Geography
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands and has a total area of 711.9 km2 in the Arabian Gulf. Bahrain is known as “two seas” referring to the fresh water springs that can be found within the salty seawater surrounding it. This is believed to be the main reason of shaping the natural Bahraini pearl, which used to be Bahrain’s economic pillar before the discovery of oil. In addition to that, Bahrain used to have a big number of springs that irrigated the arable lands in the north and south of the kingdom. In the middle, land was generally flat and arid covered by salty sands that where only good for desert plants. The highest point is the 134m Jabal Al-Dukhan which is surrounded by oil wells.
History:
Bahrain has a rich history dating back to the third millennium B.C. Records and archaeological evidence indicate that the main island was probably settled by the Sumerians. Around 2000 B.C. it was known as Dilmun where it was described as the legendary Aden gardens in the epic of Gilgamesh. Dilmun served as a trading post on the route between the Indus valley (now India) and Mesopotamia (now Iraq). In the fourth century, A.D. Bahrain was annexed in the Sasanian Empire. In the seventh century, Muslims conquered the area and ruled until the sixteenth century. The Portuguese took control in 1521, using Bahrain as a pearling post and military garrison. This situation lasted until 1602, when the Persians wrested the country from the Portuguese. The ruler Ahmed Bin Khalifa took control from the Persians in 1783; his descendants lead this country to this day.
Taylos: Manama and Muharraq were known as Taylos and Arados by the Greeks in the third century B.C. The islands were rich in palm trees, pearls, fish and other natural resources.

Awal: During its history Bahrain was referred by different names such as Awal, before the advent of Islam. The name Awal originated from a god of the ancient Wael tribe that used to live in Bahrain at that time.
Bahrain adopted Islam in 629AD, after receiving a messenger sent by Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him). The Bahrainis played a significant role in the conquest of many places later on.

The Al-Khamees mosque is considered to be one of the first mosques built in Bahrain. Records mentioned in one of the historic manuscripts say that it was built during the ruler Omer Bin Abdul-Aziz testament.
Culture:
Bahrain has a cultural diversity comprising of various religions and ethnic groups. While Islam is followed by a majority of the population, there are other groups who enjoy an equal religious freedom. Bahrain has always been an open society and generally puts no restrictions on dressing. However being a muslim country, people generally dress in a conservative and respectful manner.
Sightseeing in Bahrain:
Bahrain offers a treat to visitors with all kinds of interests; be it historical or modern.
Historical places to see in Bahrain include

• Bahrain, Arad and Riffa Forts
• Dilmun Burial Mounds
• Barbar Temple

Museums

• Bahrain National Museum
• Oil Museum and First Oil Well
• Museum of Pearl Diving

Places of religious interest include

• The Grand Mosque
• The Al Khamis Mosque
• Bait Al Quran

Other tourist attractions include

• King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia
• Tree of Life
• Al Jasra House
• Bahrain International Circuit

For nature lovers, the Al Areen Wild Life Sanctuary is a good place to see variety of birds and animals while on the recreation and leisure front, The Lost Paradise of Dilmun offers a range of water sports,  aquatic games and rides.