Bahrain

Cultural Attributes

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Holidays

• National Day

  12/16

  Independence

  15 August 1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of independence from British protection

Dates of Interest

• July - August

  Ramadan, the greatest religious observance in Islam, is an annual month of fasting. The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar. Estimates are based on the expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.

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Historical Eras

Overview

Timeline of Key Events

1. 1913

   Treaty recognizing the independence of Bahrain

   Britain and the Ottoman government sign a treaty recognizing the independence of Bahrain but the country remains under British administration.

2. 1961

   Sheikh Isa Bin-Salman Al Khalifah becomes ruler of Bahrain.

   Sheikh Isa Bin-Salman Al Khalifah becomes ruler of Bahrain.

3. 1970

   Iran renounces its claim to sovereignty over Bahrain

   Iran renounces its claim to sovereignty over Bahrain after a United Nations report shows that Bahrainis want to remain independent.

4. 1971

   Bahrain declares independence and signs a new treaty of friendship with Britain.

   Bahrain declares independence and signs a new treaty of friendship with Britain.

5. 1972

   Elections are held for a Constituent Assembly

   Elections are held for a Constituent Assembly.

6. 1973

   Constitution comes into force and elections are held

   After the constitution comes into force on 6 December, elections are held on 7 December for a National Assembly, an advisory legislative body, with 44 members (14 cabinet members and 30 elected by male voters) .

7. 1991

   Bahrain participates in the coalition “Operation Desert Storm” against Iraq.

   As part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Peninsula Shield Force, Bahrain participates in the coalition “Operation Desert Storm” against Iraq (the Gulf War).

Religion

Languages Spoken

• Arabic
• Farsi
• Urdu

Population

Population

1,508,108

Population in Major Urban Areas

MANAMA (capital) 262,000

Nationality Noun

Bahraini(s)

Ethnic Groups

Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%

Education

Literacy Definition

Age 15 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Bahrain stands among the highest in the Arab world and reflects the country's significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and public health services. As of recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth is approximately 79 years overall, with women living to around 80–81 years and men to approximately 77–78 years. This relatively high figure is the result of several interconnected factors. Bahrain has developed a well-funded public healthcare system that provides subsidized or free medical services to its citizens, with a network of government hospitals, health centers, and specialized clinics distributed across the archipelago. The country has also made considerable progress in reducing infant and child mortality rates, which directly contributes to improved overall life expectancy statistics. Chronic non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, remain the leading health challenges in Bahrain. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is notably high, affecting a significant portion of the adult population, and the government has introduced national programs aimed at promoting healthier diets, physical activity, and early disease screening to address these trends. Bahrain's life expectancy has climbed steadily over recent decades. In the 1970s, life expectancy at birth was estimated to be in the low 60s. This dramatic improvement over roughly 50 years reflects advances in sanitation, maternal health, vaccination coverage, and access to modern medical treatments. The country's relatively small and manageable geographic size has allowed healthcare services to be delivered efficiently across the population. Bahrain also benefits from a higher-than-average per capita income in the Gulf region, enabling greater household spending on nutrition and private healthcare options alongside government provisions. Looking ahead, the government continues to invest in healthcare modernization as part of its Vision 2030 economic and social development framework, which includes goals for expanding preventive care, strengthening mental health services, and improving population health outcomes over the long term.

Infant Mortality Rate

Bahrain has achieved remarkable progress in reducing infant mortality over recent decades, reflecting the country's significant investment in healthcare infrastructure and public health programs. The infant mortality rate in Bahrain stands at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it among the lower-mortality nations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and positioning it favorably in comparison to global averages. This achievement is largely the result of sustained government commitment to expanding access to maternal and child health services. Bahrain operates an extensive network of public health centers and hospitals that provide prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal follow-up for both mothers and newborns. The vast majority of births in Bahrain take place in medical facilities under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals, which significantly reduces the risk of complications that can contribute to infant deaths. Vaccination programs have also played a critical role. Bahrain maintains high immunization coverage rates for diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, and polio, helping to protect newborns and infants from potentially fatal illnesses during their most vulnerable period of life. The country's relatively high per capita income, strong literacy rates, and well-educated population further contribute to favorable health outcomes for infants. Parents in Bahrain generally have access to nutritional guidance, clean water, and sanitation facilities — all factors closely linked to infant survival rates. Despite these achievements, health authorities continue to monitor neonatal mortality — deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life — as it accounts for a significant proportion of overall infant deaths. Premature birth and congenital conditions remain among the leading causes of infant mortality in Bahrain, as they are in many high-income countries. Ongoing improvements in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and specialist pediatric services are central to the country's efforts to further reduce these figures. Bahrain's infant mortality trends reflect a broader regional shift toward improved health outcomes driven by economic development, modernized healthcare systems, and strategic public health planning.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in Bahrain stands among the highest in the Arab world and reflects the country's significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and public health services. As of recent estimates, the average life expectancy at birth is approximately 79 years overall, with women living to around 80–81 years and men to approximately 77–78 years. This relatively high figure is the result of several interconnected factors. Bahrain has developed a well-funded public healthcare system that provides subsidized or free medical services to its citizens, with a network of government hospitals, health centers, and specialized clinics distributed across the archipelago. The country has also made considerable progress in reducing infant and child mortality rates, which directly contributes to improved overall life expectancy statistics. Chronic non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity, remain the leading health challenges in Bahrain. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is notably high, affecting a significant portion of the adult population, and the government has introduced national programs aimed at promoting healthier diets, physical activity, and early disease screening to address these trends. Bahrain's life expectancy has climbed steadily over recent decades. In the 1970s, life expectancy at birth was estimated to be in the low 60s. This dramatic improvement over roughly 50 years reflects advances in sanitation, maternal health, vaccination coverage, and access to modern medical treatments. The country's relatively small and manageable geographic size has allowed healthcare services to be delivered efficiently across the population. Bahrain also benefits from a higher-than-average per capita income in the Gulf region, enabling greater household spending on nutrition and private healthcare options alongside government provisions. Looking ahead, the government continues to invest in healthcare modernization as part of its Vision 2030 economic and social development framework, which includes goals for expanding preventive care, strengthening mental health services, and improving population health outcomes over the long term.

