Part of the Maya civilization before its conquest by Spain in the 16th Century, Guatemala first gained independence from Spain in 1821 as part of the Federal Republic of Central America, and then as an independent republic in 1847 under the leadership of Rafael Carrera. The 20th Century was wracked with authoritarian dictators and their attendant idiosyncrasies (read: violence, genocidal tendencies [particularly against the Maya population, such as remained], fealty to big business and/or bullying neighbors [in this case, the United Fruit Company and the United States of America], etc.), but since the mid-1990s and the final conclusion of the Civil War, Guatemala has seen steady economic growth and a stabilizing political atmosphere. Just ask this stamps enthusiast’s pater, who lived there for years and loves it mightily.
Stamp details: Stamps on top: Issued on: March 1, 1871 From: Guatemala City, Guatemala MC #1-3
Middle stamp: Issued on: February 12, 2010 From: Guatemala City, Guatemala MC #1531
Stamp on bottom: Issued on: March 23, 2011 From: Guatemala City, Guatemala MC #1553
Recognized as a sovereign state by the UN: Yes (since November 21, 1945) Official name: Republic of Guatemala; República de Guatemala Member of the Universal Postal Union: Yes (since August 1, 1881)
