Republic of Maldives is an archipelagic country in the Indian subcontinent of Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean. It lies southwest of Sri Lanka and India, about 750 kilometers (470 miles; 400 nautical miles) from the Asian continent’s mainland. It is comprised of a chain of 26 atolls. And apparently, at least one Post Office.

It’s always nice to find a stamp that has been affixed to an envelope and cancelled with a postmark. But these go one step further as they are special releases to commemorate the original release of a particular set of stamps. I have three examples to share in this post from December 12th, 1979:

These ‘First Day of Issue’ issues are affixed to an envelope. They feature Disney characters involved in postal activities, like posting a letter, in Pluto’s case.

This second envelope has Goofy delivering a package, Mickey as a roller skating Mailmouse, Donald working in freight, Minnie and Pluto sealing envelopes, and Chip and Dale either delivering or stealing someone’s letter.

Finally we have Mickey the Mailmouse being startled by a bird flying out of a mailbox, Goofy buried alive by mail, Donald being creative in his delivery technique, and also carefully putting a letter in a mailbox without waking up Spike. Good luck, Donald. It was nice knowing you!

Thanks for going postal with Disleelandia!