Infant Mortality Rate

Bahrain has achieved remarkable progress in reducing infant mortality over recent decades, reflecting the country's significant investment in healthcare infrastructure and public health programs. The infant mortality rate in Bahrain stands at approximately 6 to 7 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it among the lower-mortality nations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and positioning it favorably in comparison to global averages. This achievement is largely the result of sustained government commitment to expanding access to maternal and child health services. Bahrain operates an extensive network of public health centers and hospitals that provide prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal follow-up for both mothers and newborns. The vast majority of births in Bahrain take place in medical facilities under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals, which significantly reduces the risk of complications that can contribute to infant deaths. Vaccination programs have also played a critical role. Bahrain maintains high immunization coverage rates for diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, and polio, helping to protect newborns and infants from potentially fatal illnesses during their most vulnerable period of life. The country's relatively high per capita income, strong literacy rates, and well-educated population further contribute to favorable health outcomes for infants. Parents in Bahrain generally have access to nutritional guidance, clean water, and sanitation facilities — all factors closely linked to infant survival rates. Despite these achievements, health authorities continue to monitor neonatal mortality — deaths occurring within the first 28 days of life — as it accounts for a significant proportion of overall infant deaths. Premature birth and congenital conditions remain among the leading causes of infant mortality in Bahrain, as they are in many high-income countries. Ongoing improvements in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and specialist pediatric services are central to the country's efforts to further reduce these figures. Bahrain's infant mortality trends reflect a broader regional shift toward improved health outcomes driven by economic development, modernized healthcare systems, and strategic public health planning.

Country Identity

Country Name

Bahrain

Full Country Name

Kingdom of Bahrain

Local - Long

Mamlakat al Bahrayn

Local - Short

Al Bahrayn

Former Name

Dilmun

Government Structure

Government Type

constitutional hereditary monarchy

Legal System

based on Islamic law and English common law

Executive Branch

chief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa (since 6 March 1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al Khalifa (son of the monarch, born 21 October 1969) head of government: Prime Minister Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad Al Khalifa (since 11 November 2020); note: Crown Prince Salman also serves as Prime Minister following the death of longtime Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa in November 2020 cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarch elections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; the prime minister is appointed by the monarch

Legislative Branch

Bicameral Parliament consists of the Shura Council (40 members appointed by the King) and the Council of Representatives, also known as the House of Deputies (40 members directly elected to serve four-year terms). Elections: Council of Representatives — elections are held every four years. The most recent general election was held on 12 November 2022, with runoff elections on 19 November 2022. Election results: Council of Representatives — percent of vote by party — NA; seats by party — political societies and independents loyal to the government hold the majority of seats; no formal opposition parties participated following the dissolution of major opposition groups in prior years. Note: Bahrain's modern parliamentary history began with the first National Assembly elected on 7 December 1973, which was dissolved on 26 August 1975. The National Action Charter established the current bicameral legislature on 23 December 2000, approved by referendum on 14 February 2001. The first legislative session of the reconstituted Parliament was held on 25 December 2002. Political societies, which function similarly to parties, are permitted under Bahraini law, though formal political parties remain banned. The main Shia opposition movement, Al-Wefaq, was dissolved by court order in 2016, significantly reshaping the political landscape of subsequent elections.

Judicial Branch

High Civil Appeals Court

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Constitution

adopted late December 2000; Bahrani voters approved on 13-14 February 2001 a referendum on legislative changes (revised constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary)

Independence

15 August 1971 (from UK)

National Holiday

National Day, 16 December (1971); note - 15 August 1971 is the date of independence from the UK, 16 December 1971 is the date of independence from British protection

Capital City

Capital Name

Manama

Capital - geographic coordinate

26 14 N, 50 34 E

Capital Time Difference

UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Military

Branches: Bahrain Defense Force (BDF): Royal Bahraini Army (RBA), Royal Bahraini Navy (RBN), Royal Bahraini Air Force (RBAF), Royal Bahraini Air Defense Force (RBADF)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code

Bahraini dinars (BHD)

GDP — official exchange rate

$11,010,000,000 (USD)

GDP Real Growth Rate

3.2%

GDP by Sector

agriculture: 1% industry: 35% services: 64%