Bahrain
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Bahrain’s economy contracted in 2020 and 2023, as the GDP per capita and nominal GDP indicators show. Both are now on an upward trajectory. The growth rate for Bahrain’s non-oil GDP hit 7.9 percent in 2022 before slowing. Bahrain’s oil GDP is edging back towards positive territory. The oil breakeven price has fallen since 2024.
Bahrain’s consumer price index has remained broadly stable since 2019. Inflation is forecast to be below 2 percent in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
Bahrain’s government gross debt as a percentage of GDP is predicted to increase, while its current account balance dips.
Bahrain’s trade picked up after the 2020 pandemic, especially its exports, which surged in 2021. Both imports and exports are projected to grow for Bahrain up to 2027, but at a slower rate.
Aluminium is Bahrain’s top export and its top imports include machinery, nuclear reactors, inorganic chemicals and electronic equipment.
Bahrain’s outward foreign direct investment topped $3 billion in 2015, before plummeting. By contrast Bahrain’s inward foreign direct investment has generally been growing, with a significant increase in 2023.
All three major credit ratings agencies – Fitch, Moody’s and S&P – consider Bahrain below investment grade. Fitch and S&P also say its outlook is negative.
Bahrain’s ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index rose sharply in 2024 but fell back a little in 2025. In 2023 it was the lowest of the GCC countries and below the global average. Its score is now 50.
Bahrain’s population and life expectancy rates were rising before significant drops connected to the Covid outbreak. Both indicators are now rising again. Bahrain’s unemployment rate increased in 2020 but this has since returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Just over half of Bahrain's population are expats and more than a third of the country's expat residents come from India.
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The charts and tables on this page are for general information purposes only. AGBI aims to keep the information up-to-date and correct, but makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of the information. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. All IMF, World Bank and United Nations data on this page is publicly available. The latest IMF World Economic Outlook was published on October 14, 2025

