Countries

Monaco – haven for the wealthy

Monaco, an independent city-state, is the second-smallest independent country in the world. It is a popular tourist destination, because of its beauty, and a haven for the wealthy, because of its advantageous tax regime. The country is a monarchy, and is surrounded on three sides by France. It is a full United Nations since 1993. Monaco is most famous for being a playground for the rich and famous, which is reflected by its numerous casinos in the Monte Carlo ward. If you are motorsports fan, then you know that Monaco Grand Prix, which is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, is considered to be one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world.

Monaco postcard

Monaco F1 postmark

Republic of Molossia – Micronation

Molossia is a micronation claiming sovereignty over 11.3 acres of land in Nevada, USA. It was founded by Kevin Baugh, who continues to be His Excellency President Grand Admiral Colonel Doctor Kevin Baugh, President and Raïs of Molossia, Protector of the Nation and Guardian of the People. He continues to pay property taxes on the land to Storey County, the recognized local government, although he calls it “foreign aid”. This guy knows how to troll 🙂

I received this awesome postcard inside envelope with US postage.

Molossia USA cover

Molossia postcard

Molossia postmark stamp

Victory memorial in Chisinau, Moldova

“Victory Memorial” – also known as “Eternity Memorial” – is the monument complex opened in Chisinau on May 9, 1975, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. Under the 25 meters high pyramid burns an eternal flame of memory. Chisinau is the capital city of of Moldova (Moldavia). The city was founded in 1436 as a monastery village, and today over 532,000 people live there. Moldova has a history of winemaking, and as the capital city hosts the yearly national wine festival every October.

Moldova postcard

Moldova stamps postmark

Yap, Micronesia

Yap is a state, archipelago (with largest largest island also called Yap) of the Federated States of Micronesia. Micronesia is an island country in Oceania, just north of the equator. It consists of 607 islands split into four states. The islands are small, but they are spread out quite a lot, giving the country the 14th-largest exclusive economic zone in the world. Yap is known for its stone money, known as Rai: large doughnut-shaped, carved disks of calcite, up to 4 meters in diameter — one of which can be seen on this postcard.

Micronesia postcard

Micronesia postmark stamp

Micronesia postcard

Cholula, Mexico

Cholula is a city in Mexico. The city is best known for Mexico’s largest pyramid — Pyramide Tepanapa, as well as its numerous churches. Also Mexico’s two most famous volcanoes — Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl — are located not far from Cholula. And all this stuff we can see on this awesome postcard. Cholula enjoys year-round spring-like weather, which is great for taking part in various outdoor activities.

Mexico Cholula postcard

Mexico stamps

Spanish Africa: Melilla

The Spanish enclave of Melilla is located on the North African coast, surrounded by the Mediterranean sea and Morocco. Along with Ceuta (another Spanish enclave) they are the only piece of European territory on mainland Africa. Spain conquered Melilla in 15th century. This autonomous city is home to about 86,500 people, and it even has own airport! Its name is related to honey since Melilla was a notable site for beekeeping in antiquity.

Melilla postcard

Melilla postmark

Melilla stamps

Melilla stamp

The kishali – traditional shawl of Mayotte

Mayotte It is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, between Madagascar and the African continent. It is an overseas region of France, and therefore it’s a region of the European Union, and part of the eurozone. The traditional outfit in the country is the salouva, made up of three pieces: the salouva itself, a large strip of fabric sewn and tied at the chest, a t-shirt often close to the body also called a “body”, and a kishali, shawl covering the hair or placed on the shoulder. This postcard depicts ladies wearing the kishali.

Mayotte postcard

Mayotte postmark

Mauritius

Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island nation, located off the eastern coast of Africa. It’s capital is Port Louis. The island was first discovered in the 9th century. At that time the island was uninhabited and covered in a dense forest. Today little original forest is left, and Mauritius is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs. The country was colonized by the Netherlands, France and Great Britain, and gained its independence in 1968.

Mauritius postcard

Mauritius stamp postmark

Map of Martinique

Martinique is a Caribbean island and an overseas region of France. And thus it is a part of the European Union, and its currency is the euro. It was discovered on 15 January 1502 by Christopher Columbus. Today its economy is heavily dependent on tourism. Its largest town and the capital is Fort-de-France, where this postcard was sent from. Fun facts: Martinique served as a home port for French pirates, and was the first coffee-growing area in the Western hemisphere.

This postcard has “digital” postmark, which contains ROC (Référentiel des Organisations du Courrier, or Repository of Mail Organizations, used by French La Poste to identify distribution offices and mail processing centers) has number 19460A , which according to various sources I found online corresponds to the regular postal code 97200 of Fort-de-France.

Martinique map postcard

Martinique stamps postmark

Marshall Islands

The Republic of the Marshall Islands is an island country in the Pacific Ocean. It consists of 29 coral atolls and five islands, of which 24 are inhabited. Rising waters due to the climate change threatens the very existence of the islands, as many atolls lie barely a meter above sea level. The Marshall Islands were administered by the United States after WWII, and they are now a sovereign nation under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Postal services are provided by USPS too, as seen on the postmark on this card.

Marshall Islands postcard

Marshall Islands stamps postmark