Understanding the Smallest Arabic Countries by Population: Bahrain and Comoros

Bahrain is the smallest country in the Arabian Peninsula, located in the Arabian Gulf, connected via the King Fahd Causeway to Alkhobar in Saudi Arabia and bordered closely by Qatar. It consists of numerous small islands, making its land area approximately 765.3 square kilometers (295.5 sq mi). Despite its small size, Bahrain is home to around 1 million citizens and approximately 1.5 million non-citizens, highlighting its unique demographics.

The Smallest Arab Country by Population: Comoros

Comoros holds the title as the smallest Arab country by population. It is one of the least populous countries in the world but remarkably densely populated, with an average population density of 275 people per square kilometer (710 people per square mile), ranking 25th in the world despite its 178th position in terms of total area. Approximately one-third of its population resides in urban areas, with the capital, Moroni, being the largest city with a population of around 55,000. Moroni is located on the island of Grande Comore, which is part of the semi-autonomous region of Comoros.

Comparative Analysis of Small Arab Countries by Population

Bahrain is known for being the smallest country in the Arabian Peninsula, following which Cyprus, Lebanon, and Qatar stand as the next smallest countries. Qatar, known for its proximity to the Persian Gulf, occupies an area of 11,581 square kilometers (4,471 sq mi), most of which is desert. Notably, it has the smallest citizen population in the Arab world, with fewer than 300,000 citizens, while including expatriates, the population increases to around 2.5 million.

In contrast, Bahrain has a citizen population of 700,000 and an overall population, including expatriates, of approximately 1.4 million. This unique composition reflects the significant role of expatriates in Bahrain's population.

Conclusion

The smallest Arabic countries by population, Bahrain and Comoros, offer a fascinating glimpse into the diversity and complexity of the region's demographics. While Bahrain is a dense island nation with a mix of citizens and expatriates, Comoros is characterized by its urban density and unique semi-autonomous structure. These small countries, each with distinct characteristics, provide valuable insights into the cultural, economic, and social dynamics of the Middle East.