Bahrain

Bahrain is an island nation in the Persian Gulf, classified by the United Nations as part of Western Asia. For country research, the essential starting point is not a single statistic but a clear separation between the stable identifiers that define the nation in international databases and the volatile figures (inhabitant counts, currency exchange rates, government composition, visa rules) that change frequently and must always be checked against a named source with a reference year.

Classification facts

The United Nations M49 classification provides the stable codes used in international data systems:

• UN M49 code: 048
• ISO alpha-2: BH
• ISO alpha-3: BHR
• UN region: Asia
• UN subregion: Western Asia
• UN member state: Yes
• World Bank capital field: Manama

These identifiers come from the UN Statistics Division’s Methodology service. They are statistical codes, not political statements. The UN M49 overview explains that these codes are maintained for statistical convenience and do not imply any political or territorial judgment. Bahrain’s membership in the UN is a separate fact from its classification in the M49 regional scheme; the M49 grouping into Western Asia is a statistical convention, not a political claim about borders or sovereignty.

Inhabitant counts

Inhabitant figures change between censuses and projections. The World Bank and the UN Population Division publish annual estimates, and they do not always agree because they use different base data and projection methods. For the most recent figure, open the World Bank nation API and select the indicator SP.POP.TOTL for Bahrain; the same API shows the reference year for each value. For a UN perspective, the UN Data portal or the World Population Prospects provide inhabitant estimates with clear methodology notes.

The official census count is a separate figure from the annual estimate. Census data is collected once every several years and can be the most accurate snapshot of a nation’s inhabitants at a specific point in time, but it ages quickly. For Bahrain, the most recent census figures come from the national statistical office; annual estimates from the UN and World Bank are projections built on that base. When comparing inhabitant figures across nations, always check whether the figure is a census count, an estimate, or a projection, and note the reference year.

Capital and classification

Bahrain is classified by the United Nations Statistics Division under M49 code 048. Its ISO codes are BH (alpha-2) and BHR (alpha-3). The UN places Bahrain in the Asia region, Western Asia subregion, and lists it as a UN member state. The World Bank’s capital field for Bahrain lists Manama. These classification facts are stable identifiers, not political claims; they describe how international data systems refer to the nation. For the authoritative list of codes and regions, see the UN M49 overview.

The World Bank’s nation API returns the nation code, region, income level, and capital city. Use it as the baseline for the nation’s World Bank classification and to see which lending or income group applies in a given year.

Nation basics

Capital

The World Bank capital field for Bahrain lists Manama. The UN M49 overview is the standard reference for statistical classification, not for political status. For territorial or sovereignty questions, consult official government sources and the UN member state list; statistical grouping is a separate question from political recognition.

Inhabitant figures

Inhabitant figures change yearly. The United Nations publishes inhabitant estimates and projections; the World Bank API returns the latest available indicator values with a reference year. For the current figure, query the World Bank nation API and note the year attached to the value. The UN’s World Population Prospects is the standard source for estimates between censuses. A single number is never a fact; it is an estimate with a reference date, a definition (de facto vs de jure), and a margin of error.

Languages

Arabic is the official language of Bahrain. English is widely used in business and education. For current language statistics and language policy, refer to the Ethnologue entry for Bahrain or the national statistical office; language data is not collected in a single global census and is updated irregularly.

Currency

The Bahraini dinar (BHD) is the official currency. Exchange rates fluctuate continuously; for a current rate, use a financial data provider or the IMF’s exchange rate page. Do not rely on a static conversion from a page you read earlier.

Government and economy

For the current form of government, head of state, and economic indicators, use the World Bank nation profile API and the CIA World Factbook. These are secondary sources that publish methodology notes and reference years. Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy; the ruling family is the House of Khalifa. The official religion is Islam; the constitution provides for freedom of conscience and religious practice, with legal restrictions on some activities. The economy is diversified compared to most Gulf states, with financial services and tourism contributing alongside hydrocarbons. Verify current figures from the World Bank API, not from this page.

People, language and culture

Arabic is the official language. English is widely used in business and education. The inhabitants are majority Muslim; there are significant Shia and Sunni communities, plus expatriate workers from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and other Gulf nations. Arabic is the medium of government, education, and most public life, but English is common in banking, hotels, and international firms. Cultural norms are conservative, especially during Ramadan; public alcohol consumption and public displays of affection can lead to legal consequences. Alcohol is available in licensed hotels and some restaurants.

Political structure

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy. The King is head of state, the Prime Minister is head of government. The National Assembly has two chambers: the Council of Representatives (elected) and the Shura Council (appointed by the king). The economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas, but Bahrain was the first Gulf state to diversify beyond hydrocarbons, with banking and financial services forming a large share of GDP. The Bahraini dinar (BHD) is pegged to the US dollar. The World Bank classifies Bahrain as a high-income economy. Political participation and civil liberties are limited; international monitors and human rights organizations have documented restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association. The U.S. State Department human rights report and Freedom House provide nation-specific assessments.