Examples of stamp themes included are: historic events; indigenous peoples; religious and cultural heritage; monuments; art; architecture; archaeology; topographic features; nature parks; native and endangered species; and UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves. It is important to note that we do not include images that represent Western “pop culture.”

As new stamps are issued by the countries of the world, it is expected that some of the stamps represented in the original edition will be replaced with newer issues that fit the selection criteria.

The methodology we used to select the stamps for World PEAS™ was complex, thorough, and labor-intensive. First, each stamp-issuing entity was thoroughly researched from a variety of authoritative sources. Next, we compiled a list of the country’s salient aspects and contributions to the world’s wonder and integrity.

Then, all stamps of existing political entities from 1900 to the present were culled for themes that represented, or could be used to represent the aforementioned themes. We sought to represent all stamp-issuing entities from a politically neutral perspective, to showcase the most attractive stamp specimens, and to present a diverse array of stamp design styles within the options presented for any given issuing entity. Each stamp was further screened for its enduring thematic value; esthetic appeal; educational value; color; directionality (i.e., vertical vs. horizontal) and adaptability to the available space on the map.