Postage stamps and postal history of Martinique Postage stamps and postal history of Martinique This is a survey of the postage stamps and postal history of Martinique. Martinique is an island in the eastern Caribbean. To the northwest lies Dominica, to the south St Lucia, and to the southeast Barbados. It is an overseas region of France. Stamps of France were used in Martinique from 1851, and the French colonies general issues from 1859. The first stamp of Martinique was issued on 18 July 1886, overpriniting "Martinique" on the French colonies general issues. In 1892, the first definitive set, the French colonial series, was issued. A series
Martinique south Atlantic coast. The Caribbean, or "leeward" coast of Martinique is much more favorable to sea traffic. In addition to waters off of the leeward coast being shielded from the harsh Atlantic trade winds by the island, the sea bed itself descends steeply from the shore. This ensures that most potential hazards are too deep underwater to be an issue, and it also prevents the growth of corals that could otherwise pose a threat to passing ships. The north of the island is mountainous. It features four ensembles of "pitons" (volcanoes) and "mornes" (mountains): the Piton Conil on the extreme