Bahrain, officially known as the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a small island nation located in West Asia, on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. Nestled near the western shore of the Persian Gulf, this compact country is known for its unique geography, blending natural archipelagos with modern engineering feats that connect it to its larger neighbors.
Geography and Location
Bahrain occupies a strategic position between Qatar and the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia. The country is physically linked to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway, a significant infrastructure project that facilitates travel and trade between the two nations. This connectivity has made Bahrain an accessible hub for visitors traveling through the Gulf region.
The nation's landmass is composed of a fascinating mix of natural and artificial islands. In total, Bahrain comprises:
- 33 natural islands forming a small archipelago
- 50 additional artificial islands, reflecting extensive land reclamation efforts
- Bahrain Island, the largest and most central island, which accounts for approximately 80 percent of the country's total landmass
Despite its island status, Bahrain spans a modest 760 square kilometres (290 square miles), making it the third-smallest nation in Asia. Only the Maldives and Singapore are smaller in terms of land area, underscoring Bahrain's compact yet densely populated character.
Population and Demographics
As of 2024, Bahrain's population stands at 1,588,670 people. This figure reveals a notably diverse demographic composition, with the population split between:
- 739,736 Bahraini nationals
- 848,934 expatriates
This means expatriates actually outnumber native Bahraini citizens, a reflection of the country's role as an economic and commercial center that attracts a significant international workforce from around the world.
Capital City
Manama serves as both the capital and the largest city of Bahrain. As the political, economic, and cultural heart of the nation, Manama is typically the primary entry point for travelers and the center of the country's urban life and commercial activity.