Urbanization In Bahrain: A Developing Country's Evolution

Bahrain is an island country in the Persian Gulf, comprising a small archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands. It is the third-smallest nation in Asia and the fourth most densely populated sovereign state in the world. The northern region of Bahrain is so densely populated and urbanized that it is often considered a single massive metropolitan area.

In 2023, the share of the urban population in Bahrain was nearly 89.87%, the highest in the observed period. Bahrain's population is expected to remain fairly stable over the next few decades, with an annual growth rate of 1%.

Satellite images since 1987 show substantial environmental change on the island, including a more than doubling of the extent of urbanization. The built-up or urbanized area of Bahrain increased from 76.2 square kilometres in 1987 to 155 square kilometres in 2013.

Urbanization rate and demographic changes

Bahrain, an island country in West Asia, has witnessed significant urbanization over the years, with the share of its urban population remaining relatively unchanged at around 89.87% in 2023. This figure represents the highest value in the observed period. The nation's urbanization rate refers to the proportion of the total population residing in urban settings.

Bahrain's population density is quite high, with 1,627 people per square kilometer, making it the fourth most densely populated sovereign state globally. The northern region of Bahrain, including the capital city of Manama, is highly urbanized, often considered a large metropolitan area. This urbanization has led to substantial environmental changes, including shifting vegetation patterns and a more than doubling of urbanized land since 1987.

The country's 2010 census revealed a population of 1.2 million, comprising 568,000 Bahrainis and 666,000 non-nationals. The majority of Bahrainis are Shia, divided into two main ethnic groups: Ajam and Baharna. Ajam are ethnic Persian Shias, while Baharna are Shia Arabs. On the other hand, Sunni Bahrainis are mostly urban Arabs or Huwala.

The annual population growth rate in Bahrain is projected to remain steady at approximately 1%. The current population is estimated to be over 1.6 million, with an annual urbanization rate of 1.8%. Bahrain's dependency on foreign labor is notable, with 609,028 foreign workers as of the second quarter of 2023, constituting 79.08% of total employment.

The Human Development Index for Bahrain in 2021 was 0.875, placing it in the very high human development group and ranking 35th out of 191 countries. The education and health sectors in Bahrain are also promising, with positive indicators and improvements in recent years.

Impact of urbanization on the environment

Bahrain, an archipelago of islands in the Persian Gulf, has been rapidly urbanizing since the 1960s. In 2023, the share of the urban population in Bahrain was 89.87%, the highest in the observed period. The country's small size and high population density have led to significant environmental challenges. Here are some key impacts of urbanization on the environment in Bahrain:

• Loss of Natural Habitat and Biodiversity: Bahrain's rapid urbanization has resulted in the conversion of natural areas into built-up spaces. This has led to the loss of critical habitats for many species, including gazelles, hedgehogs, and sea cows. The country's rich biodiversity is under threat, with over 330 species of birds and 21 species of butterflies recorded on the islands.
• Increased Pollution and Carbon Emissions: Urbanization has contributed to increased pollution levels in Bahrain, particularly in terms of congestion and air pollution. The high density of vehicles and the reliance on private transportation have led to traffic congestion and elevated air pollution levels. Additionally, Bahrain's small size and high per-capita carbon emissions contribute to the country's environmental footprint.
• Water Scarcity and Aquifer Salinization: Bahrain faces water scarcity due to the limited availability of freshwater resources. The over-extraction of water from the Dammam Aquifer, the principal aquifer in the region, has led to its salinization by adjacent brackish and saline water bodies. This has impacted the quality and availability of water for both agricultural and domestic use.
• Coastal Degradation: Urbanization along the coast has resulted in coastal degradation, with oil spills, refinery discharges, and illegal land reclamation affecting coral reefs, sea vegetation, and coastlines. Bahrain's marine environment, including its rich coral reefs and sea grass beds, is under significant pressure from these activities.
• Waste Management Challenges: Rapid urbanization has also strained waste management systems in Bahrain. The country's landfills are reaching capacity, and improper waste disposal has led to soil and water contamination. Additionally, the lack of recycling infrastructure has resulted in recyclable materials ending up in landfills.
• Increased Energy Consumption: Urbanization has led to increased energy consumption in Bahrain, particularly for cooling and transportation. The dense urban areas require more energy for heating and cooling, and the high number of vehicles contributes to higher fuel consumption and emissions.

To address these environmental challenges, Bahrain has implemented initiatives such as the development of green spaces, the promotion of public transportation, and the establishment of protected areas. However, the country continues to face significant environmental pressures due to its high population density and urbanization rate.

Urbanization and economic growth

Impact on Economic Growth

Urbanization in Bahrain has contributed to economic growth by creating a larger market for goods and services. As more people move to urban areas, the demand for various products and services increases, leading to the expansion of industries such as finance, tourism, and construction. This, in turn, boosts economic growth and creates more job opportunities for the growing population.

