Bahrain

Bahrain, a group of 36 small islands, is situated in the Arabian Gulf about 24 km from the East coast of Saudi Arabia, and 28 km from the West coast of Qatar. The name ‘Bahrain’ is derived from two Arabic words ‘thnain Bahr ’ meaning ‘two seas’. There are numerous other tiny islands but they are mostly uninhabited and known for the variety of migrating birds which pass through in spring and autumn. The terrain consists mostly of low desert plains rising gently to low central escarpment. The islands are linked by causeways and, in some cases, roads. The climate is arid characterised by pleasant winters and very hot humid summers.