With a name meaning 'Two Seas' it is little wonder that Bahrain, an archipelago of 33 islands in the Gulf, defines itself in relation to the water that surrounds its shallow shores.
Bahrain features an arid climate. Bahrain has two seasons: an extremely hot summer and a relatively mild winter.
During the summer months, from April to October, afternoon temperatures average 40 °C (104 °F) and can reach 48 °C (118.4 °F) during June and July. The combination of intense heat and high humidity makes this season uncomfortable. In addition, a hot, dry southwest wind, known locally as the qaws, periodically blows sand clouds across the barren southern end of Bahrain toward Manama in the summer.
Officially name: Kingdom of Bahrain
Capital: Manama
Largest city: Manama
Official language: Arabic
Government: Constitutional monarchy