The islands of the South Pacific also get a little confusing - case in point, Aitutaki. It is one of the larger islands (“almost atoll”) of the Cook Islands (with a population around 2,200), and unlike the rest of the Cook Islands, it was annexed by the British in 1900, instead of ceded. The first non-Polynesians to venture on its shore were the crew of the HMS Bounty - before the troubles. And while yes, Aitutaki has printed its own postage stamps since 1972, they are primarily for collectors and the Aitutaki postal service is not recognized as a legitimate system by the Universal Postal Union. In case you’re thinking about traveling in the area, Aitutaki was nominated by Lonely Planet founder Tony Wheeler as the world’s most beautiful island in 2010.
Stamp details:
Stamp on top:
Issued on: August 23, 1920
From: Avarua, Cook Islands
MC #22
Middle stamp:
Issued on: November 20, 1972
From: Arutanga, Aitutaki
MC #45
Stamps on bottom:
Issued on: August 2, 2018
From: Arutanga, Aitutaki
Colnect #2018-03A
Recognized as a sovereign state by the UN: No
Claimed by: Cook Islands (which, in turn, is in Free Association with New Zealand)
Member of the Universal Postal Union: No