Bahrain: Smallest Country In The World?

Bahrain is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, located between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. With an area of 300 square miles, it is one of the smallest countries in the world. But is it the smallest?

When it comes to size, there are a few ways to measure a country. We can look at total area, land area, or water area. We can also consider the population of a country and its population density. Using these different metrics, we can determine how Bahrain compares to other countries.

So, is Bahrain the smallest country in the world? Let's find out!

Bahrain's land reclamation projects

Bahrain is not the smallest country in the world—that title goes to the Vatican, a city-state located within Rome, Italy. However, with a land area of around 765.3 to 780 square kilometres, Bahrain is indeed a small country. Positioned in the Persian Gulf between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Bahrain encompasses approximately 300 square miles.

Due to its small size, Bahrain has had to undertake land reclamation projects to address its limited land space. Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from oceans, seas, riverbeds, or lake beds, and it is often done to increase productivity and turn remote and deserted places into habitable areas. Bahrain's land reclamation projects have had both positive and negative impacts on the country.

On the one hand, land reclamation has helped Bahrain expand its urban landscape and diversify its economy. Bahrain's population has grown significantly over the years, increasing the need for more residential properties and expansion of land. Some projects built on reclaimed lands include Diyar Al Muharraq, a master-planned community near Bahrain International Airport, and Durrat Al Bahrain, a development spanning 15 artificial islands in the south. Additionally, land reclamation projects have contributed to the development of infrastructure, such as the North Manama Causeway, which aims to improve road traffic flow between the districts of Manama and Muharraq.

On the other hand, land reclamation has also led to environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities in Bahrain. It negatively affects marine life, including fish, sea animals, and coral reefs. It also contributes to the decrease of wetlands and the extinction of sea creatures and plants, leading to a loss of biodiversity.

As Bahrain continues to navigate the complexities of land reclamation, it is important for the government to strike a balance between development imperatives and sustainability goals. By prioritising human rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development, Bahrain can pursue equitable coastal management while fostering regional cooperation and stability.

Other small countries in the world

Bahrain is a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, but it is not the smallest country in the world. That title goes to Vatican City, which, at only 0.44 or 0.59 square kilometres, is just a fraction of Bahrain's size of 760 or 780 square kilometres.

Vatican City is a unique country in that it is located entirely within the Italian city of Rome and has no permanent native population. Citizenship is granted only to those who work for the Vatican and its missions abroad.

• Monaco: This city-state on the French Mediterranean coast is the second-smallest country in the world, measuring 2.0 square kilometres.
• Nauru: An island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, Nauru is often considered the third-smallest country, depending on the definition of "country."
• Tuvalu: Like Nauru, Tuvalu is sometimes considered one of the smallest countries, but it is not a sovereign state.
• San Marino: Enclosed within Italy, this microstate is the third-smallest country in Europe and the fifth-smallest in the world, with an area of 61 square kilometres.
• Liechtenstein: Bordered by Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a small country with an area of 160 square kilometres.
• Saint Kitts and Nevis: This country in the Caribbean is one of the smallest, with an area of 259 square kilometres.
• Malta: Located in the central Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a small island country with an area of 316 square kilometres.
• Mauritius: This island nation in the Indian Ocean has an area of 790 square kilometres and is known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
• Andorra: Nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Andorra is a small landlocked country with an area of 468 square kilometres.
• Singapore: With 280 square miles of land, Singapore is a compact country located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.

These countries, despite their small size, often have unique characteristics, diverse landscapes, and interesting histories, showcasing that bigger does not always mean better!

Bahrain's population

Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain and comprises a small archipelago of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands. The country's capital and largest city is Manama.

Arabic is the official language of Bahrain, and English is widely used and taught in schools. Other languages spoken in the country include Persian, Urdu, Hindi, and Tagalog, reflecting the diverse origins of the population.

The majority of Bahrain's population is Muslim, with Shia Muslims being the largest group, followed by Sunni Muslims. There are also Christian, Jewish, and Hindu communities in the country, contributing to its religious diversity.

Bahrain's neighbours

Bahrain is an island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf. It is surrounded by water and has no land connections to other countries. However, it is located between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia, to which it is connected by the King Fahd Causeway. Bahrain shares maritime borders with Iran, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of 50 natural islands and 33 artificial islands, with Bahrain Island being the largest and making up around 83% of the country's landmass. The country's capital and largest city is Manama, and other major cities include Riffa, Muharraq, A'ali, and Ad Diraz.

With a population of over 1.5 million people, Bahrain spans about 760 square kilometres, making it the third-smallest nation in Asia after the Maldives and Singapore.

The smallest country in the world

Vatican City is so small that it only occupies an old quarter in the centre of Rome, with a few buildings and parks. It is a unique country with its own government and army, but no permanent native population. Citizenship is granted only to those who work in the Vatican and its missions abroad.

The second smallest country in the world is Monaco, a city-state on the French Mediterranean coast, measuring 0.78 or 2.0 square miles. Third place is less clear, as it depends on the definition of a country. If considering only sovereign states, then Nauru and Tuvalu are next, followed by other microstates and small islands in the Caribbean, South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

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