Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Bahrain
Kingdom of Bahrain
CapitalManama
Population1,600,366
GDP$49.0bn
Area787 km²
RegionMiddle East, North Africa, Afghanistan & Pakistan
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
Background
In 1783, the Sunni AL-KHALIFA family took power in Bahrain. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its independence in 1971. A steady decline in oil production and reserves since 1970 prompted Bahrain to take steps to diversify its economy, in the process developing petroleum processing and refining, aluminum production, and hospitality and retail sectors. It has also endeavored to become a leading regional banking center, especially with respect to Islamic finance. Bahrain's small size, central location among Gulf countries, economic dependence on Saudi Arabia, and proximity to Iran require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Its foreign policy activities usually fall in line with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In 2022, the United States designated Bahrain as a major non-NATO ally.
The Sunni royal family has long struggled to manage relations with its Shia-majority population. In 2011, amid Arab uprisings elsewhere in the region, the Bahraini Government responded to similar pro-democracy and reform protests at home with police and military action, including deploying Gulf Cooperation Council security forces. Ongoing dissatisfaction with the political status quo continues to factor into sporadic clashes between demonstrators and security forces. In 2020, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates signed the US-brokered Abraham Accords with Israel. In 2023, Bahrain and the United States signed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement to enhance cooperation across a wide range of areas, from defense and security to emerging technology, trade, and investment.
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2020, 2011The Sunni royal family has long struggled to manage relations with its Shia-majority population. In 2011, amid Arab uprisings elsewhere in the region, the Bahraini Government responded to similar pro-democracy and reform protests at home with police and military action, including deploying Gulf Cooperation Council security forces. Ongoing dissatisfaction with the political status quo continues to factor into sporadic clashes between demonstrators and security forces. In 2020, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates signed the US-brokered Abraham Accords with Israel. In 2023, Bahrain and the United States signed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement to enhance cooperation across a wide range of areas, from defense and security to emerging technology, trade, and investment.
Geography
Location
Middle East, archipelago in the Persian Gulf, east of Saudi Arabia
Map references
Middle East
Area
total: 760 sq km
land: 760 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 760 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative
3.5 times the size of Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries
total: 0 km
Coastline
161 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: extending to boundaries to be determined
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Terrain
mostly low desert plain rising gently to low central escarpment
Elevation
highest point: Jabal ad Dukhan 135 m
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
Natural resources
oil, associated and nonassociated natural gas, fish, pearls
Land use
agricultural land: 10.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5% (2023 est.)
forest: 4.3% (2023 est.)
other: 84.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5% (2023 est.)
forest: 4.3% (2023 est.)
other: 84.2% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
40 sq km (2012)
Reference: 2012Major aquifers
Arabian Aquifer System
Population distribution
smallest population of the Gulf States, but urbanization rate exceeds 90%; largest settlement concentration is found on the far northern end of the island in and around Manamah and Al Muharraq
Natural hazards
periodic droughts; dust storms
Geography - note
close to primary Middle Eastern petroleum sources; strategic location in Persian Gulf, through which much of the Western world's petroleum must transit to reach open ocean
Population & Society
Nationality
noun: Bahraini(s)
adjective: Bahraini
adjective: Bahraini
Ethnic groups
Bahraini 47.4%, Asian 43.4%, other Arab 4.9%, African 1.4%, North American 1.1%, Gulf Co-operative countries 0.9%, European 0.8%, other 0.1% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Languages
Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu
major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s): كتاب حقائق العالم، المصدر الذي لا يمكن الاستغناء عنه للمعلومات الأساسية (Arabic)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Muslim 74.2%, other (includes Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Baha'i) 25.8% (2020 est.)
