Bahrain's reputation as a relatively liberal and modern Persian Gulf state has made it a favorite with travellers in the region and is an excellent introduction to the Gulf. Bahrain diversified its economy and created some of the best education and health systems in the region. Years of British influence have made English widely spoken. Site of one of the oldest civilisations in the world and thought by some to be the site of the Garden of Eden, Bahrain is packed with archaeological sites, historical museums, dhow building yards and back-street souks, awaiting you to discover them.