The Country
Bahrain is an archipelago situated in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Salwa in the centre of the Arabian Gulf. Named Dilmun in earlier times, it is often associated with the legend of the Garden of Eden and sometimes referred to as 'The Pearl of the Gulf'. Its northern and western shores appear oasis-like in this generally desert region, their fertility relying on subterranean aquifers which draw water from huge underground aquifers. It has an approximate land area of 106,550 sq. kms and its capital Manama, is located on the largest of its islands which occupies 85 percent of the country's total area and is linked with Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway which was opened in November 1986.
Most of Bahrain's islands are low surfaced, rising less than 60 meters above sea level, with Jebel ad-Dukhan as the main exception and forming the highest point in the country with an altitude of 122 meters above sea level. A five to six kilometer wide fertile plain, extends along the northwest and northern coast into the heart of Manama. Most of these arable lands comprise date groves and vegetable farms. Since time immemorial Bahrain has been known as the 'The Land of Eternal Youth' and according to the Sumerian legend, recounted in the Epic of Gilgamesh, was blessed with an unusual abundance f the two essential elements of life, water and food. Bahrain has been particularly famous for its pearls, agricultural produce (especially dates) and fisheries, as well as being a buoyant centre of communications and trade since the dawn of history.
Its climate is moderate by its island nature, with the surrounding sea helping to keep it a little cooler than mainland areas during summer and somewhat warmer during winter. Rainfall is low and somewhat irregular with most falling during winter months. Summers are hot and dry with humidity. January is the coldest and June the hottest month.
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