Bahrain Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
Bahrain's mobile subscriptions was 161.93 in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 5.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Bahrain's mobile subscriptions stood at 161.93 in 2025, a rise of +8.03 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 161.93 by 2025. Bahrain ranked 28th globally.
Bahrain’s mobile‑subscription density has risen dramatically since the first recorded figure of 0.00 in 1960, reaching an all‑time peak of 209.49 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2016 before slipping to 161.93 in 2025, ranking 28th globally. The 1985 trough of 0.00 reflects the pre‑cellular era, after which rapid diffusion of GSM networks and liberalisation of the telecom sector propelled growth, mirroring the experience of regional peers such as Israel, which records 163.00 subscriptions per 100 people. Over the 53‑year coverage span, Bahrain’s trajectory illustrates the transition from a nascent market to near‑universal mobile penetration, albeit with a modest post‑peak decline that may be attributed to market saturation and the reclassification of multiple‑SIM usage. Continued expansion of 5G infrastructure and the rollout of low‑cost data packages could revive growth, suggesting that the downward drift observed after 2016 is not inevitable.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 168.90 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 161.93 | - | - |
| 2025 | 161.93 | +8.03 | #28 |
| 2023 | 153.90 | +14.26 | #26 |
| 2022 | 139.64 | +11.56 | #39 |
| 2021 | 128.08 | +8.67 | #60 |
| 2020 | 119.41 | −9.73 | #81 |
| 2019 | 129.14 | −10.59 | #57 |
| 2018 | 139.74 | −19.81 | #23 |
| 2017 | 159.55 | −49.94 | #12 |
| 2016 | 209.49 | +25.57 | #4 |
| 2015 | 183.92 | +6.52 | #6 |
| 2014 | 177.40 | +1.60 | #7 |
| 2013 | 175.80 | +1.18 | #6 |
| 2012 | 174.62 | +34.27 | #7 |
| 2011 | 140.35 | +11.19 | #29 |
| 2010 | 129.16 | +10.71 | #32 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bahrain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bahrain's mobile subscriptions was 161.93 in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 5.2% increase from the previous year.
Bahrain's mobile subscriptions peaked at 209.49 in 2016.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in Bahrain was 0.00 in 1960.
Bahrain ranks 28th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bahrain's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 161.93 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of Bahrain in 2025 was 161.93. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bahrain_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {Bahrain Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bahrain/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}