World Happiness Report for Bahrain 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Bahrain: 62
- Happiness Score Bahrain:5.959
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Bahrain. BH.
Bahrain is a small island country located in the Persian Gulf, known for its constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. One notable cultural aspect is the country’s rich history and heritage, including the ancient Dilmun civilization and historical sites like the Bahrain Fort. Bahrain’s economy is significant due to its thriving financial services sector and oil industry.
- Bahrain is the site of the ancient Dilmun civilization, known for its impressive burial mounds and artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age.
- The country’s economy is heavily reliant on oil, but Bahrain has also made efforts to diversify into other industries such as tourism and financial services.
- Bahrain is home to the iconic Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, which can accommodate over 7,000 worshippers.
Country Overview – Bahrain
Early History: The earliest inhabitants of the Bahrain archipelago were ancient Sumerians who arrived from modern-day Iraq around the 3rd millennium BCE. In the 3rd century BCE, Bahrain became part of the Persian Empire and later fell under the control of various Arab dynasties.
Kingdoms and Empires: Bahrain was ruled by the Persian Sassanid Empire from the 3rd to 7th centuries CE. In the 7th century, it came under the influence of Islamic caliphates, including the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties. From the 16th to the 19th century, Bahrain was controlled by various Persian and Arab rulers.
Colonial Period: Bahrain did not experience direct European colonization but was influenced by British imperial interests in the Persian Gulf region from the 19th century onwards. In 1861, Bahrain became a British protectorate, providing naval facilities and support for Britain’s regional interests.
Independence and Modern Era: Bahrain gained independence from Britain in 1971. In the following decades, it faced several internal conflicts and uprisings, including the 1994-2001 uprising against the Al Khalifa monarchy. In 2002, Bahrain became a constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament.
Current Political Situation: Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy led by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The bicameral National Assembly consists of an appointed Shura Council and an elected Council of Representatives. Recent elections were held in 2022, with the ruling Al Khalifa family maintaining control.
International Relations: Bahrain maintains close ties with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the United States, which has a naval base in Bahrain. It has strained relations with Iran due to sectarian and regional tensions.
Human Development and Economy: Bahrain has a high-income economy, heavily reliant on oil and gas exports. It has diversified into banking, finance, and tourism sectors. Bahrain ranks high in human development indicators but faces challenges with income inequality and sectarian tensions.
Cultural Highlights: Bahrain is an Islamic country with a rich heritage influenced by Persian, Arab, and Indian cultures. Arabic is the official language, while English is widely spoken. Notable cultural contributions include traditional arts, music, and cuisine.
Bahrain faces challenges in addressing sectarian divisions, human rights concerns, and economic diversification as it transitions away from a hydrocarbon-based economy.
Travel Tips for Bahrain
• Best times to visit: November to April for mild weather and cultural events.
• Cultural etiquette: Dress modestly, respect Ramadan customs, and avoid public displays of affection.
• Safety precautions: Exercise caution in crowded areas and avoid sensitive locations.
• Must-see landmarks: Bahrain National Museum, Qal’at al-Bahrain (ancient fort), Manama Souq.
• Culinary experiences: Try traditional dishes like machboos (spiced rice), muhammar (sweet rice), and luqaimat (fried dough balls).
Living in Bahrain
• Cost of living: Moderate, with affordable housing and utilities but high costs for imported goods.
• Housing: Apartments and villas available for rent or purchase in urban areas and compounds.
• Healthcare: High-quality public and private healthcare options, with mandatory health insurance.
• Education: Excellent public and private schools, including international curricula.
• Lifestyle: Family-friendly environment with malls, parks, and recreational activities.
• Legal requirements: Obtain a residency permit and comply with local laws and cultural norms.
Main facts
Location
Bahrain is an island country situated in the Persian Gulf, off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. It is an archipelago made up of the main island of Bahrain and several smaller islands. The country is connected to Saudi Arabia by the King Fahd Causeway, a series of bridges and causeways.
Map References
Bahrain is located in the Middle East, within the Arabian Peninsula.
Area – Comparative
Bahrain has an area of approximately 760 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than the state of Rhode Island in the United States.
Land Boundaries and Border Countries
Bahrain has no land boundaries with other countries, as it is an island nation.
Coastline
Bahrain has a coastline of approximately 161 kilometers. The coastal areas feature numerous bays, inlets, and small islands.
Maritime Claims
Bahrain claims territorial sea of 12 nautical miles, a contiguous zone of 24 nautical miles, and a continental shelf defined by coordinates.
Climate
Bahrain has an arid climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The temperature can reach up to 40°C (104°F) during the summer months.
Terrain
The terrain of Bahrain is generally flat and consists of low desert plains, with some scattered low hills and salt marshes. The highest point is the Jabal ad Dukhan, which reaches an elevation of 122 meters.
Elevation Extremes
The lowest point in Bahrain is the Persian Gulf (0 meters), while the highest point is Jabal ad Dukhan at 122 meters above sea level.
Natural Resources
Bahrain’s natural resources include oil, natural gas, and associated gas.
Major Bodies of Water
The main body of water surrounding Bahrain is the Persian Gulf.
Natural Hazards
The natural hazards affecting Bahrain include periodic droughts and dust storms.
Geography – Notes
Bahrain’s strategic location in the Persian Gulf has made it an important hub for trade and transportation throughout history. The country has limited natural freshwater resources, relying heavily on desalination plants for its water supply.
