Another example of the toll it takes on a nation to be in the geographical and geopolitical cross-hairs of history, Slovenia only gained a partial independence with the creation of the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs (and its subsequent practically innumerable iterations up to and including the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) after the fall of all the giants at the end of the Great War. It was not until the USSR started breaking up that Slovenia at long last gained nominal *and* tangible independence and self-governance (and in fact was the first republic to secede from Yugoslavia). The terrain is largely forested alpine, but with the bonus of a small Adriatic coast. In other words: gorgeous.
Stamp details: Issued on: June 26, 1991 From: Ljubljana, Republic of Slovenia MC #1
Stamp on bottom: Issued on: May 27, 2016 From: Ljubljana, Republic of Slovenia MC #1209
Recognized as a sovereign state by the UN: Yes (since May 22, 1992) Official name: Republic of Slovenia; Republika Slovenija Member of the Universal Postal Union: Yes (since August 27, 1992)