Bahrain

Languages:

The official language of Bahrain is Arabic, and it is widely spoken by the local population. However, due to its status as a multicultural and cosmopolitan country, English is also commonly used in business, government, and education. Hindi, Urdu, and Farsi are spoken by expatriate communities, mainly from South Asia and Iran. Additionally, Bahraini Sign Language is recognized as an official language and is used by the deaf community in the country. The literacy rate in Bahrain is high, with almost all adults being able to read and write.

Religion:

The majority of Bahrain's population is Muslim, with approximately 70% of the population identifying as Shia and 30% as Sunni. The country is known for its religious diversity, and other religious communities, such as Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs, are also present in small numbers. The constitution of Bahrain guarantees religious freedom to all citizens, and the government generally respects this right. However, there have been occasional reports of discrimination against the Shia community, who have long-standing grievances regarding political representation and access to government services. The government of Bahrain has made efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance in the country.

Ethnic Groups:

Bahraini 46%, Asian 45.5%, other Arab 4.7%, African 1.6%, European 1%, other 1.2% (includes Gulf Co-operative country nationals, North and South Americans, and Oceanians) (2010 est.)