Bahrain

Full country name: Kingdom of Bahrain
Area: 750 sq km (290 sq mi)
Population: 791,000 (2009 est)
Capital city: Manama
People: Bahraini (63%), Asian (13%), Iranian (8%), Arab (10%)
Language: Arabic, English, dialects of sub continent
Religion: Shia Muslim (70%), Sunni Muslim (15%)
Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BD) check www.xe.com
Time zone: UCT +3 hours (+2 during winter)
Climate: Hot humid summer 40C; mild pleasant winters
Alcohol availability: Bars, some restaurants, hotels, clubs

'Bahrain's reputation as a relatively liberal and modern Gulf state has made it a favourite with travellers in the region and an excellent introduction to the Middle East. It was once the seat of one of the great trading empires of the ancient world, and is evocative of the past.'

Bahrain, the Island of Golden Smiles, is a kingdom of contrasts; traditional and modern, historical sites and futuristic architecture, sprawling desert and towering structures. Well known throughout the Gulf region for its welcoming hospitality, it represents a fascinating blend of traditional Arab and western cultures, and unlike many of its neighbours, it has a large local population living alongside its expatriate neighbours. While it is not yet viewed internationally as a tourist destination, the Kingdom is truly an undiscovered gem and the government is working hard for recognition in travellers minds. As an expatriate this is great news as one takes advantage of the developing infrastructure, inexpensive nightlife and new hotels.

Bahrain is an island country in the Arabian Gulf. Saudi Arabia lies to the west and is connected to Bahrain by the King Fahad Causeway which officially opened on November 25, 1986. Qatar is to the south across the Gulf of Bahrain. The planned Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Bridge will link Bahrain to Qatar as the longest fixed link in the world.

Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands. It is linked by causeways to Muharraq (international airport) and Sitra (industrial area and tank-farm). There are numerous other tiny islands, but they are mainly uninhabited and are best known for the variety of migrating birds which pass through in spring and autumn. The central area is low lying and barren limestone rock covered with saline sand, which supports only the hardiest desert vegetation. The highest point of Bahrain is the Jebel Dukhan, 134m above sea level. The Arabian Gulf has an average depth of only 35m and most of it in the vicinity of Bahrain is much shallower than this.

Once you have settled there is a wealth of activities, attractions, shops and nightlife, not to mention shameless relaxation, to keep you occupied. Unfortunately there is a lack of decent beaches but there is enough around to keep you brown and sufficiently cool in the relaxing and warm azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. With water temperatures ranging from 34C in summer to 20C in winter, providing comfortable diving conditions year round, up to 30 species of coral and in excess of 200 species of fish can be found. Here, divers and snorkellers can discover a myriad of Indo-Pacific species including clown fish, trigger fish, surgeon fish, turtles and even whalesharks.

From cultural explorations to world class sporting events there is enough to keep your weekends far from boring, and to unwind there is a multitude of spas, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Bahrain is an awesome expatriate playground, and if that is not enough, it represents a great stepping stone to explore other Arab countries like the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan and Egypt, not to mention countries further afield in Asia such as the India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the Seychelles, Thailand and beyond.