Reference: 2020Age structure
0-14 years: 18.1% (male 143,399/female 139,667)
15-64 years: 77.7% (male 762,190/female 454,616)
65 years and over: 4.3% (2024 est.) (male 34,433/female 32,583)
Reference: 202415-64 years: 77.7% (male 762,190/female 454,616)
65 years and over: 4.3% (2024 est.) (male 34,433/female 32,583)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 28.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 23.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 18.2 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 23.3 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 5.5 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 18.2 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 33.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 34.6 years
female: 31.2 years
Reference: 2024male: 34.6 years
female: 31.2 years
Population growth rate
0.82% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
12.2 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
2.8 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population distribution
smallest population of the Gulf States, but urbanization rate exceeds 90%; largest settlement concentration is found on the far northern end of the island in and around Manamah and Al Muharraq
Major urban areas - population
709,000 MANAMA (capital) (2023)
Reference: 2023Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.68 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female
total population: 1.5 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Reference: 20240-14 years: 1.03 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.68 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.06 male(s)/female
total population: 1.5 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
17 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
0.81 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking water source
improved: total: total: 99.9% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022unimproved: total: total: 0.1% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.74 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Hospital bed density
1.7 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Sanitation facility access
improved: total: total: 100% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022unimproved: total: total: 0% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
29.8% (2016)
Reference: 2016Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 1.18 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.4 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019beer: 0.4 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0.11 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.66 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 0.01 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 17.3% (2025 est.)
male: 24.3% (2025 est.)
female: 4.8% (2025 est.)
male: 24.3% (2025 est.)
female: 4.8% (2025 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
43.8% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 371 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of government | Salman bin Hamad, Crown Prince of Bahrain | — | 2020-11-11 | Current | Reported |
| Head of state | Hamad II of Bahrain | — | 1999-03-06 | Current | Reported |
Country name
conventional long form: Kingdom of Bahrain
conventional short form: Bahrain
local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn
local short form: Al Bahrayn
former: Dilmun, Tylos, Awal, Mishmahig, Bahrayn, State of Bahrain
etymology: the name means "the two seas" in Arabic and refers to the water bodies on each side of the archipelago
conventional short form: Bahrain
local long form: Mamlakat al Bahrayn
local short form: Al Bahrayn
former: Dilmun, Tylos, Awal, Mishmahig, Bahrayn, State of Bahrain
etymology: the name means "the two seas" in Arabic and refers to the water bodies on each side of the archipelago
Capital
name: Manama
geographic coordinates: 26 14 N, 50 34 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: name derives from the Arabic word al-manama, meaning "place of rest" or "place of dreams"
geographic coordinates: 26 14 N, 50 34 E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: name derives from the Arabic word al-manama, meaning "place of rest" or "place of dreams"
Administrative divisions
4 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah); Asimah (Capital), Janubiyah (Southern), Muharraq, Shamaliyah (Northern)
Legal system
mixed legal system of Islamic (sharia) law, English common law, Egyptian civil, criminal, and commercial codes; customary law
Constitution
history: previous 1973; latest adopted 14 February 2002, entry into force 14 February 2002
amendment process: proposed by the king or by at least 15 members of either chamber of the National Assembly followed by submission to an Assembly committee for review and, if approved, submitted to the government for restatement as drafts; passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both chambers and validation by the king; constitutional articles on the state religion (Islam), state language (Arabic), and the monarchy and "inherited rule" cannot be amended
Reference: 2002, 1973amendment process: proposed by the king or by at least 15 members of either chamber of the National Assembly followed by submission to an Assembly committee for review and, if approved, submitted to the government for restatement as drafts; passage requires a two-thirds majority vote by the membership of both chambers and validation by the king; constitutional articles on the state religion (Islam), state language (Arabic), and the monarchy and "inherited rule" cannot be amended
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Bahrain
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 25 years; 15 years for Arab nationals
citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Bahrain
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 25 years; 15 years for Arab nationals
Suffrage
20 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa Al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999)
head of government: Prime Minister Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (since 11 November 2020)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch
Reference: 2020, 1999head of government: Prime Minister Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al-Khalifa (since 11 November 2020)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch
election/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; prime minister appointed by the monarch
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Assembly (Al-Majlis Al-Watani)
legislative structure: bicameral
legislative structure: bicameral
Legislative branch - lower chamber
chamber name: Council of Representatives (Majlis Al-Nuwab)
number of seats: 40 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/12/2022 to 11/19/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 20%
expected date of next election: November 2026
Reference: 2026, 2022number of seats: 40 (all directly elected)
electoral system: plurality/majority
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/12/2022 to 11/19/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 20%
expected date of next election: November 2026
Legislative branch - upper chamber
chamber name: Shura Council (Majlis Al-Shura)
number of seats: 40 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/27/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: November 2026
Reference: 2026, 2022number of seats: 40 (all appointed)
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 4 years
most recent election date: 11/27/2022
percentage of women in chamber: 25%
expected date of next election: November 2026
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Cassation (consists of the chairman and 3 judges); Supreme Court of Appeal (consists of the chairman and 3 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the president and 6 members); High Sharia Court of Appeal (court sittings include the president and at least one judge)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges appointed by royal decree and serve for a specified tenure; Constitutional Court president and members appointed by the Higher Judicial Council, a body chaired by the monarch and includes judges from the Court of Cassation, sharia law courts, and Civil High Courts of Appeal; members serve 9-year terms; High Sharia Court of Appeal member appointments by royal decree for a specified tenure
subordinate courts: Civil High Courts of Appeal; middle and lower civil courts; High Sharia Court of Appeal; Senior Sharia Court; Administrative Courts of Appeal; military courts
note: note: the judiciary of Bahrain is divided into civil law courts and sharia law courts; sharia courts (involving personal status and family law) are further divided into Sunni Muslim and Shia Muslim; the Courts are supervised by the Supreme Judicial Council.
judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges appointed by royal decree and serve for a specified tenure; Constitutional Court president and members appointed by the Higher Judicial Council, a body chaired by the monarch and includes judges from the Court of Cassation, sharia law courts, and Civil High Courts of Appeal; members serve 9-year terms; High Sharia Court of Appeal member appointments by royal decree for a specified tenure
subordinate courts: Civil High Courts of Appeal; middle and lower civil courts; High Sharia Court of Appeal; Senior Sharia Court; Administrative Courts of Appeal; military courts
note: note: the judiciary of Bahrain is divided into civil law courts and sharia law courts; sharia courts (involving personal status and family law) are further divided into Sunni Muslim and Shia Muslim; the Courts are supervised by the Supreme Judicial Council.
Political parties
note: political parties are prohibited, but political societies were legalized under a July 2005 law
Reference: 2005Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Abdulla bin Rashed AL KHALIFA (since 21 July 2017)
chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111
FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192
email address and website: ambsecretary@bahrainembassy.org
https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?language=en-US&tabid=7702
consulate(s) general: New York
Reference: 2017chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111
FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192
email address and website: ambsecretary@bahrainembassy.org
https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?language=en-US&tabid=7702
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Elizabeth A. LITCHFIELD (since September 2025)
embassy: Building 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District, P.O. Box 26431, Manama
mailing address: 6210 Manama Place, Washington DC 20521-6210
telephone: [973] 17-242700
FAX: [973] 17-272594
email address and website: ManamaConsular@state.gov
https://bh.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Building 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District, P.O. Box 26431, Manama
mailing address: 6210 Manama Place, Washington DC 20521-6210
telephone: [973] 17-242700
FAX: [973] 17-272594
email address and website: ManamaConsular@state.gov
https://bh.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
15 August 1971 (from the UK)
Reference: 1971National holiday
National Day, 16 December (1971)
note: note: 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection
Reference: 1971note: note: 15 August 1971 was the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 was the date of independence from British protection
Flag
description: red, with a white serrated band of five white points on the left side
meaning: red is the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam
history: until 2002, the flag had eight white points, but this was reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag
Reference: 2002meaning: red is the traditional color for flags of Persian Gulf states; the five points represent the five pillars of Islam
history: until 2002, the flag had eight white points, but this was reduced to five to avoid confusion with the Qatari flag
National symbol(s)
a white serrated band with five white points on top of a red field
National color(s)
red, white
National anthem(s)
title: "Bahrainona" (Our Bahrain)
lyrics/music: unknown
history: adopted 1971; Mohamed Sudqi AYYASH wrote the original lyrics, but they were changed in 2002 after Bahrain became a kingdom
Reference: 2002, 1971lyrics/music: unknown
history: adopted 1971; Mohamed Sudqi AYYASH wrote the original lyrics, but they were changed in 2002 after Bahrain became a kingdom
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 3 (all cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Dilmun Burial Mounds; Qal'at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbor and Capital of Dilmun; Bahrain Pearling Path
selected World Heritage Site locales: Dilmun Burial Mounds; Qal'at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbor and Capital of Dilmun; Bahrain Pearling Path
Government & Official Links
| Institution | Official website | X / Twitter | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain official website | Official website | — | Reported · source Checked September 20, 2026 |
Institutional accounts only; personal accounts of political office-holders are excluded.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly of Bahrain | — | — | — |
Economy
Economic overview
high-income, growing Middle Eastern island economy; oil and aluminum exporter with diversification led by services, construction and manufacturing; regional finance and tourism hub; high public debt linked to oil revenue dependence and limited tax base; vulnerable to water reservoir depletion
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $93.937 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $91.185 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $87.781 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $91.185 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $87.781 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $59,100 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $57,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $57,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $57,800 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $57,600 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 0.3% (2023 est.)
industry: 43.4% (2023 est.)
services: 51.9% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2023industry: 43.4% (2023 est.)
services: 51.9% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 38.9% (2023 est.)
government consumption: 14.6% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 27.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.8% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 87.4% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -70.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2023government consumption: 14.6% (2023 est.)
investment in fixed capital: 27.5% (2023 est.)
investment in inventories: 1.8% (2023 est.)
exports of goods and services: 87.4% (2023 est.)
imports of goods and services: -70.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
lamb/mutton, dates, milk, tomatoes, chicken, eggs, sheep offal, sheepskins, eggplants, chillies/peppers (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
petroleum processing and refining, aluminum smelting, iron pelletization, fertilizers, Islamic and offshore banking, insurance, ship repairing, tourism
Industrial production growth rate
0.1% (2023 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2023note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
913,300 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 5.2% (2024 est.)
male: 2.5% (2024 est.)
female: 12.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 2.5% (2024 est.)
female: 12.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Average household expenditures
on food: 13.6% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
on alcohol and tobacco: 0.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023on alcohol and tobacco: 0.4% of household expenditures (2023 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2023: 0% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Remittances 2022: 0% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2021: 0% of GDP (2021 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $5.538 billion (2020 est.)
expenditures: $9.982 billion (2020 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2020expenditures: $9.982 billion (2020 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2020: 111.6% of GDP (2020 est.)
note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Reference: 2020note: note: central government debt as a % of GDP
Taxes and other revenues
2.8% (of GDP) (2020 est.)
note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Reference: 2020note: note: central government tax revenue as a % of GDP
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $2.282 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $2.699 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $6.839 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $2.699 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $6.839 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $41.303 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $40.344 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $44.58 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $40.344 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $44.58 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 16%, Saudi Arabia 15%, South Africa 8%, USA 6%, India 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, aluminum, iron ore, aluminum wire, jewelry (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $33.044 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $32.374 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.066 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $32.374 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.066 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 13%, Saudi Arabia 12%, UAE 11%, Brazil 8%, Australia 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
iron ore, aluminum oxide, ships, cars, gold (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2024: $4.949 billion (2024 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.118 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.775 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $5.118 billion (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $4.775 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Exchange rates
Currency: Bahraini dinars (BHD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 0.376 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.376 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.376 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.376 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.376 (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Exchange rates 2024: 0.376 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.376 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.376 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.376 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.376 (2020 est.)
Trade
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: $2.282 billion (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: $2.699 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $6.839 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: $2.699 billion (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: $6.839 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $41.303 billion (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $40.344 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $44.58 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $40.344 billion (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $44.58 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
UAE 16%, Saudi Arabia 15%, South Africa 8%, USA 6%, India 4% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
refined petroleum, aluminum, iron ore, aluminum wire, jewelry (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $33.044 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $32.374 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.066 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $32.374 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $33.066 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
China 13%, Saudi Arabia 12%, UAE 11%, Brazil 8%, Australia 7% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
iron ore, aluminum oxide, ships, cars, gold (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 7.031 million kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 35.09 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 467.898 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 480.883 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.093 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 35.09 billion kWh (2023 est.)
exports: 467.898 million kWh (2023 est.)
imports: 480.883 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 1.093 billion kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 99.7% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023solar: 0.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Coal
exports: 600 metric tons (2023 est.)
imports: 300 metric tons (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023imports: 300 metric tons (2023 est.)
Petroleum
total petroleum production: 190,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
refined petroleum consumption: 72,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 186.5 million barrels (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021refined petroleum consumption: 72,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
crude oil estimated reserves: 186.5 million barrels (2021 est.)
Natural gas
production: 19.55 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
consumption: 19.878 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 81.98 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
proven reserves: 81.383 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2021, 2020consumption: 19.878 billion cubic meters (2023 est.)
imports: 81.98 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
proven reserves: 81.383 billion cubic meters (2021 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 554.202 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 246,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
17 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 4.3% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 8.6% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.74 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Reference: 2020Hospital bed density
1.7 beds/1,000 population (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Obesity - adult prevalence rate
29.8% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 17.3% (2025 est.)
male: 24.3% (2025 est.)
female: 4.8% (2025 est.)
male: 24.3% (2025 est.)
female: 4.8% (2025 est.)
Education
School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)
total: 16 years (2023 est.)
male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023male: 15 years (2023 est.)
female: 17 years (2023 est.)
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed legal system of Islamic (sharia) law, English common law, Egyptian civil, criminal, and commercial codes; customary law
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Court of Cassation (consists of the chairman and 3 judges); Supreme Court of Appeal (consists of the chairman and 3 judges); Constitutional Court (consists of the president and 6 members); High Sharia Court of Appeal (court sittings include the president and at least one judge)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges appointed by royal decree and serve for a specified tenure; Constitutional Court president and members appointed by the Higher Judicial Council, a body chaired by the monarch and includes judges from the Court of Cassation, sharia law courts, and Civil High Courts of Appeal; members serve 9-year terms; High Sharia Court of Appeal member appointments by royal decree for a specified tenure
subordinate courts: Civil High Courts of Appeal; middle and lower civil courts; High Sharia Court of Appeal; Senior Sharia Court; Administrative Courts of Appeal; military courts
note: note: the judiciary of Bahrain is divided into civil law courts and sharia law courts; sharia courts (involving personal status and family law) are further divided into Sunni Muslim and Shia Muslim; the Courts are supervised by the Supreme Judicial Council.
judge selection and term of office: Court of Cassation judges appointed by royal decree and serve for a specified tenure; Constitutional Court president and members appointed by the Higher Judicial Council, a body chaired by the monarch and includes judges from the Court of Cassation, sharia law courts, and Civil High Courts of Appeal; members serve 9-year terms; High Sharia Court of Appeal member appointments by royal decree for a specified tenure
subordinate courts: Civil High Courts of Appeal; middle and lower civil courts; High Sharia Court of Appeal; Senior Sharia Court; Administrative Courts of Appeal; military courts
note: note: the judiciary of Bahrain is divided into civil law courts and sharia law courts; sharia courts (involving personal status and family law) are further divided into Sunni Muslim and Shia Muslim; the Courts are supervised by the Supreme Judicial Council.
Military & Security
Military and security forces
Bahrain Defense Force (BDF): Royal Bahraini Army (includes the Royal Guard), Royal Bahraini Navy, Royal Bahraini Air Force
Ministry of Interior: National Guard, Special Security Forces Command (SSFC), Coast Guard
(2025)
note: note 1: the Royal Guard is officially under the command of the Army, but exercises considerable autonomy
note 2: the Ministry of Interior is responsible for internal security and oversees police and specialized security units responsible for maintaining internal order; the National Guard's primary mission is to guard critical infrastructure such as the airport and oil fields and is a back-up to the police; the Guard is under the Ministry of Interior but reports directly to the king
Ministry of Interior: National Guard, Special Security Forces Command (SSFC), Coast Guard
(2025)
note: note 1: the Royal Guard is officially under the command of the Army, but exercises considerable autonomy
note 2: the Ministry of Interior is responsible for internal security and oversees police and specialized security units responsible for maintaining internal order; the National Guard's primary mission is to guard critical infrastructure such as the airport and oil fields and is a back-up to the police; the Guard is under the Ministry of Interior but reports directly to the king
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 3% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 3.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 3.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 4.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military Expenditures 2023: 3.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 3.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 3.6% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 4.2% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
information varies; approximately 10,000 active Bahrain Defense Force; approximately 3,000 National Guard (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military's inventory consists of a mix of equipment acquired from a wide variety of suppliers; in recent years, the US has been the leading supplier of arms to Bahrain (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18 years of age for voluntary military service; 18-55 to voluntarily join the reserves; no compulsory service (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - note
the BDF (established 1968) is responsible for territorial defense and support to internal security; its primary concern is Iran, both the conventional military threat and Tehran's support to regional terrorist groups; the BDF participates in multinational exercises and has conducted small deployments outside of the country; in 2015, for example, Bahrain joined the Saudi Arabia-led military intervention in Yemen, supplying a few hundred troops and combat aircraft
Bahrain’s closest security partners are Saudi Arabia and the US; Bahraini leaders have said that the security ties of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are “indivisible”; Saudi Arabia sent forces to Bahrain to assist with internal security following the 2011 uprising; Bahrain hosts the US Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT; established 1983), which includes the US 5th Fleet and the Combined Maritime Forces (established 2002), a coalition of more than 30 nations providing maritime security for regional shipping lanes; in 2003, the US granted Bahrain Major Non-NATO Ally status, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; Bahrain also has close security ties with the UK, which maintains a naval support facility there
Bahrain hosts the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) Unified Maritime Operations Center and is a member of the Peninsula Shield Forces, a joint military force established by the GCC countries with the aim of maintaining security and stability in the region (2025)
Reference: 2025, 2015, 2011, 2003Bahrain’s closest security partners are Saudi Arabia and the US; Bahraini leaders have said that the security ties of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are “indivisible”; Saudi Arabia sent forces to Bahrain to assist with internal security following the 2011 uprising; Bahrain hosts the US Naval Forces Central Command (USNAVCENT; established 1983), which includes the US 5th Fleet and the Combined Maritime Forces (established 2002), a coalition of more than 30 nations providing maritime security for regional shipping lanes; in 2003, the US granted Bahrain Major Non-NATO Ally status, a designation under US law that provides foreign partners with certain benefits in the areas of defense trade and security cooperation; Bahrain also has close security ties with the UK, which maintains a naval support facility there
Bahrain hosts the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) Unified Maritime Operations Center and is a member of the Peninsula Shield Forces, a joint military force established by the GCC countries with the aim of maintaining security and stability in the region (2025)
International Relations
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Abdulla bin Rashed AL KHALIFA (since 21 July 2017)
chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111
FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192
email address and website: ambsecretary@bahrainembassy.org
https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?language=en-US&tabid=7702
consulate(s) general: New York
Reference: 2017chancery: 3502 International Drive NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 342-1111
FAX: [1] (202) 362-2192
email address and website: ambsecretary@bahrainembassy.org
https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?language=en-US&tabid=7702
consulate(s) general: New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Elizabeth A. LITCHFIELD (since September 2025)
embassy: Building 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District, P.O. Box 26431, Manama
mailing address: 6210 Manama Place, Washington DC 20521-6210
telephone: [973] 17-242700
FAX: [973] 17-272594
email address and website: ManamaConsular@state.gov
https://bh.usembassy.gov/
embassy: Building 979, Road 3119, Block 331, Zinj District, P.O. Box 26431, Manama
mailing address: 6210 Manama Place, Washington DC 20521-6210
telephone: [973] 17-242700
FAX: [973] 17-272594
email address and website: ManamaConsular@state.gov
https://bh.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| Arab League (Arab League) | member | 1971-09-11 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1971-09-21 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
International organization participation
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, FAO, G-77, GCC, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNOOSA, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 371 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Terrorist group(s)
al-Ashtar Brigades; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps/Qods Force
note: note 1: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note 2: in addition to the al-Ashtar Brigades and the IRGC/Qods Force, Saraya al-Mukhtar (aka The Mukhtar Brigade) is an Iran-backed terrorist organization based in Bahrain, reportedly receiving financial and logistic support from the IRGC; Saraya al-Mukhtar's self-described goal is to depose the Bahraini Government with the intention of paving the way for Iran to exert greater influence in Bahrain; the group was designated by the US as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in Dec 2020
Reference: 2020note: note 1: details about the history, aims, leadership, organization, areas of operation, tactics, targets, weapons, size, and sources of support of the group(s) appear(s) in the Terrorism reference guide
note 2: in addition to the al-Ashtar Brigades and the IRGC/Qods Force, Saraya al-Mukhtar (aka The Mukhtar Brigade) is an Iran-backed terrorist organization based in Bahrain, reportedly receiving financial and logistic support from the IRGC; Saraya al-Mukhtar's self-described goal is to depose the Bahraini Government with the intention of paving the way for Iran to exert greater influence in Bahrain; the group was designated by the US as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in Dec 2020
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
A9C
Airports
3 (2025)
Heliports
8 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 184 (2023)
by type: general cargo 12, oil tanker 3, other 169
Reference: 2023by type: general cargo 12, oil tanker 3, other 169
Ports
total ports: 4 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 3
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Al Manamah, Khalifa Bin Salman, Mina Salman, Sitrah
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 3
small: 1
very small: 0
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Al Manamah, Khalifa Bin Salman, Mina Salman, Sitrah
Environment
Environmental issues
desertification; drought; coastal degradation from oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations; lack of freshwater resources; saline contamination from lowered water table
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Climate
arid; mild, pleasant winters; very hot, humid summers
Land use
agricultural land: 10.1% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5% (2023 est.)
