Bahrain, a group of 33 archipelago islands, is rich in history and 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 as high rise buildings vie for space with more traditional dwellings and ancient traditions and historical sites mix with modern developments and cosmopolitan living.  The capital, Manama, is a quite modern cosmopolitan city, which boasts world class restaurants, shopping centers, and tourist attractions. The visitor can investigate Bahrain history at the National Museum, visit archeological sites, visit a fort or mosques, or simply relax on the sun-drenched beaches. The climate is hot in summer and mild in winter. From November to April the weather is very pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 24 degrees centigrade. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely understood and used by most businesses.