Bahrain Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
Bahrain's tax revenue was 2.82% in 2020, ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2020.
Overview
Bahrain's tax revenue stood at 2.82% in 2020, a decline of +0.06% from 2019. Bahrain ranked 3rd globally.
Bahrain’s tax revenue as a share of GDP fell sharply from an early‑1990s level of 4.56 to an all‑time trough of 0.79 in 2014, before modestly rebounding to 2.82 in 2020, ranking third globally that year. The peak of 4.98 in 1998 coincided with a period of high oil‑related fiscal inflows, while the 2014 low reflected the combined impact of falling oil prices and limited diversification of the tax base. Over the 31‑year coverage span, Bahrain’s trajectory contrasts with the United Arab Emirates, whose tax revenue stood at 0.67, illustrating the region’s reliance on non‑tax fiscal sources. The persistent decline after the late‑1990s suggests structural constraints, yet the recent rise to 2.82 indicates a tentative shift toward broader revenue mobilization. Continued reforms to broaden taxable activities and improve compliance could sustain this upward movement, potentially lifting Bahrain’s tax‑to‑GDP ratio above the current level in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2.82% | −0.06% | #3 |
| 2019 | 2.88% | +1.79% | #4 |
| 2018 | 1.09% | +0.16% | #3 |
| 2017 | 0.94% | +0.13% | #3 |
| 2016 | 0.81% | −0.18% | #2 |
| 2015 | 0.99% | +0.20% | #2 |
| 2014 | 0.79% | −0.24% | #2 |
| 2013 | 1.03% | −0.11% | #2 |
| 2012 | 1.14% | +0.07% | #2 |
| 2011 | 1.07% | −0.06% | #2 |
| 2010 | 1.13% | −0.23% | #1 |
| 2009 | 1.36% | +0.13% | #1 |
| 2008 | 1.24% | +0.09% | #1 |
| 2007 | 1.15% | −0.02% | #1 |
| 2006 | 1.17% | +0.00% | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bahrain matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tax revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bahrain's tax revenue was 2.82% in 2020. Ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 1.9% decrease from the previous year.
Bahrain's tax revenue peaked at 4.98% in 1998.
The lowest tax revenue in Bahrain was 0.79% in 2014.
Bahrain ranks 3rd globally in tax revenue as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The tax revenue of Bahrain in 2020 was 2.82%. This ranks 3rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bahrain_tax-revenue,
title = {Bahrain Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bahrain/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}