There are many different ways to collect, and as philatelists and collectors we all know the “Right Way is my Way” so this is just a suggestion to maybe kick start a new mini collection or create a 1 page display or exhibit.

While surfing online I stumbled across the following story: “Worlds Most Well-Liked Countries” on forbes.com by Lauren Sherman (story link: http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/05/well-liked-countries-lifestyle-real-estate-tourism-america.html. It provided the top ten (11 really there was a tie for 10th), most well-liked countries. What a perfect idea for a quick mini collection or one page exhibit selecting 11 or so stamps that represent theses countries to you the collector.

Well here are the top ten and a stamp selected to represent them:

Number 10: Sweden and Spain

Spain

Designed by American architect Henry Cobb and completed in March 2007 the ‘Space Tower’ stands 236 metres tall with 57 floors. In 2006 it became the tallest building in Spain. Shortly after Torre Espacio was completed the Torre de Cristal, a neighbouring sky scraper, surpassed its height.

Sweden

The Skansen museum attracts upwards of 1.3 million people a year. It is an open air museum that was once part of the Nordic Museum. Opened to provide a glimpse of traditional Sweden by Artur Hazelius in 1891, it houses a glimpse of traditional Swedish life.

Number 9: Australia

Opened on May 9, 1927 as the provisional parliament house it was the seat of Australia’s Government until 1988. Designed by John Smith Murdoch it was only intended to serve parliament for 50 years. After ceasing to be the house of parliament it was used for concerts and exhibitions. In 2009 the agency responsible for its maintenance was renamed the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.

Number 8: Switzerland

Located on Lake Geneva and consisting of 100 buildings, Castle Chillon has existed since 1005 or 1160 depending on the sources used. It was the home of the Counts of Savoy. It was made popular by the poem “The Prisoner of Chillon” by Lord Byron.</p>

Number 7: Canada

Nothing is more recognizable to Canadians then the Canadian parliament buildings, particularly the centre block. Originally built between 1859 and 1866 it was destroyed by fire in 1915. The rebuilt centre block was completed in 1927 and houses both the commons and senate along with the office of the prime minister and the office of the leader of the official opposition. The centre block is also on the Canadian $10, $20 and $50 bills.

Number 6: Italy

The Genoa Convention Centre is a world class convention centre. It has hosted numerous international shows and trade fairs. Most notable is the Euroflora show and the Genoa International Boat Show. Also as depicted on the stamp, it was the location for the 1992 International Philatelic Show.

Number 5: Japan

One of Japans 3 holiest mountains, Mt. Fuji is an active volcano and the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776 metres. First to climb to the summit was an unknown monk in 663. Today it is a destination for many hikers and climbers. It is currently a Santa Cam location for NORAD’s Santa tracking system.

Number 4: United Kingdom

Known as Great Britain’s museum of international and modern art. The Tate Modern is located in a former power station on the south bank of the river Thames in London. In 2012 the Tate Modern plans to expand using areas of the power station including adding an addition. They hope to complete the work for the 2012 summer Olympic games being held in London.</p>

Number 3: Germany

Officially known as the Loschwitz Bridge, the Blue Wonder was completed in 1893 and was a marvel of modern technology at the time as it was the only bridge of this length with out pillars supporting it. It is a cantilever truss bridge that crosses the Elbe river and connects Loschwitz and Blasewitz.

Number 2: France

Internationally recognized as the symbol of France, the Eiffel Tower was completed in 1889 and was intended to be used as the entrance to the 1889 Worlds Fair. It is currently the tallest structure in Paris and the 2nd tallest structure in France. Between its completion and 1930 it was the tallest structure in the world.</p>

Number 1: USA

Lady Liberty represents the United States of America to the World. A gift to the US from France, to celebrate the centennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Designed by Frederic Bertholdi, Liberty Enlightening The World (her official name), was completed in 1886. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbour the Statue of Liberty was the first glimpse that immigrants and tourists would see when coming to the US by ship.

Although not the most complicated exhibit, it provides the foundation for an interesting thematic or topical collection. I am sure if one tried, they could easily come up with a one frame display or exhibit.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torre_Espacio
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skansen
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Parliament_House,_Canberra
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch%C3%A2teau_de_Chillon
http://www.turismo.comune.genova.it/spip.php?article371
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_Block
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Fuji
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tate_Modern
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Wonder
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffel_Tower
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_Liberty