Bahraini Dinar

Overview

Economy

• Bahrain is a member of GCC, Arab League, OIC, Non-Aligned Movement.
• Main industries include: Petroleum processing, Aluminum smelting, Iron pelletization, Fertilizers, Islamic banking, Insurance, Ship repairing.
• Bahrain is part of the World Trade Organization.
• Imports are crude oil, machinery, chemicals, food.
• Major exports include petroleum, aluminum, textiles, chemicals.
• GDP: $44.4 billion (2023 est.).
• GDP per capita: $25,851 (2023 est.).
• Unemployment rate: 3.6% (2023 est.).
• Inflation rate: 2.8% (2023 est.).
• Main trading partners: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States, China, Japan, India.
• Trade agreements: GCC Common Market, US-Bahrain FTA, Various bilateral agreements.

History

• Previous currencies used: Gulf rupee, Indian rupee.
• The Bahraini dinar was introduced in 1965, replacing the Gulf rupee. It became one of the principal currencies in the Arabian Gulf region.
• 1965: BHD introduced, replacing Gulf rupee
• 1973: Central Bank of Bahrain established
• 1980: Joined GCC monetary cooperation
• 2001: Pegged to USD at 0.376:1
• 2006: Bahrain became regional financial hub
• 2018: VAT introduction and fiscal reforms
• Exchange rate peg: USD (2001-present) at 0.376 BHD = 1 USD.
• Currently pegged to USD at 0.376 BHD = 1 USD.

General Information

• ISO 4217 Code: BHD
• Symbols: BHD/.د.ب
• Currency Subunits: 1000 fils
• Central Bank: Central Bank of Bahrain
• Monetary Policy: Currency board system maintaining USD peg. Focus on financial sector development and monetary stability.
• Bills: 0.5 BD, 1 BD, 5 BD, 10 BD, 20 BD
• Coins: 5 fils, 10 fils, 25 fils, 50 fils, 100 fils, 500 fils
• USD Exchange Rate: 0.376
• Pegged To: USD at 0.376 BHD = 1 USD
• Capital: Manama
• Population: 1,540,558 (2023 est.)
• Area: 760 km²
• Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu
• Time Zones: UTC+3 (Arabia Standard Time)
• Government Type: Constitutional monarchy
• Head of Government: King (head of state), Prime Minister (head of government)
• Independence: August 15, 1971 (from United Kingdom)
• Ethnic Groups: Bahraini 47.4%, Asian 43.4%, Other Arab 4.9%, African 1.4%, European 1.2%, Other 1.8%
• Religions: Muslim 73.7%, Christian 9.3%, Jewish 0.1%, Other 16.9%
• Literacy Rate: 97.5% (2018 est.)
• Transport: Bahrain International Airport, modern road networks, King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia, major port facilities
• Communications: Advanced telecommunications, 100% internet penetration, comprehensive 5G coverage
• Energy: Natural gas 100% (moving toward renewables with solar projects)
• Countries Using This Currency: Bahrain
• Data Sources: Central Bank: Central Bank of Bahrain (cbb.gov.bh), Economic Data: Information & eGovernment Authority Bahrain, World Bank, IMF, Trade Data: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Demographic Data: Information & eGovernment Authority Bahrain, Geographic Data: National Space Science Agency, Historical Data: Central Bank of Bahrain archives
• Last Updated: 2025