- Forest Area (% of land area): 0.80%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: 31,694. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 11.10%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 26.066750.5577.
- Capital: The capital of Bahrain is Manama
- Major Cities:
- Manama – 154,000
- Riffa – 111,000
- Muharraq – 98,000
- Hidd – 65,000
- Hamad Town – 57,000
- Population: 1,501,635
- Area(Km2): 765
- Population Density( P/Km²):2,239. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:973
- Official Language(s):Bahrain is Arabic (100%).
- Currency: BHD
Main Economic Indicators
Bahrain has a small but prosperous petroleum-based economy. The country’s oil reserves are relatively small, and production levels have been declining, leading Bahrain to diversify its economy towards sectors such as tourism, finance, and manufacturing. The government has implemented policies to attract foreign investment and develop non-oil sectors, but economic growth remains heavily dependent on the oil and gas industry.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
2021: 2.7% (Source: Bahrain Economic Quarterly Review, Q4 2022)
2020: -2.3% (Source: Bahrain Economic Quarterly Review, Q4 2022)
Credit Ratings
Fitch: B+ (Stable)
Moody’s: B2 (Stable)
Standard & Poor’s: B+ (Stable)
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
Agriculture: 0.3%
Industry: 38.5%
Services: 61.2%
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
Agricultural Products: Dates, vegetables, poultry, dairy products, shrimp
Industrial Products: Petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, iron and steel, fertilizers, smelting, ship repair
Labor Force
Total Labor Force: 806,000 (2021 est.)
Comparative Ranking: 153rd in the world
Current Account Balance
2021: $1.75 billion (surplus)
2020: -$1.33 billion (deficit)
Comparative Ranking: 32nd in the world (2021)
Exports and Imports
Exports: $20.32 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan, South Korea, Singapore
Main Commodities: Petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, iron and steel products
Imports: $18.12 billion (2021 est.)
Key Partners: China, UAE, Saudi Arabia, US, Japan
Main Commodities: Machinery, transportation equipment, foodstuffs, chemicals
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
Foreign Exchange Reserves: $3.6 billion (December 2021)
Gold Reserves: 4.7 tons (December 2021)
- GDP (Current US$):$38,574,069,149. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 4.20%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 13.80%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. $0.43. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): 0.71%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Noun: Bahraini(s)
Adjective: Bahraini
2. Ethnic Groups
Bahraini 46%, Asian 45.5%, other Arab 4.7%, African 1.6%, European 1%, other 1.2%
3. Religions
Muslim 70.3%, Christian 14.5%, Hindu 9.8%, Buddhist 2.5%, Jewish 0.6%, other 0.9%, unaffiliated 1.4%
4. Age Structure
0-14 years: 19.83%
15-64 years: 77.35%
65 years and over: 2.82%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 29.1
Youth dependency ratio: 25.6
Elderly dependency ratio: 3.5
6. Median Age
Total: 32.3 years
Male: 33.3 years
Female: 31.1 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: 29.8%
Alcohol consumption: 0.8 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year
Tobacco use: 14.6% of adults
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.2. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 94.6%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:13.99. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:2. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: 1.99. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 98%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: 1,467,109. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):25.10%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Bahrain Defence Force is the primary military force of Bahrain, consisting of the following branches:
- Bahrain Army: The land force component
- Bahrain Navy: The maritime force responsible for coastal defense and offshore security
- Bahrain Air Force: The aerial warfare and defense branch
Bahrain also maintains the Bahrain National Guard, a paramilitary internal security force responsible for protecting the monarchy and assisting the military in times of crisis.
Military Expenditures
Bahrain’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:
- 2022: 4.8%
- 2021: 4.4%
- 2020: 4.7%
- 2019: 4.5%
- 2018: 4.7%
Bahrain ranks among the top 10 countries globally in terms of military expenditure as a percentage of GDP.
Personnel Strengths
Bahrain has a total active-duty military personnel strength of approximately 13,000, with the following breakdown:
- Bahrain Army: 8,500
- Bahrain Navy: 1,500
- Bahrain Air Force: 3,000
The Bahrain National Guard has an additional strength of around 2,000 personnel.
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
Bahrain’s military equipment primarily consists of imported hardware, including:
- Main battle tanks (e.g., M60A3, M1A2 Abrams)
- Armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles
- Artillery and rocket systems
- Multi-role fighter aircraft (e.g., F-16, F-5)
- Naval vessels (e.g., frigates, patrol craft)
Bahrain is currently negotiating the acquisition of advanced F-16V fighter jets from the United States to modernize its air force.
Military Service Age and Obligation
Voluntary military service in Bahrain is open to male citizens between the ages of 17 and 40. While there is no mandatory military service, the government encourages voluntary enlistment through various programs and incentives.
Military Deployments
Bahrain has a small contingent of its forces deployed as part of the Saudi Arabian-led coalition in Yemen, supporting operations against Houthi rebels. The deployment includes a mix of ground, air, and naval forces.
Additionally, Bahrain contributes troops to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping mission.
Strategic Military Notes
Bahrain’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining internal security, protecting vital infrastructure (including oil and gas installations), and deterring potential threats from regional adversaries. The Bahraini military cooperates closely with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and relies heavily on support from allies like Saudi Arabia and the United States.
As a member of the GCC, Bahrain participates in joint military exercises and maintains defense agreements with fellow member states. The country also hosts the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, highlighting its strategic importance in the region.
- Armed Forces Size: 8200. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.93
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 73.40%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.