A book for young readers about the history and culture of the nation of Bahrain.

Geography. The importance of water ; Flora and fauna ; Climate ; Cities -- History. The stone age ; The Dilmun civilization ; Qalat al-Bahrain ; Tylos ; The coming of Islam ; Centuries of dispute ; al-Khalifa dynasty ; Twenty-first century developments -- Government. Royal succession ; The constitution ; Executive branch ; Legislative branch ; Judicial branch ; Local administration ; Security and defense -- Economy. Golden age of pearling ; Oil dependence ; Budget deficits ; Economic diversification ; Aluminum ; Manufacturing ; Banking ; Tourism -- Environment. Water woes ; Rising seas ; Air pollution ; Desertification ; Wildlife -- Bahrainis. Arabs ; Foreign contract workers ; Bahraini dress ; Children's dress ; Cleanliness -- Lifestyle. Family ; Marriage ; Birth ; Divorce ; Education ; Health ; Old age and death -- Religion. The principles of Islam ; The five pillars of Islam ; Shiite and Sunni Muslims ; The mosque ; Non-muslims -- Language. Arabic ; Written Arabic ; Transliteration ; Body language ; Names -- Arts. Musicians ; Embroidery ; Weaving ; Calligraphy ; Poetry ; Pottery ; Traditional -- Houses ; Modern buildings ; Contemporary art -- Leisure. Sports ; Motor sports ; Nightlife ; Parks and shops ; Children's games -- Festivals. One-day holidays ; Islamic calendar ; Eid al-Fitr ; Eid al-Adha -- Food. Bahraini foods ; Drinks ; The souk -- Map of Bahrain -- About the economy -- About the culture -- Time line -- Glossary -- For further information -- Bibliography -- Index.