Bahrain Population 2026: 1.5M People, Vast Empty Land
Bahrain is one of the most sparsely populated countries on the planet: 1.5M people across 765 km², giving a density of 1,960/km².
GDP per capita stands at $29,333: a figure above the global median. The capital, Manama, is the political, economic and cultural centre of the country.
📊 Population at a Glance
About Bahrain's Population
With a population of 1.5M, Bahrain is home to a significant number of people within its 765 km² of territory. The population density of 1,960/km² reflects how people are distributed across the country: one of the lowest densities in the world, with vast open and largely uninhabited spaces.
The capital city, Manama, serves as the administrative, cultural and economic heart of Bahrain. Bahrain has a coastline of 161 km, which has historically attracted settlement and shaped where the majority of the population lives and works.
In economic terms, Bahrain has a total GDP of $44B, translating to $29,333 per person. This figure gives a broad indication of average living standards, though income distribution varies considerably across different regions and communities within the country. The official currency is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD).
Bahrain gained independence in 1971 and has since developed a distinct national identity shaped by its geography, history and culture. The official language is Arabic, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population in daily life, education and government.
Within the Middle East region, Bahrain sits alongside Jordan (10.2M), United Arab Emirates (9.8M), Iran (87.9M). This regional context helps illustrate how Bahrain's population size compares to its neighbours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bahrain's Population
What is the population of Bahrain in 2026?
The population of Bahrain is approximately 1.5M people as of 2026.
What is the capital city of Bahrain?
The capital city of Bahrain is Manama, which serves as the country's main administrative and cultural hub.
How densely populated is Bahrain?
Bahrain has a population density of 1,960/km². This is very low density, with large amounts of open, sparsely settled land.
What is the GDP per capita of Bahrain?
Bahrain has a GDP per capita of $29,333, with a total GDP of $44B. This gives an indication of average economic output per person.
What language do people speak in Bahrain?
The official language of Bahrain is Arabic.
How big is Bahrain?
Bahrain covers a total area of 765 km². With a population of 1.5M, that gives a density of 1,960/km².
When did Bahrain gain independence?
Bahrain gained independence in 1971.
What currency is used in Bahrain?
The official currency of Bahrain is the Bahraini Dinar (BHD).
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