul: 1 mm. Aug: 0 mm. Sep: 0 mm. Oct: 1 mm. Nov: 4 mm. Dec: 6 mm.

Frequently Asked Questions

The population of Bahrain is approximately 1.6M (2024).

The capital of Bahrain is Manama.

Bahrain's GDP per capita is $31.2K (2024).

Life expectancy in Bahrain is 81.42 years (2024).

Bahrain covers 765 km² (295 sq mi).

Bahrain is very densely populated, with 2,107 people per km², far exceeding the global average of 60.

Bahrain's population is growing steadily at 0.7% per year, in line with global averages.

Yes — based on GDP per capita, Bahrain falls in the high GDP-per-person tier at $31.2K. Official World Bank income groups use Atlas-method GNI per capita, so this is a GDP-based comparison rather than an official income-group label.

Bahrain reports a very low intentional homicide rate of 0.2 per 100,000 people — among the safest in the world by this measure.

The official language of Bahrain is Arabic.

Bahrain uses the Bahraini dinar (.د.ب) as its sole official currency.

Bahrain is an island nation and shares no land borders.

The best months to visit Bahrain are February, March, April, November, December, based on climate data for the capital.

According to the latest available estimates, Bahrain has a population of approximately 1.61 million people. This reflects a steady annual growth rate of 0.73%, with the entire population residing in urban areas. The country currently holds a global population rank of 152 of 215, making it one of the smaller nations by headcount in the Western Asia region.

Recent data indicates that Bahrain's GDP per capita is approximately 31,218 USD. This economic indicator places the nation at a rank of 54 of 212 globally and 6 of 17 in the Western Asia subregion. The country's wealth is largely built on its strategic position in the Persian Gulf and a successful transition into a regional financial hub.

Bahrain is a global leader in digital infrastructure, with 100% of its population identified as internet users. This extraordinary level of connectivity earns the nation a global rank of 1 of 212 for internet penetration. Such comprehensive access supports the country's goals for a modern, technology-driven economy and exceptionally high levels of social and digital engagement.

The adult literacy rate in Bahrain is high, reaching 97.8% according to recent data. This achievement positions the country at a rank of 47 of 170 globally for literacy. Such strong educational outcomes are a result of sustained investment in public schooling and the government's long-term commitment to developing a highly skilled and competitive workforce.

Bahrain is an island nation with a total land area of 765 km² (295 sq mi). It features a coastline of 161 km (100 mi) and a highest point of 122 m (400 ft) at Jabal ad Dukhan. The country maintains a very high population density of approximately 2,015 people per km² (5,219 per sq mi).

The estimated 2026 population of Bahrain is approximately 1.61 million people. This figure is based on recent projections from the latest official 2024 population of 1,588,670. The population continues to grow at a steady annual rate of 0.73%, driven by natural increase and the presence of a large expatriate community.

Bahrain is currently ranked 152nd in the world by population size among 215 countries. Within its regional context, it ranks 44th of 49 countries in Asia and is the 17th most populous nation in the Western Asia subregion. It is the smallest country in Western Asia by total population.

Bahrain has an extremely high population density of 2,015 people per km² (5,219 per sq mi), based on 2026 estimates. This makes it the 6th most densely populated country in the world and the 4th in Asia. The high density is due to its small land area of 765 km² (295 sq mi).

The latest fertility rate in Bahrain is 1.8 births per woman. This level is slightly below the global replacement average of 2.1 children per woman. The rate has decreased over recent decades as the nation has modernized, mirroring demographic shifts seen across other high-income economies in the Middle East.

Current data indicates that 100% of Bahrain's population lives in urban areas, ranking the country 1st globally for urbanization. There is no rural population because the entire archipelago is integrated into the infrastructure of Manama and other major hubs. This makes it one of the world's most urbanized nations.

All Indicators

Explore Bahrain's data across 50+ indicators

Last updated: