Overview of Bahrain

Profile

The Kingdom of Bahrain is an archipelagic nation in the central Persian Gulf, Western Asia, centered on Bahrain Island along with Muharraq and other islands. Despite its small area of only 778 km², it boasts a history as a trade hub of the ancient Dilmun civilization and was world-renowned for pearl harvesting. Oil production began in 1932, earliest in the Gulf region, and petroleum-related industries remain important; however, the economy has diversified toward financial services, aluminum refining, and tourism in recent years. Characterized by openness in international business environment and relatively tolerant social atmosphere, attracting many foreign workers and tourists.

Official name

Kingdom of Bahrain

Common name

Bahrain

Numeric code

048

Alpha-3 code

BHR

Alpha-2 code

BH

Population

1.72 million (2024 estimate) (2024)

Population density

Approximately 2,200 persons/km²

Primary languages

Arabic

Major religions

Islam

National anthem

Bahrainona (Our Bahrain)

Calling code

+973

Internet TLD

.bh

History

Developed as a trade hub from the ancient Dilmun civilization to modern times; gained independence from Britain in 1971 and transitioned to a kingdom in 2002.

Bahrain thrived as the center of the Dilmun civilization around 3000 BCE, prospering through trade linking Mesopotamia and the Indus. Following 16th-century Portuguese and Safavid rule, the Sunni Khalifa family seized power in 1783. Under British protection from the late 19th century, oil field discovery in the 1930s rapidly transformed the economy and social structure. After 1971 independence, Bahrain became a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), promoting regional cooperation, and transitioned to constitutional monarchy via 2002 constitutional amendments. The 2011 Arab Spring revealed Shia-Sunni tensions domestically, but royal-centered governance continues today.

Geography & climate

Mainly flat limestone plateau and desert, with central-southern Jabal ad Dukhan hills at 134m elevation. Coastline features tidal flats and coral reef development, with increasing artificial islands from land reclamation.

Desert climate (BW)

Area

Asia / 778 km²

Capital

Manama

Largest city

Manama

Coastal status

Yes

Politics

Government: Constitutional monarchy (coexistence of parliamentary system and royal authority)

Economy

Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD)

GDP (nominal): 444 Billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): 805 Billion International Dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Arabic

Time zone: Arabia Standard Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Bahraini Arabs, Bahraini Persians, South Asians (Indians), Pakistanis, Filipinos, Afro-Bahrainis

Life expectancy

77.5 years

Literacy rate

97.5%

National sports

Football (soccer), Cricket, Athletics, Motorsports, Basketball, Equestrian, Dragon boat

Flag

Emblem