Country Profile

By IGA Editor On Apr 7, 2011

BAHRAIN – COUNTRY PROFILE

Introduction

Bahrain’s small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. The new amir, installed in 1999, has pushed economic and political reforms and has worked to improve relations with the Shi’a community. In February 2001, Bahraini voters approved a referendum on the National Action Charter – the centerpiece of the amir’s political liberalization program. In February 2002, Amir HAMAD bin Isa Al Khalifa proclaimed himself king. In October 2002, Bahrainis elected members of the lower house of Bahrain’s reconstituted bicameral legislature, the National Assembly.

People

Population:	677,886 note: includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)
Age structure:	0-14 years: 28.4% (male 97,179; female 95,043) 15-64 years: 68.4% (male 271,015; female 192,342) 65 years and over: 3.3% (male 11,426; female 10,881) (2004 est.)
Median age:	total: 29 years male: 31.9 years female: 25.3 years (2004 est.)
Sex ratio:	at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.41 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.05 male(s)/female total population: 1.27 male(s)/female (2004 est.)
Religion:	Shi’a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%

Government

Government type:	hereditary monarchy
Political parties and leaders:	political parties prohibited but politically oriented societies are allowed

Economy

GDP – per capita:

purchasing power parity – $16,900 (2004 est.)

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