Sweden, home to 100,000 lakes

Sweden, located in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula, has a rich history dating back to the Viking Age. The country became a powerful medieval kingdom under rulers like Gustav Vasa and played a significant role in European politics during the 17th century as part of the Swedish Empire. Today, Sweden is known for its progressive social policies, high standard of living, and innovative technology. Sweden is renowned for its design, ABBA, IKEA, and sustainable living practices.

Interesting facts: Sweden has over 100,000 lakes, and it’s home to the Nobel Prizes, awarded in Stockholm.

Sweden postcard

Sweden stamp postmark

Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Svalbard is a remote Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. It was discovered by Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz in 1596 and became a base for whaling and later mining. The 1920 Svalbard Treaty granted Norway sovereignty while allowing other nations economic rights. Longyearbyen, its largest settlement, hosts scientific stations and Arctic research. Spitsbergen is the largest and the only permanently populated island of the Svalbard archipelago.

A couple of interesting facts about Svalbard: polar bears outnumber people, and no one is allowed to die there due to permafrost! 🙂

Svalbard postcard

Svalbard postmark stamps

Map of Suriname

Suriname, located on South America’s northeastern coast – it is the smallest country on South American continent. Formerly a Dutch colony known as Dutch Guiana, it gained independence in 1975. And, so it is the only Dutch-speaking country in South America. Its capital, Paramaribo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for Dutch colonial architecture. The country is largely covered by pristine Amazon rainforest (over 90% of the country) and is famous for eco-tourism, wildlife, and biodiversity.

Suriname postcard

Suriname stamps postmark

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a picturesque island nation in the Caribbean. It resisted European colonization longer than most islands. The French and British fought for control until Britain secured it in 1763. It gained independence in 1979. Its capital is Kingstown. The active La Soufrière volcano (last erupted in 2021) and Tobago Cays Marine Park are major attractions. The country is made up of 32 islands and cays: only 9 are inhabited, with the Grenadines known for luxurious resorts, sailing, and coral reefs. Fun fact: several scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed on the islands!

St Vincent and Grenadines postcard

St Vincent and Grenadines stamp postmark

Saint Helena Island, Napoleon Bonaparte’s final resting place

Saint Helena is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, best known as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile and death from 1815 to 1821. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and later controlled by the British, it served as a vital stopover for ships sailing to Asia and South Africa. Today, it is a British Overseas Territory, UK’s second-oldest overseas territory after Bermuda. Its capital is Jamestown.

On this postcard: Prince’s Lodge – the oldest country property in St Helena, built in 1808 AD. Interesting, that it appears to be for sale at the moment, for ÂŁ720,000!

St Helena postcard

St Helena stamps postmark

St Helena envelope

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean with history spanning over 2,500 years. Known in ancient times as Ceylon, it was a vital hub for trade and Buddhism. The island was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, gaining independence in 1948. It’s renowned for tea plantations, wildlife, and ancient temples, making it a destination celebrated for both cultural heritage and natural beauty.

On the postcard: Ancient City of Polonnaruwa – it was the second capital of Sri Lanka, and is a UNESCO WHS.

Sri Lanka postcard

Sri Lanka stamp postmark

Valencia, Spain

Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city, was founded by Romans in 138 BCE on the Mediterranean coast. The city is famed for its Gothic and Baroque architecture, notably the Valencia Cathedral and Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), a UNESCO World Heritage site. On this postcard: Plaza de la Virgen — a beautiful and historically significant square located in the heart of Valencia. It is one of the oldest squares in Valencia, with a history dating back to Roman times.

Spain Valencia postcard

Spain stamp postmark

Juba – capital of world’s youngest nation

South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war. Located in East-Central Africa, it is rich in natural resources, especially oil, and traversed by the White Nile. Juba is the capital and largest city of South Sudan. Originally it was established as a trading post by Greek merchants in the 19th century, and later became the capital of Southern Sudan under British colonial rule.

South Sudan postcard

South Sudan stamp postmark

South Ossetia

South Ossetia is a partially recognized republic located in the southern part of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, bordering Georgia and Russia. The region gained de-facto independence as the result of the South Ossetian War of 1991–1992. Following the Russo-Georgian War of 2008, Russia and a few other countries recognized South Ossetia’s independence, though most of the international community continues to regard it as part of Georgia. The region is known for its rich cultural heritage, including ancient fortresses and traditional Ossetian cuisine. The Tir Holy Nativity Monastery pictured on this postcard is a 13th-century Orthodox church located 9 km northwest of Tskhinvali, the capital of South Ossetia.

South Ossetia postcard

South Ossetia stamps postmarks