Qatar is located on the Western shore of the Arabian Gulf. It is surrounded by the sea on three sides and also has a number of offshore reefs and islands. Its nearest seaward neighbour is Bahrain in the North. In the South at the neck of the peninsula, it is bordered by Saudi Arabia. The channel that runs into the Gulf of Salwa separates Qatar from Bahrain. Natural vegetation is limited. Blown sand covers much of the South and the existing flora is confined to the North. The coastline is uneven and rises gently on both sides of the peninsula. The country has a moderate desert climate with mild winters and humid summers. Rainfall is limited.