Southern Europe, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes, has a fascinating philatelic heritage. The postage stamps from this region reflect the unique characteristics and historical milestones of each country. Here is an overview of notable postage stamps from key countries in Southern Europe:

Albania

  • Albania issued its first postage stamps in 1913, shortly after declaring independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1912.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • The first postage stamps were issued in 1879, a year after Bosnia and Herzegovina became a protectorate of Austria-Hungary.

Croatia

  • Early Issues (1941-1945): During World War II, Croatia issued stamps as part of the Axis-aligned Independent State of Croatia.

Fiume

  • First Stamps (1918): The first stamps issued for Fiume in 1918 were overprints on Hungarian stamps.

Italy

  • Italy’s first postage stamps were issued in 1861 following the country’s unification,

Kosovo

  • This overview provides a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the unique and captivating world of Kosovo philately.

Macedonia

  • First Independent Macedonian Stamps (1992): Celebrating Macedonia’s declaration of independence with national symbols.

Malta

  • Early British Rule (1860-1964): Malta’s first stamps were issued under British colonial rule and featured British monarchs.

Montenegro

  • The postage stamps of Montenegro offer a rich narrative of the nation’s history, from its early days as a principality and kingdom to its modern independence.

San Marino

  • San Marino issued its first postage stamps on August 1, 1877. These stamps featured the coat of arms of San Marino.

Serbia

  • First Serbian Stamps (1866): The Principality of Serbia issued its first postage stamps in 1866, a significant milestone in Serbian postal history.

Slovenia

  • The postage stamps of Slovenia offer a rich narrative of the nation’s history, culture, and identity.

Trieste

  • Postage stamps from Trieste offer a unique and fascinating window into a region marked by significant geopolitical changes and international oversight.

Vatican City

  • Vatican City has issued a wide variety of postage stamps that are highly regarded by collectors worldwide.

Yugoslavia

  • This overview serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in the captivating world of Southern European philately.