Bahrain, Island nation in Persian Gulf, Middle East
Bahrain consists of one main island and 30 smaller islands forming an island group in the Persian Gulf. The total land area spans 295 square miles (765 square kilometers) near the coast of Saudi Arabia.
The area was home to the ancient Dilmun civilization and linked Mesopotamia with the Indus Valley through sea trade routes. Portuguese sailors arrived in the 16th century before Persian rulers took control.
The name Bahrain means two seas in Arabic and refers to freshwater springs that emerge beneath the salty seawater. Visitors can trace this tradition in northern villages where fishermen still maintain the connection between land and water.
The months between November and March offer temperatures between 59 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 25 degrees Celsius) and are best for outdoor activities. Summer months bring very high temperatures and humidity levels that make extended time outside challenging.
A solitary tree stands in the middle of the desert and has survived for over 400 years without any visible water source. The tree reaches a height of 32 feet (10 meters) and draws travelers who wonder at its existence.
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