Issue date: 11 Oct, 2010
A new stamp series recalls the Bicentennial of the Independence of the Ibero- American republics, an international commemoration sponsored by the American countries and Spain.
The process of emancipation of the Spanish colonies in America was the result of a series of internal and external events witch took place both in Spain and in the colonies seeking autonomy. The power vacuum in Spain during the war against Napoleon, the liberal ideas prevailing in the country and the desire of the wealthy classes of Latin America to change their situation and achieve independence were amongst the factors which influenced this process. Two hundred years later, and moved by a spirit of cooperation and support, the Governments of Spain and nine Ibero- American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay and Venezuela, commemorate the independence process and create the Bicentennial Group to bring together the above mentioned countries and promote and develop coordinated activities such as debates, publications, festivals and the issuing of a commemorative stamp.
The Bicentennial Group was established in 2007 in Santiago (Chile) and in 2008 subsequent meetings were held in Sucre (Bolivia), Quito (Ecuador) and Mexico City. In this latter the extension of the Group was recommended in order to "Promote the free inclusion of all countries of the Ibero-American Community of Nations.
Due to the historical importance of the emancipation process for Spain and its relationship with Ibero-America, Spain joined the group supporting the Bicentennial commemoration.
The stamp depicts the flags of the ten member countries and the logo of the Bicentennial Group with the inscription "200 free and united”.
Rate A - €0.75. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, up to 20 g.
Rate A2 - €0.85. For a “standard” letter or postcard within Spain, between 20 g and 50 g.
Rate B - €1.65. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to Europe (including Greenland), up to 20 g.
Rate C - €1.75. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the rest of the world (except USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand), up to 20 g.
Rate D - €2.10. For a “standard” Ordinary International letter or postcard addressed to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand, up to 20 g.