Bahrain Population 2026
Bahrain, a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, recorded a population of 1,588,670 in 2025. This figure reflects a 1-year growth rate of 0.74% and a 10-year average annual growth of 1.91%. As a high-income country in the Middle East & North Africa region, Bahrain ranks 153rd globally by population.
Population Trend (Bahrain)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Bahrain's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
Bahrain's population dynamics are shaped by its status as a high-income economy and a regional hub for finance, commerce, and tourism. With a 2025 population of 1,588,670, the country has experienced a moderated growth rate of 0.74% in the most recent year, a slowdown compared to its 10-year average annual growth of 1.91%. This deceleration may reflect shifting migration patterns or demographic transitions common in mature economies.
Situated in the Middle East & North Africa region, Bahrain is one of the smaller states by population but benefits from a diversified economy that attracts expatriate labor. The high-income classification suggests a well-developed infrastructure and social services that influence population stability and life expectancy. The country's demographic profile includes a significant proportion of non-national residents, a pattern typical of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Over the past decade, the average growth of 1.91% per year indicates sustained, albeit fluctuating, expansion. This growth has been fueled by both natural increase and net migration, the latter being a key factor due to the demand for foreign workers in construction, finance, and service sectors. The 0.74% growth rate in 2025, however, hints at a potential plateau or tighter migration policies.
Globally, Bahrain holds the 153rd position in population size, placing it among smaller nations. Despite its modest numbers, its strategic location and economic profile give it an outsized role in regional affairs. Population management, including balancing citizen welfare with migrant labor needs, remains a central policy concern.
Key Facts
- Bahrain's population in 2025 is 1,588,670.
- The 1-year growth rate from 2024 to 2025 is 0.74%.
- Over the last 10 years, the average annual population growth rate has been 1.91%.
- Bahrain is classified as a high-income country in the Middle East & North Africa region.
- The country holds the 153rd position in the global population ranking.
- As a small island nation, Bahrain's population is heavily influenced by expatriate labor migration.