Palau

The Micronesian island of Palau first used Germany’s colonial issues for the Caroline Islands, overprinted “Karolinen”. Stamps of Japan took their place in 1914, when Japan invaded and administered Palau under a League of Nations mandate. This continued until 1944, when U.S. troops invaded and took control. In 1947, the island became part of the U.S. Trust Territory of the Pacific. U.S. stamps were used for Palau’s postage until 1983. Its first stamps were issued the next year, after the island gained postal independence. Palau #1 reproduces the preamble to its constitution. The U.S. Postal Service continues to transport the island’s mail.