Bahrain
Coastal BeachesBahrain is an archipelago consisting of the main island, Al Bahrayn, and thirty smaller islands. It is situated in the Persian Gulf, near the eastern shores of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Bahrain, as it is officially known, is a small but high-income economy with a mix of modern infrastructure and a heritage of ancient civilizations that have left a mark with numerous forts and archaeological sites. Manama is the capital and largest city, serving as the central hub of business and culture. Bahrain has a diverse society with a majority of the population being expatriates, and Arabic is the official language. The country is known for its oil and pearls, with the economy heavily dependent on oil and gas but diversifying into banking, heavy industries, retail, and tourism. The Bahrain Grand Prix, a Formula One Championship event, is a major sporting highlight. The climate is generally hot and arid, with high humidity during the summer months. Bahrain is also recognized for its progressive social reforms and political freedoms relative to neighboring countries. The country has a constitutional monarchy with an elected legislative assembly and a legal system that combines Islamic law with English common law. Bahrain's human rights record has been the subject of scrutiny, but it remains a key ally to Western powers in the Middle East.