Technological Spillovers

Urbanization has also led to technological advancements and innovations. The development of new infrastructure and the concentration of talent in urban areas have facilitated knowledge sharing and the adoption of new technologies. This is particularly evident in Bahrain's growing fintech sector, which has attracted many companies and is valued at over $1 billion.

Diversification of the Economy

Additionally, urbanization has played a crucial role in diversifying Bahrain's economy. Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on the petroleum industry, the country has successfully established itself as a leading regional financial center. During Lebanon's civil war, Bahrain's robust regulatory system attracted banks seeking stability, further solidifying its position as a financial hub.

Infrastructure Development

To accommodate the growing urban population, Bahrain has invested in infrastructure development, including transportation, housing, and digital transformation. These improvements not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also contribute to economic growth by facilitating trade and commerce.

Social and Cultural Integration

Urbanization has fostered social and cultural integration by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds. This integration has positively impacted the economy, as a diverse and skilled workforce enhances productivity and innovation, benefiting various industries.

Challenges and Negative Impacts

However, urbanization in Bahrain has also presented challenges and negative consequences. Increased urbanization has led to congestion, housing shortages, and the emergence of slums. Additionally, the high influx of people has strained resources, leading to water shortages and environmental degradation. These issues need to be addressed to ensure sustainable urbanization and maintain economic growth.

Urbanization and employment

Bahrain's urbanization has resulted in a high population density, with 1,627 people per square kilometer, making it the fourth most densely populated sovereign state. This density has implications for employment, as it necessitates a high number of jobs in a relatively small area. The country has a diverse economy, with banking, tourism, and petroleum production as its main sectors.

The northern region of Bahrain, including the capital city of Manama, is highly urbanized and can be considered a large metropolitan area. Manama is an important trade and business hub within the Persian Gulf, and its urban nature has likely contributed to employment opportunities in the financial and commercial sectors.

The urbanization rate in Bahrain has remained consistently high, with an annual growth rate of about 1%. This steady growth has implications for employment, as it indicates a need for a proportional increase in job opportunities. Bahrain has a growing economy, and its GDP growth rate has been positive, although it experienced a decline during the 2011 protests and the Great Recession.

The country's diverse economy has contributed to employment opportunities in various sectors. Bahrain has developed a post-oil economy, investing in banking and tourism alongside petroleum production. This diversification has likely contributed to employment options for Bahrainis and expatriates, with Indians being the largest expatriate community.

The country's urbanization and development have also resulted in infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of Bahrain International Airport and the construction of new terminals. These projects create jobs during their construction and operation, contributing to employment in the country. Additionally, Bahrain has a well-developed road network, connecting previously isolated villages to urban centers, which has likely had a positive impact on employment.

Urbanization and infrastructure

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small island country in West Asia, comprising a small archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands in the Persian Gulf. With a population of around 1.5 million as of 2023, Bahrain is the third-smallest nation in Asia. The country has a high population density, with 1,627 people per square kilometre, and is the fourth most densely populated sovereign state in the world.

Urbanization Trends

Bahrain has a high urbanization rate, with 89% of its population living in urban areas as of 2023. This figure has remained relatively stable over the years, with an annual urbanization rate of 1.8%. The northern region of Bahrain, including the capital city of Manama, is highly urbanized and is often considered a single large metropolitan area.

Infrastructure

Bahrain has well-developed infrastructure, particularly in the northern region. The country has a good road network, with multiple bridges and causeways connecting the main islands. Bahrain also has a modern international airport, with a new terminal opening in 2021, and a nationwide metro system currently under construction. In addition, Bahrain has a well-established telecommunications sector, with internet connectivity available to a large proportion of the population.

Environmental Impact of Urbanization

While urbanization has brought economic benefits to Bahrain, it has also had significant environmental impacts. Satellite images since 1987 show substantial environmental changes, including a substantial loss of natural vegetation, particularly in areas around Tubli Bay and west of Manama. In addition, land reclamation and infilling of coastal areas have led to a 12.5% increase in Bahrain's land mass since 1987.

Social and Political Impact

The urbanization and development projects in Bahrain have also had social and political repercussions. There are concerns that these projects do not benefit all citizens equally and have fueled government corruption. In addition, Bahrain has a Shiite majority that has been seeking more rights from the Sunni monarchy, which has led to bloody clashes and protests in recent years, influenced by the Arab Spring.

In conclusion, Bahrain has a high urbanization rate and well-developed infrastructure, particularly in the northern region. However, the urbanization and development projects have had environmental, social, and political impacts that need to be addressed to ensure sustainable development and social equity in the country.

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