Bahrain

Bahrain is a small Arab state on the south-west coast of the Persian Gulf. It consists of the island of Bahrain and about 30 smaller islands. Its name comes from the Arabic al-baḥrayn, meaning ‘two seas'. Bahrain itself, one of the world's most important oil-producing regions, has only small oil reserves. Instead, its economy depends on the processing of crude oil from neighboring countries, and recently there has been significant growth in finance, commercial services and tourism. The country's main city, port and capital, Manama, is located on the northeastern tip of Bahrain Island. Bahrain is famous for its lush groves of date palms. The island of Bahrain is widely believed to have been the site of the ancient kingdom of Dilmun, a trading center with ancient Sumer. The island was settled and colonized by various groups, including the Khalīfah family, an indigenous Arab dynasty that has ruled Bahrain since the late 18th century. Recognizing the strategic importance of the islands, the Khalīfahs opened Bahrain's port facilities to foreign countries, including the United States. Around 200 different desert plant species grow in the barren, arid parts of the archipelago, while the irrigated and cultivated areas of the islands are home to fruit trees, fodder crops and vegetables. Animal diversity is limited by desert conditions. Gazelles and hares can still be found, while lizards and jerboas are common, and the mongoose is found in irrigated areas. Birdlife is very sparse, except in spring and autumn, when many species of migratory birds rest temporarily in Bahrain while travelling to higher temperate latitudes.