The first modern postal service was launched in Bhutan on 10^th October 1962 with a comprehensive scheme for organizing a systematic postal service and creating a sound Philatelic programme. With the establishment of a regular post office, Bhutan issued its first regular postage stamps valid for both domestic and international use. These stamps depicted an archer, a postal runner, a map of the Himalayan Kingdom, an illustration of the monastry / fortress of Paro Dzong, a Yak, and a portrait of Bhutan’s first king Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuk. 

The only form of stamps was the four revenue stamps that can be traced back to 1954. These revenue stamps were used for both fiscal and postage from 1955.                                 

Bhutan came into the international limelight in the early 1970s with the issue of 3-Dimensional stamps, exquisite silk stamps (Thanka), Rose scented, and a unique steel and circular grooved stamps (Talking stamps) that played the kingdoms national anthem on a record player. 

Since then, the postage stamps of Bhutan have become very popular in the international philately market for their thematic value and technical excellence. Bhutan’s stamps features countless designs of portraits, beautiful flora and fauna, endangered animals and birds, pictures of historical dzongs, indeed the entire gamut of the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. It features a wide range of international themes on sports and historical events as well. 

The very recent development of worlds first is the CD-ROM Stamp which was launched con-inciding the 28^th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the 5^th Druk Gyalpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to commemorate the Coronation and the Centenary Celebrations 2008. 

The stamps of Bhutan have served as silent ambassadors and as emblems of good will.