LAND AND RESOURCES
The islands of Bahrain are low-lying and rocky, with the exception of Bahrain Island, which rises to an elevation of 135 m (443 ft) in its centre. The climate is arid, with less than 100 mm (4 in) of rain falling annually, nearly all in the winter months (December to March). Summer humidity can be high. Average temperatures vary from about 19° C (65° F) in January to about 36° C (97° F) in July. Desert vegetation predominates; characteristic wildlife includes hares, lizards, and desert rats; the country also has a large variety of bird life. Petroleum is Bahrain’s principal mineral resource. Artesian wells, mainly along the northern coast of Bahrain Island, are used for water supply and irrigation.
Oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations have damaged coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation. Agricultural development has been neglected in Bahrain, and the limited arable land is being eroded. So far this is not a major problem because oil revenues allow food to be imported. The government has set up an Environmental Protection Committee and has begun to address some of these issues.
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