Exploring Bahrain's Population: Estimating The Country's Inhabitants

The population of Bahrain is estimated to be around 1.6 million people as of 2024, with a growth rate of about 1% per year. Bahrain is a small island country in West Asia, situated in the Persian Gulf, and is officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with an estimated density of 1,627 people per square kilometre. The population is expected to continue growing and reach about 2.1 million by 2030.

Population growth rate

The population of Bahrain is projected to remain fairly stable over the next few decades, with a steady annual growth rate of around 1%. The current population of Bahrain is approximately 1.6 million people, with a population density of 2,524.3 people per square kilometre. This makes Bahrain the fourth most densely populated sovereign state in the world.

Bahrain's population growth rate has been positive in recent years, with the number of births exceeding the number of deaths. In addition, Bahrain has experienced a net influx of immigrants, contributing to the overall population growth. The population growth rate is expected to remain positive in the coming years, with the population projected to reach 1.8 million in 2025.

The population of Bahrain has grown significantly over the past few decades, increasing from 621,000 in 1999 to its current level. This growth is due to a combination of factors, including a high birth rate, low death rate, and net positive immigration. The population is expected to continue growing, with projections estimating a population of 2.1 million by 2030.

The population growth rate in Bahrain has important implications for the country's social and economic development. The increasing population has put pressure on resources, infrastructure, and services. The government has had to invest in housing, education, healthcare, and other social services to meet the needs of the growing population. Additionally, the population growth has contributed to the development of the country's economy, with a larger workforce and expanding domestic market.

Overall, Bahrain's population growth rate is relatively stable and positive, contributing to the country's development and making it an attractive destination for immigrants seeking opportunities in the region.

Population density

The population density of Bahrain is high compared to other countries. As of September 2024, it has a population density of 2,524.3 people per square kilometre (6,537.8 per square mile), or 2,554.2 per km2 (6,615.2 per square mile) according to another source. This makes Bahrain the fourth most densely populated sovereign state in the world. Only city-states have a greater density.

The northern region of Bahrain is highly urbanised and densely populated. It is often considered a single large metropolitan area. The country's capital and largest city, Manama, has a population of about 157,000, with a metropolitan population of 330,000.

Bahrain's total land area is 760 square kilometres (293 square miles), or 710 square kilometres (274 square miles) according to another source. The population is distributed across five governorates: the capital, Manama, Muharraq, Northern, Central, and Southern.

Population by gender

The population of Bahrain is estimated to be between 1,607,049 and 1,619,730 as of November 2024. The population is expected to remain stable over the next few decades, with a projected annual growth rate of 1%.

As of September 2024, the male population of Bahrain is 62.6% and the female population is 37.4%. This equates to 1,134,934 men and 678,561 women. This distribution is reflected in the country's overall sex ratio of 1.67 males per 1,000 females.

The population of Bahrain is distributed across five governorates: the capital, Manama, Muharraq, Northern, Central, and Southern. The country's two principal cities, Manama and Al Muharraq, are home to the majority of the population.

Bahrain is characterised by its cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity. While the state religion is Islam, and most Bahrainis are Muslim, the country is also home to Christians, Jews, Hindus, Baha'is, Buddhists, and Sikhs, among other faiths.

Population by age

The population of Bahrain is estimated to be between 1.6 million and 1.79 million as of 2024, with a median age of 33.2 years. The 2010 census reports that 25.9% of the population is under the age of 19, 71.1% are between 20 and 64, and 2.1% are over the age of 65.

Bahrain has a high population density of 2,115 people per square kilometre or 5,477 people per square mile. The majority of the population is urban, with 89% urbanised and an annual urbanisation rate of 1.8%. The capital and largest city, Manama, has a population of about 157,000 and a metropolitan population of 330,000.

Bahrain's population is ethnically diverse, with non-nationals making up more than half of the population. Immigrants make up about 52.6% of the population, with the majority from South and Southeast Asia. The largest expatriate community is from India, with approximately 290,000 Indian nationals living in the country.

Shia Bahrainis are the majority of the population, with the two main ethnic groups being the Ajam and Baharna. The majority of Shia Bahrainis are Baharna, while the Ajam are ethnic Persian Shias with large communities in Manama and Muharraq.

Sunni Bahrainis are mostly urban Arabs (al Arab) or Huwala. The urban Arabs are mostly descended from Sunni Arabs from Arabia and are the most influential ethnic group in the country, holding most government positions. The Huwala are descended from Sunni Iranians, Persians, and Arabs.

Population by religion

Islam is the official religion of Bahrain, with the religion making up 74% of the population. The Bahraini citizens of Muslim faith belong to the Shi'a and Sunni branches of Islam. The last official census, conducted in 1941, reported that 52% of the Muslim population were Shia and 48% were Sunni. However, unofficial sources, such as the Library of Congress Country Studies and The New York Times, estimate that 45% of the population are Sunni and 55% are Shia. The most recent official Bahraini document, published in 2011, revealed that 51% of the country's citizens are Sunnis, while the Shia population had declined to 49%.

Foreigners, largely from South and Southeast Asia, make up more than half of Bahrain's population. Of these, 50.9% are Muslim and 49.1% are non-Muslim, including Christians (primarily Catholic, Protestant, Syriac Orthodox, and Mar Thoma from South India), Hindus, Buddhists, Baháʼís, and Sikhs.

The Bahraini constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites and hold religious parades and meetings. However, the government has placed some limitations on the exercise of this right. For example, the government prohibits anti-Islamic writings and publications.

The country's only synagogue has not been operational for nearly 60 years, but the small Jewish community has been safe from attacks and vandalism. In 2008, Bahrain appointed Houda Nonoo, a Jewish female lawmaker, as ambassador to the United States.

The 2020 World Religions Database states that 82% of the country is Muslim, 12% is Christian, and 6% is Hindu.

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