Bahrain
Kingdom of Bahrain
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +0.88%
Situated in Western Asia, Bahrain has a population of approximately 1.59 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. Despite covering only 765 km², the territory records a density of 2,085 people per km². Its capital is Manama, and Arabic is the official language, while the Bahraini dinar serves as the national currency.
Population
1,594,654
Area
765 km²
Density
2085/km²
World Rank
#153
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. Births occur at 12.5 per thousand against deaths at 2.1 per thousand, yielding a moderate natural surplus. The age distribution is relatively balanced, with 18.7% of residents under 15 and 3.9% over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Manama
- Region
- Asia
- Subregion
- Western Asia
- Continent
- Asia
- Languages
- Arabic
- Currencies
- Bahraini dinar (.د.ب)
- Calling Code
- +973
- Top-Level Domain
- .bh
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+03:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 1,594,654
- Land Area
- 765 km²
- Population Density
- 2,085 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +0.88%
- Annual Growth
- +14,033 people
- Daily Growth
- +38 people
- World Population Share
- 0.02%
- Coordinates
- 26.00°, 50.55°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
With a GDP per capita of roughly $29.7k, Bahrain sits comfortably in the high-income bracket by World Bank standards. The labor market is notably tight, with unemployment at just 1.1%—well below the world average.
Life Expectancy
81.3 years
GDP per Capita
$29,654
Birth Rate
12.5 per 1,000
Death Rate
2.1 per 1,000
Urban Population
100.0%
Fertility Rate
1.82 births/woman
Infant Mortality
7.2 per 1,000
Unemployment
1.1%
Literacy Rate
97.8%
Internet Users
100.0%
Under 15
18.7%
Over 65
3.9%
Health Spending
4.0% GDP
Age Distribution
0-14 years
299K
15-64 years
1.2M
65+ years
61K
Urbanization
Bahrain is overwhelmingly urban: an estimated 100% of the population lives in cities, one of the highest rates in the world. Manama serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. High density and high urbanization together create both efficiency gains and challenges around housing, transport, and environmental quality.
1.6M
100.0%
0
0.0%
Health & Education Indicators
Life expectancy reaches 81.3 years, ranking among the highest globally and reflecting robust healthcare systems and living standards. Infant mortality stands at 7.2 per thousand live births, significantly higher than the global average. The literacy rate of 97.8% is roughly in line with the world average, reflecting the current state of educational investment.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Bahrain
Bahrain has 4 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Bahrain is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. Below-replacement fertility of 1.8 births per woman means natural growth alone cannot sustain the current population level indefinitely. As a United Nations member state, Bahrain participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1,594,654 |
| 2030 | 1,651,150 |
| 2035 | 1,723,782 |
| 2040 | 1,798,795 |
| 2045 | 1,876,341 |
| 2050 | 1,956,577 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Bahrain.
Largest Cities in Bahrain
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Bahrain by population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Bahrain?
The population of Bahrain is approximately 1.6 million as of 2026, making it #153 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Bahrain?
The capital of Bahrain is Manama.
What languages are spoken in Bahrain?
The main languages spoken in Bahrain are Arabic.
How big is Bahrain?
Bahrain covers an area of 765 km² with a population density of 2085 people per km².
Is Bahrain growing or shrinking?
Bahrain is growing at a rate of 0.88% per year, adding approximately 14,033 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Bahrain?
The average life expectancy in Bahrain is 81.3 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Bahrain?
The GDP per capita of Bahrain is $29,654.