Bahrain is an independent state in south-western Asia, comprising an archipelago in the southern Persian Gulf, between the Qatar Peninsula on the east and the coast of Saudi Arabia on the west. It has a total area of 707 sq km (273 sq mi). The principal islands include Bahrain, by far the largest island with a total area of 562 sq km (217 sq mi); Al Muharraq; Umm an Na'sân; Sitrah; Jiddah; and the Hawâr group. Manama is Bahrain's capital and largest city. Bahrain was under British control from 1861 to 1971, when it gained its independence.