Bahrain's Population Density: A Complex Blend Of Factors

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, with a total area of 778 square kilometres. It is one of the smallest countries in Asia by area and the fourth most densely populated sovereign state in the world, with a population density of 1,646 people per square kilometre in 2010. The country's population is expected to remain stable over the next few decades, with a steady 1% annual growth rate.

Bahrain's population is heavily urbanised, with 89% of its inhabitants living in urban areas. The country's two principal cities, Manama and Al Muharraq, are home to a significant portion of the population. Bahrain's high population density can be attributed to several factors, including its small land area, urbanisation, and the presence of economic migrants, who constitute about half of the country's population.

Urbanization: 89% of the population is urbanized

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, with a population of around 1.5 million people. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with 1,627 people per square kilometre. The country has a high urbanization rate, with 89% of its population living in urban areas. This figure has remained relatively stable over the years, with an annual urbanization rate of 1.8%.

The northern region of Bahrain is highly urbanized and is often considered a single large metropolitan area. The country's capital and largest city, Manama, is home to about 157,000 people, with a metro population of 330,000. Manama is a crucial centre for trade and business within the Persian Gulf.

Bahrain's population comprises a mix of Bahrainis and non-nationals, with a significant number of expatriates from South Asia, particularly India. The country has a diverse ethnic and religious makeup, with Shia and Sunni Muslims being the largest groups.

The high urbanization rate in Bahrain can be attributed to various factors, including its small land area, economic development, and the concentration of opportunities in urban centres like Manama. The country has invested in sectors such as banking and tourism, attracting businesses and professionals from around the world. Additionally, Bahrain's history as a trading centre and its strategic location in the Persian Gulf have contributed to the urbanization of the country.

The urbanization in Bahrain has had a significant impact on its society and culture. The country has a high standard of living, with a high Human Development Index (HDI) and is recognized as a high-income economy by the World Bank. However, the urbanization and population density have also presented challenges, such as environmental issues and a need for efficient infrastructure development.

Immigration: Non-nationals make up more than half of the population

Immigration: Non-nationals make up more than half of Bahrain's population

Bahrain has a dense population of 1,618,219 people, with 1,607,050 projected to be living there as of July 1, 2024. The small island country has a total area of 778 square kilometres, giving it a population density of 1,909 inhabitants per square kilometre. This makes Bahrain one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

Non-nationals make up more than half of the population of Bahrain, with immigrants accounting for about 52.6% of the overall population. The country has a large expatriate community, with the majority of immigrants coming from South and Southeast Asia. According to reports from 2005 to 2012, there were an estimated 350,000 Indians, 150,000 Bangladeshis, 110,000 Pakistanis, 40,000 Filipinos, and 8,000 Indonesians living in Bahrain. In addition, about 4,000 people from the United Kingdom live in the country.

Bahrain has a reputation for being a great place for expatriates to settle, offering affordable housing, easy visa acquisition, and a high level of digital readiness. The country has implemented various laws and regulations to protect the rights of expatriate workers, including the right to safe working conditions, freedom from discrimination, and access to medical care. The Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) in Bahrain works to regulate work permits, issue entry visas and residency permits, and license workforce agencies.

Despite these positive aspects, there have been concerns about the treatment of foreign workers in Bahrain, particularly in relation to labour laws and detention practices. The country has been criticised for its handling of immigration-related detention, with reports of overcrowding and poor conditions in detention centres. In recent years, Bahrain has introduced labour reforms and established new rights-related institutions to address these issues.

Small land area: Bahrain is one of the smallest countries in Asia

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, with a land area of only 760 to 778 square kilometres (290 to 300 square miles). It is one of the smallest countries in Asia by area, ranking 191st worldwide. This small land area is comparable in size to New York City.

Despite its small size, Bahrain has a high population density, with 1,627 people per square kilometre (4,213 per square mile) as of 2010. This makes it the fourth most densely populated sovereign state globally, excluding city-states. The northern region of Bahrain is highly urbanised and is often considered a single large metropolitan area.

Bahrain's population is concentrated in its two principal cities, Manama and Al Muharraq. Manama, the capital and largest city, has a population of about 157,000 and a metro population of 330,000. It is a significant trade and business hub within the Persian Gulf.

The country's small land area and high population density are key factors contributing to its dense population. With a limited amount of land, the large number of residents leads to a high concentration of people per unit area.

In addition to its small land area, Bahrain's population dynamics are influenced by immigration. Non-nationals make up a significant portion of the population, with immigrants constituting about 52.6% of the overall population as of 2020. The presence of a substantial immigrant population further contributes to the country's dense population.

Historical trade centre: Bahrain was an important trade hub in antiquity

Bahrain's population is expected to remain stable over the next few decades, continuing its steady 1% annual growth rate. With 1,627 people per square kilometre, it is the fourth most densely populated sovereign state globally.

Bahrain's history as a trade hub dates back to antiquity. The country's strategic location in the Persian Gulf has made it a centre of trade and business within the region throughout its history. This history has contributed to the country's high population density.

The Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC) is a testament to the country's longstanding importance as a trade hub. Completed in 2008, the BWTC is a 240-metre-tall, 50-floor twin tower complex located in Manama, the country's capital. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design, with three sky bridges linking the two towers, each holding a 225-kW wind turbine. The complex is designed to optimise wind flow through the area, increasing the natural wind rate by up to 30%.

The BWTC has become an iconic landmark in Bahrain, known for its sleek design and bold aesthetics. It attracts leading regional and international organisations, with global corporations and luxury brands calling it their home. The building's innovative and sustainable design has earned it several awards, including the 2006 LEAF Award for Best Use of Technology within a Large Scheme and the Arab Construction World for Sustainable Design Award.

Bahrain's historical role as a trade centre has had a significant impact on its population density. The country's reputation as a regional trade hub has attracted businesses and organisations, leading to a high concentration of people and urban development. This trend is set to continue, with Bahrain's population expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Economic opportunities: Bahrain has a high average annual income

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, with a population of around 1.6 million people. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with 1,909 inhabitants per square kilometre.

Economic opportunities in Bahrain are plentiful, and the country boasts a high average annual income of $28,280 USD. This makes Bahrain one of the high-income countries in the world. The country has a diverse economy, with a strong focus on banking and tourism. Many of the world's largest financial institutions have a presence in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

Bahrain has a high level of urbanisation, with 89-100% of its population living in urban areas. The country has a steady annual population growth rate of 1%. The capital, Manama, is home to about 157,000 people, with a metro population of 330,000.

Bahrain's economy is largely dependent on its oil industry, with petroleum products accounting for 60% of export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP. However, the country has also invested heavily in the banking and tourism sectors, developing the first post-oil economy in the Persian Gulf.

In addition to its oil wealth, Bahrain has a diverse range of economic activities. These include a strong focus on Islamic banking, aluminium production, and construction materials. The country has a highly developed communication and transport infrastructure, making it attractive to multinational companies.

Bahrain's economic outlook is positive, and the country is expected to maintain a stable population growth rate in the coming decades. The country's economic performance has earned it recognition as a high-income economy by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

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