Bahrain is located in Western Asia, and its capital is Manama. It has a population of approximately 1,588,670 and covers an area of about 800 km². Its official currency is the Bahraini dinar (BHD).
What stands out
People & place
1,986 /km² across 800 km²
Bahrain has a recorded population of 1,588,670 and a reported surface area of 800 km².
Economic snapshot
$47.11 billion nominal GDP
Nominal GDP is recorded at $47.11 billion and GDP per capita at $29,654 for 2024. These measures do not describe income distribution or household wealth.
Bahrain, an island nation in the heart of the Persian Gulf, blends ultramodern skylines with a rich maritime legacy, offering a vibrant snapshot of the Gulf’s past and future.
Comprising a main island and 33 smaller islets, Bahrain sits just 21 km off the Saudi coast and is linked by the King Fahd Causeway. Its low‑lying desert landscape is dotted with salt flats, mangroves, and the historic Tree of Life, a lone acacia that thrives in the arid interior.
Bahraini culture fuses Arab traditions with Persian, Indian, and Western influences. The country is famed for its pearling heritage, lively souqs, and festivals such as the Bahrain International Music Festival. Local cuisine dazzles with dishes like machboos (spiced rice with fish or meat) and sweet dates, while hospitality remains a central tenet of daily life.
In 1971 Bahrain declared independence from Britain, becoming the first Gulf state to achieve full sovereignty. Its strategic position made it a historic hub for pearl diving, which propelled the economy before oil transformed the nation in the mid‑20th century.
Key facts
Bahrain was the site of the world’s oldest known civilization in the Dilmun Kingdom, dating back to 3000 BC.
Population: about 1.8 million (2023 estimate) with an area of 780 km², making it one of the smallest countries in Asia.
It hosts the annual Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, the first F1 race ever held in the Middle East.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
Bahrain has a recorded population of approximately 1,588,670 people.
How big is Bahrain?
Bahrain covers an area of about 800 km².
What is the population density of Bahrain?
Bahrain has a population density of roughly 1,986 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What is the GDP of Bahrain?
Bahrain has a gross domestic product (GDP) of approximately $47.11 billion as of 2024.
What is the GDP per capita of Bahrain?
Bahrain has a GDP per capita of approximately $29,654.
What currency is used in Bahrain?
Bahrain uses the Bahraini dinar (BHD), with the symbol .د.ب.
Where is Bahrain located?
Bahrain is located in Western Asia, Asia.
What is the native name of Bahrain?
The native name of Bahrain is البحرين.
What are people from Bahrain called?
People from Bahrain are referred to as Bahraini.
What is the phone calling code for Bahrain?
The international dialing code for Bahrain is +973.
What is the internet domain for Bahrain?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Bahrain is .bh.
What time zone is Bahrain in?
Bahrain uses the Asia/Bahrain time zone.
What is Bahrain known for?
Bahrain, an island nation in the heart of the Persian Gulf, blends ultramodern skylines with a rich maritime legacy, offering a vibrant snapshot of the Gulf’s past and future.
Western Asia