A postcard from each corner of the World
I noticed many collectors of Сountries, US states, UNESCO WH sites, and similar lists use printed or written lists of their collections to keep track of what they already have and what is still needed. For those who like to check boxes or cross out words on physical paper, I’ve made a couple of printable lists: FOTW collection and Russian Regions.
Northern Cyprus, officially the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), is a self-declared state recognized only by Turkey. It occupies the northern third of the island of Cyprus and has a rich history influenced by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations. Its capital, Nicosia, is the last divided capital in the world. Northern Cyprus is known for stunning beaches and ancient ruins. It is a popular yet less crowded tourist destination.
Norfolk Island is a small Australian territory in the Pacific Ocean, located between Australia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia. It’s area is only 35 square kilometers, and it is known for its lush green landscapes, towering Norfolk Island pines, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The island has a rich history, once serving as a British penal colony before becoming home to the descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers.
Niue is a small island country in the South Pacific, known as the “Rock of Polynesia.” It is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand. Niue is one of the world’s largest coral atolls, featuring rugged limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and unique cave systems. The island is famous for its diving, snorkeling, and whale-watching opportunities. It has a population of around 1,600.
Niger is a landlocked African country. It’s capital and largest city is Niamey. Much of its vast territory lies in the Sahara Desert. Historically, it was home to great empires like Songhai and Kanem-Bornu before gaining independence from France in 1960. Niger is known for its rich cultural diversity, with ethnic groups such as the Hausa, Zarma, and Tuareg. Famous attractions include the stunning Air Mountains, the Termit & Tin Toumma National Nature Reserve, and the ancient city of Agadez.
Nicaragua, the largest country in Central America, is known for its stunning landscapes, colonial cities, and vibrant culture. It features volcanoes, lakes, and beaches along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. San Juan del Sur — pictured on this postcard — is a coastal town on the Pacific, is famous for its beautiful beaches, surfing, and lively nightlife. Originally a fishing village, it became a key transit point during the California Gold Rush.
Unfortunately, I still don’t have a postcard sent to me directly from Nicaragua (this one was sent from Canada), as it is unclear, if sending of regular international post items from Nicaragua is possible (sending EMS packages to certain countries is possible).
New Caledonia is a French overseas territory in the South Pacific. It comprises the main island, Grande Terre, and several smaller islands. Known for its stunning lagoons, coral reefs, and rich biodiversity, it boasts a blend of Melanesian, French, and Polynesian cultures. Nouméa, the capital, is a vibrant city with French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and beautiful beaches. Discovered by James Cook in 1774, New Caledonia became a French colony in 1853. It has significant nickel reserves, contributing to its economy. The indigenous Kanak people play a key role in its cultural identity, with ongoing discussions about independence from France.
Tulips are iconic to the Netherlands, symbolizing its rich horticultural history and global flower trade. Introduced in the 16th century from the Ottoman Empire, tulips sparked “Tulip Mania” (1636-1637), one of the first recorded economic bubbles. Today, the Netherlands produces around 4.3 billion tulip bulbs annually, exporting them worldwide. The country’s flat landscape, fertile soil, and mild maritime climate create ideal growing conditions. Every spring, vast fields bloom in vibrant colors, drawing millions of tourists, especially to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower park. Tulips remain a national pride, celebrated in art, festivals, and the Dutch economy.
In Buddhism, a stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics that is used as a place of meditation. Swoyambhu Stupa is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city in Nepal. It is probably the most sacred among other Buddhism pilgrimage sites across the country. Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas.
Nauru is an island country and microstate in Micronesia, in the Pacific ocean. It is the third-smallest country in the world, larger than only Vatican City and Monaco, making it the smallest island nation. Its population of about 10,800 is the world’s third-smallest larger than only Vatican City and Tuvalu. Nauru is a phosphate-rock island with rich deposits near the surface, which allowed easy strip mining operations for over a century. However, this has seriously harmed the country’s environment, causing the island nation to suffer from what is often referred to as the “resource curse”. The phosphate was exhausted in the 1990s, and the remaining reserves are not economically viable for extraction. Nauru is also one of the least visited countries in the world, with about only 200 tourists a year. The remoteness and that much of the island is a charmless open phosphate mine are two strong reasons for this.
Deadvlei is a white clay pan located in a valley between the dunes in the Namib-Naukluft Park in Namibia. Also written Dead Vlei, its name means “dead marsh/lake”. The clay pan was formed after rainfall, when the Tsauchab river flooded, creating temporary shallow pools where the abundance of water allowed camel thorn trees to grow. When the climate changed, drought hit the area, and sand dunes encroached on the pan, which blocked the river from the area. The trees died as there was no longer enough water to survive. The trees are estimated to be approximately 900 years old, however they have not decomposed due to the dry climate.
