Middle East Travel Information

  • Size: 7,207,575 kmĀ²
  • Population: 371 million
  • Countries: 18
  • Language: About 60

Data sources: Countryaah Official Site

The Middle East is an area in Southwest Asia and North Africa. Since it is not a continent but a definition of a historical and political area, it has no precise land borders, but the countries that usually count towards the Middle East are Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait and Iran. Sometimes Turkey, Caucasus, Afghanistan and / or a number of North African states such as Libya, Somalia and Sudan are also included.

Bahrain

  • Capital: Manama
  • Population: 1,332 million (2013)
  • Currency: Bahraini dinar
  • Language: Arabic
  • Country Code for Phone: +973

Bahrain is both the name of an eastern state located in the Gulf of Persia and of the largest of the islands, which make up about seven-eighths of the country’s total area, where also the country’s capital Manama. Bahrain invests heavily in tourism and here is something for most people, from the car enthusiast to the one who wants to experience history, culture or bird watching.

Tourist in Bahrain

Bahrain has a hot and dry climate and the hottest months are August and September when temperatures can rise to 40 or sometimes up to 50 degrees, but if you let the worst of the summer months, the country offers a more comfortable heat. Here you can, among other things, visit the Bahrain International Circuit race track where the Bahrain Grand Prix in Formula 1 is run, and if you like history you should make a trip to the Bahrain fortress which is an archaeological site whose earliest history dates to the 2200s BC. Bahrain also offers diving, bird watching, shopping, horseback riding and a 400 year old tree, “The Tree of Life”, which grows in the desert far from nearby water.

Vaccination in Bahrain

If you have recently visited countries in Africa or South America where the yellow fever is present, you must show a certificate that you have been vaccinated against the disease. Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers, and if you stay more than three weeks, vaccination against Hepatitis B as well as typhoid is recommended if you want to eat simpler food outside of tourist areas and / or socialize closely with the local population. You should also review your protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio that are part of the Swedish child vaccine program. If you belong to a risk group, you may need to protect yourself against cholera.

Iran

  • Capital: Tehran
  • Population: 77.45 million (2013)
  • Currency: Iranian Rial
  • Language: Persian
  • Country Code for Phone: +98

As the home of one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations, Iran is a country that breathes history. Tourism here is not as great as it should be, which is partly because one has not prioritized this and because some parts of the world have an undeserved negative view of the country, but Iran is definitely a country worth visiting.

Tourist in Iran

Iran has a varying climate depending on its location. In the coastal areas, the climate is milder. In the mountainous regions it can be down minus 20 degrees in winter and inland it can be upwards of 50 degrees during the hottest summer days. The most popular tourist destinations are Mashhad, Iran’s holiest city and the country’s second largest, where you can visit Nadir Shah’s tomb, Esfahan which is famous for the large and beautiful Shah Mosque, and Shiraz where you can see Eram’s garden, the Koran Gate and many other popular attractions. .

Vaccination in Iran

If you have recently visited countries in Africa or South America where the yellow fever is present, you must show a certificate that you have been vaccinated against the disease. Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers, and if you stay more than three weeks, Hepatitis B and typhoid are also recommended if you are going to eat at simpler eateries and live close to the local population. It is also a good idea to review your previous protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio that are part of the Swedish child vaccination program. If you are in a risk group you may need to protect yourself against cholera, and everyone is advised to protect against mosquito bites even if the risk of malaria is small.

Israel

  • Capital: Jerusalem
  • Population: 8.059 million (2013)
  • Currency: Shekel
  • Language: Hebrew, Arabic
  • Country code for phone: +972

Israel is the country with the highest number of museums per capita in the world, making it an exciting and interesting destination. Because of the unrest in the country, tourism has to some extent suffered, but the number of tourists in Israel is increasing and more and more are discovering the country’s many opportunities.

Tourist in Israel

The climate in Israel is varied. The coastal areas, such as Tel Aviv and Haifa, have Mediterranean climates with cool, rainy winters and long and hot summers. Southern Israel with the Negev Desert region has mild winters and dry and hot summers. The mountain areas are cold, wet and often snowy. There is much to discover in Israel for those who are interested in religion and history, but you can also sunbathe and swim.

Vaccination in Israel

Everyone who is going to Israel is recommended to vaccinate against Hepatitis A and to review their protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio that are part of the Swedish child vaccine program. If you stay longer than three weeks, you should also vaccinate against Hepatitis B. If you live with the local population for longer than six months, you are recommended vaccination against tuberculosis.

Jordan

  • Capital: Amman
  • Population: 6,459 million (2013)
  • Currency: Jordanian dinar
  • Languages: Arabic, a number of smaller languages
  • Country code for telephone: +962

Jordan borders several countries in the Middle East and also has a small coast towards the Aqaba and the Red Sea. The country offers a whole host of experiences and exciting places to visit, such as the Dead Sea, which is one of the world’s saltiest lakes and whose water surface is just over 400 meters below sea level – the lowest of all places on earth’s surface.

Tourist in Jordan

Jordan offers everything from world-class history and culture to modern entertainment such as nightclubs and discos. Those who want to can also sunbathe and swim and the country also has several beautiful nature reserves where you have the opportunity to experience fantastic nature and wildlife. In Petra and Jerash there is very old beautiful architecture.

Vaccination in Jordan

Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required if you have recently visited countries in Africa or South America where the disease is present. Vaccination against Hepatitis A is recommended for anyone going to Jordan, and should you stay longer than three weeks, you should also vaccinate against Hepatitis B and against typhoid if you are going to eat at simpler eateries outside of tourist areas and / or live near the local population. If you belong to a risk group, you may need to protect yourself against cholera. Everyone should also review their protection against diphtheria, tetanus and polio that are part of the Swedish child vaccination program.