Bahrain

This inviting postcard came from Bahrain a few days ago, showing the lagoon at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. I wouldn't mind staying there for a couple of days ;) 

Bahrain ( the Kingdom of Bahrain) is a small island country situated near the western shores of the Persian Gulf, often described as an archipelago of 33 islands. However, extensive land reclamation projects have changed this; by August 2008 the number of islands and island groups had increased to 84. Bahrain does not share a land boundary with another country but does have a 161 km coastline.

According to a January 2006 report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, Bahrain has the fastest growing economy in the Arab world. In 2008, Bahrain was named the world's fastest growing financial center by the City of London's Global Financial Centres Index. 

Bahrain is also major tourist destination, with app. eight million visitors annually (though the exact number varies yearly).

The stamps represent Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain. He has been the King since 14 February 2002, having previously been its Emir (from 6 March 1999). He is the son of Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the previous Emir. The country has been run by the al-Khalifa dynasty since 1783. 

Huge thanks to Fahak :)