Bahrain Country

Introduction
For Westerners, Bahrain is an easy introduction to the Middle East. 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.

Getting There
Tourist brochures warn visitors away from the intensely hot summer months (early June to mid-September), when the sea is flat and vaporous, the cold tap runs hot and even the grass is too peppery to walk on. Yet, in many ways, this is Bahrain's most characterful time of the year: it's when you realise the importance of a wind tower, or a well in the desert, or a headscarf to keep out the hot, dry winds of a dust storm. If braving the extreme heat and humidity doesn't appeal, the best time to visit is November to March, avoiding Ramadan and Eid holidays, when an influx of Saudi tourists can make it hard to find a room.

Getting there and away
Europe has the best air connections with Bahrain; the best fares are usually from London, Italy or Greece. Flights from the US tend to be expensive and harder to find; fares are cheapest during the low seasons of early January to mid-June and mid-October to mid-December. Routes between Bahrain and other Arab countries in the Gulf are well served. Flights from India and South-East Asia tend to be inexpensive, with especially good deals from Bangkok or Delhi. There's an airport departure tax of around 8.00.

Getting around
Bahrain has a decent bus service linking most of the major towns with Manama and Muharraq. You can cover parts of central Manama and Muharraq on foot, though renting a car will make it easier to get to farther-flung attractions. There are agencies in Manama at the big hotels. You'll need to get an International Driving Permit before entering the country (you can't get one once you're there); driving is on the right. Bahrain's taxis are metered, but for longer trips expect to negotiate an hourly rate.

Destination Facts
Capital: Manama
King: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
Prime Minister: Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa
Government: constitutional hereditary monarchy
Time zone: GMT +3
Area: 707
Population: 1050000
Languages: widely spoken
Shi'a Muslim (70%), Sunni Muslim (15%), other religions and indigenous beliefs
Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BD)
Country Dialing Code: 973

Weather
It can get extremely hot and humid in Bahrain from June to September, with high temperatures averaging 38° C (100° F) during the day. November to March tends to be much more pleasant, with warm days, cool nights and negligible rainfall.