Many new stamp collectors start out by initially collecting World-Wide issues. There are several reasons why this type of collection is such a popular way to collect. (1) They are easy to acquire and generally can be purchased very reasonably in large multiple stamp packets. (2) The majority of local dealers carry large stocks of world-wide stamps. (3) It's a great way to become familiar with the history of the stamps and their issuing countries.

There are so many stamps and stamp issuing countries today that it has become almost impossible (and very expensive) to try and collect each issue of every country. A more practical method would be to collect a single topic or theme from each country.

The issues below illustrate some of the many Nelson Mandela stamps that have been issued world-wide.