A long tradition of association with other cultures, a stable government, great weather most of the year and a strong sense of national identity blended with its cosmopolitan aura, make Bahrain an amiable place to live. It is one of the few countries in the Gulf where the nationals are the majority. Bahrain's population is a young one, with almost half under twenty. Illiteracy is non-existent among young people and high proportions of Bahrainis speak proficient or fluent English, a compulsory second language in schools.

Private schools adhere to internationally accepted curricula and overseas universities and colleges accept graduates. Private institutions with excellent academic reputations are St. Christopher's, Sacred Heart, Ibn Kuldoon, Al Bayan, the Asian, the Indian, the British, the Japanese, the French, Naseem International and the Bahrain School, all offering the senior year exams necessary for acceptance into foreign universities or the University of Bahrain whose origins go back to the late 1960's. Many of the graduates, both Bahraini and foreign, return or remain in Bahrain to call it home. This has added to the creativity, the modernity and the conscientiousness of Bahrain's work force today, not to mention the diversity.

Bahrain has become an entertainment centre in the Gulf, frequently hosting concerts of international acclaim, sporting and cultural events. This includes performances by western rock and classical acts, travelling ballet and opera troupes, Arab musical stars, plays performed by international actors and exhibition sports matches. Bahrain offers facilities such as a 4000-seat indoor theatre plus conference centres and major outdoor arenas.

Forever famous for its greenery in the midst of the region's deserts, Bahrain is still today referred to by neighboring countries as the 'Oasis of the Gulf'. Many parts of the island are densely covered in date palms, thick greenery and flowering trees. Bougainvillea, hibiscus, and sweet smelling tuberose thickets and bushes line roads and avenues throughout the year, even when temperatures soar to such heights in the summer months that one wonders how any plant could possibly survive. Bahrain and its people are very conscious of their surroundings and are great nature lovers. Most home owners maintain a part or full time gardener and proudly complete with the neighbors to ensure they have the most flowers each spring.

Summers in Bahrain are formidable; it gets extremely hot and humid from June to September, with high temperatures averaging 36°C (97°F) during the day. October through May is much more pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. Things do slow down a bit during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Muslim month of daytime fasting.

Bahrain is a shopper's paradise. Bargaining, both common and expected, is also fine but don't plan to try your skills out at any of the lavish shopping malls or well stocked supermarkets. A boutique may offer you a discount but you would not be welcome to haggle long over the price.