forest: 4.3% (2023 est.)
other: 84.2% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023agricultural land: arable land: arable land: 2.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops: permanent crops: 2.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture: permanent pasture: 5% (2023 est.)
forest: 4.3% (2023 est.)
other: 84.2% (2023 est.)
Urbanization
urban population: 89.9% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 1.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 1.99% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 47.818 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from coal and metallurgical coke: -1,401 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 8.825 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 38.995 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from coal and metallurgical coke: -1,401 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 8.825 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from consumed natural gas: 38.995 million metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
51.8 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Methane emissions
energy: 165.3 kt (2022-2024 est.)
agriculture: 0.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 163.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 1.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019agriculture: 0.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
waste: 163.6 kt (2019-2021 est.)
other: 1.2 kt (2019-2021 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 951,900 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 14.1% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 14.1% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 275.6 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 14.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 144.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 14.1 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 144.7 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
116 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 246,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 16 (2023 est.)
Broadcast media
state-run Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation (BRTC) operates 6 terrestrial TV networks and several radio stations; satellite TV systems provide access to international broadcasts; 1 private FM station has broadcasts for Indian listeners; radio and TV broadcasts from countries in the region are available (2023)
Reference: 2023Internet country code
.bh
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1,423,726 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 1,501,116 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 1,503,091 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 1,483,756 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 1,472,204 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 1,504,365 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 1,524,693 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 1,577,059 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 1,588,670 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 1,600,366 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $33,884,680,851 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $37,204,813,830 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $39,567,978,723 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $40,446,808,511 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $35,837,632,979 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $40,840,212,766 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $46,458,191,489 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $46,192,260,638 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $47,210,732,713 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $48,965,725,532 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 785,983 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 840,202 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 11,251 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 21,614 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 32,137 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 36,803 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 42,283 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 45,263 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 45,356 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 57,160 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 46,833 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 21,958 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -25,978 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -31,967 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -5,048 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 11,882 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 18,975 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 20,002 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 22,699 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 18,128 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,600,366 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 1,675,572 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 1,569,666 | 2023 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 840,202 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 52.3% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 57,160 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | 18,128 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 267 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 130 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.172 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | -1.715 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | -1.002 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | -0.893 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | -1.466 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | -0.511 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | -1.393 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | Yes Yes Legal since 1976 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | Yes Yes Transgender people allowed to change legal gender, but only after sex reassignment surgery. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $48,965,725,532 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $30,597 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 3.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | -0.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 1.1% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | High income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 81.4 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 1.8 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 100.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 87.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 70.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 157.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 97.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 98.8% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 1.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 100.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Electric power consumption | 23,120 kWh/person | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 0.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 4.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 7.3 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 1.0% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 159.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 17.0 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 7,064 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 26.1921° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | 50.5354° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 26.0675° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | 50.5511° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC+03:00, Asia/Bahrain | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | constitutional monarchy | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, EG.USE.ELEC.KH.PC, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:12