MANAMA,
Aug 3, 1997 (Reuter) - Bahrain's population grew 3.6 percent in the year to end-June mainly due to an increase in the number of foreigners in the Gulf Arab state, official figures showed on Sunday. Data from the Central Statistic Organisation (CSO) showed Bahrain's population expanded to 620,378 on June 30, 1997 from 598,625 a year earlier.... (Of these, 379,955 locals or 61.5%). Foreigners -- mainly from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippine-- make up almost 39 percent of the population. The figures show the number of foreigners in the island state grew 4.8 percent to 240,423 and the number of nationals rose 2.9 percent to 379,955 in the year to June 30, 1997. "It is no secret the rate of growth in population in Bahrain is among the highest in the world and we must ensure that we plan our families," CSO president Sheikh Mohammed Atiyatullah al-Khalifa said in remarks published last week. "It is...important to note that the burden of the government to provide services...is increasing," Sheikh Mohammed said. Bahrain's government last month gave foreigners staying illegally in the island until October 31 to legalise their stay or leave without any penalty. Foreign workers, mainly low-paid and unskilled from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines, hold around 130,000 jobs in Bahrain out of a total workforce of 239,000.