Bahrain, an archipelago of 33 islands, is rich in history ancient civilizations and is situated in the Arabian Gulf, off the east coast of Saudi Arabia. The country offers a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures. The capital Manama is a quite modern cosmopolitan city, which boasts world class restaurants, shopping centers, and tourist attractions. The climate is hot in summer and mild in winter. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used by most businesses.