Where is Bahrain? - Location, Map, Geography & Facts

By | Updated On: February 28, 2026, 08:23 ET

Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, located off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia and near Qatar. Its capital, Manama, is the political and financial center of the country. Although oil helped shape its early economy, Bahrain is also known for banking, trade, and tourism. The country combines traditional Arabian culture with modern development, making it one of the key destinations in the Gulf region.

Bahrain Location on World Map

Bahrain Location Map

About Map: The map shows the location of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf, situated in Western Asia between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Where is Bahrain Located?

Bahrain is a small island nation located on the western shores of the Persian Gulf in Western Asia. It is an archipelago consisting of more than 30 islands, with Bahrain Island being the largest. Saudi Arabia lies to the west and is connected to Bahrain by the King Fahd Causeway, while Qatar is situated to the southeast across the Gulf of Bahrain.

Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy headed by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The government is led by a Prime Minister and a Council of Ministers. The country has a bicameral legislature consisting of the Consultative Council and the Council of Representatives.

Despite its small size, Bahrain has one of the most diversified economies in the Gulf region. While oil historically played a significant role in its development, the country has expanded into banking, finance, tourism, and services. Bahrain is known globally for its financial sector and pearl heritage.

The country is home to notable landmarks such as the Bahrain World Trade Center and Bahrain Financial Harbour. Qal’at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bahrain International Circuit hosts the annual Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, attracting international visitors.

With its blend of modern infrastructure, cultural heritage, and economic growth, Bahrain is considered one of the important tourist destinations in the Middle East, welcoming millions of visitors each year.

Bahrain Facts

Official NameKingdom of Bahrain
ContinentAsia
RegionWestern Asia (Middle East)
CapitalManama
Largest CityManama
Coordinates26.0667° N, 50.5577° E
Total AreaApproximately 786 km² (303 sq mi)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 1.5 million
Official LanguageArabic (English widely used)
ReligionIslam (official religion)
GovernmentConstitutional monarchy
KingHamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Independence15 August 1971 (from the United Kingdom)
CurrencyBahraini Dinar (BHD)
Time ZoneUTC+3 (Arabia Standard Time - AST)
Calling Code+973
ISO 3166 CodeBH
Major AirportBahrain International Airport (BAH)
Main IndustriesFinance, oil refining, aluminum production, tourism
Famous ForPearl diving history, Bahrain International Circuit (Formula 1), financial services
Internet TLD.bh

Governorates of Bahrain

GovernorateCapitalPopulation (Approx.)Area (km²)
Capital GovernorateManamaApproximately 330,000+≈ 51 km²
Muharraq GovernorateMuharraqApproximately 260,000+≈ 109 km²
Northern GovernorateBudaiyaApproximately 410,000+≈ 145 km²
Southern GovernorateRiffaApproximately 230,000+≈ 471 km²

Largest Cities in Bahrain

RankCity / TownGovernoratePopulation
1ManamaCapital Governorate200,000
2RiffaSouthern Governorate160,000
3MuharraqMuharraq Governorate120,000
4Hamad TownNorthern Governorate85,000
5A'aliNorthern Governorate60,000
6Isa TownSouthern Governorate55,000
7SitraCapital Governorate45,000
8BudaiyaNorthern Governorate40,000
9JidhafsCapital Governorate35,000
10Al HiddMuharraq Governorate30,000
11SanabisCapital Governorate28,000
12DirazNorthern Governorate26,000
13Al JasraNorthern Governorate20,000
14SaarNorthern Governorate19,000
15AwaliSouthern Governorate15,000
16Ma'ameerCapital Governorate14,000
17KarzakanNorthern Governorate13,000
18NuwaidratSouthern Governorate12,000
19GalaliMuharraq Governorate11,000
20ZallaqSouthern Governorate10,000