Bahrain is one of the few Gulf countries where nationals represent the majority of the population. Many Bahrainis are of Persian rather than Arab descent. The population is young, with over half the population under the age of 25. There are, of course, the usual mix of eastern and western expatriates that are found in the other Gulf countries.

The Emir is the head of state of the constitutional monarchy. He governs with the support of an appointed Cabinet of Ministers. The 40-member People’s Council (“Majlis as-Shura”) was elected for the first time in October 2002 for 4-year terms.

Nationality:
Noun: Bahraini(s)
Adjective: Bahraini

Population:
667,886
Note: Includes 235,108 non-nationals (July 2004 est.)

Population growth rate:
1.56% (2004 est.)

Ethnic groups:
Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%

Religions:
Shi'a Muslim 70%, Sunni Muslim 30%

Languages:
Arabic, English, Farsi, Urdu