The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small Arab country, significant player in the Middle East located in the Persian Gulf, just off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. It is an archipelago consisting of 33 islands, with Bahrain Island being the largest and most populous. With a population of around 1.5 million people, this country is home to a rich history with evidence of human settlement since ancient times and cultural heritage, and is known for its diverse population, which includes Arabs, Indians, Iranians, and others. Throughout its history, this island has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Sumerians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Portuguese, Arabs and British.