The Republic of Nauru is an island country situated in the Central Pacific just north of the Solomon Islands and north east of Papua New Guinea. It was a German colony, then administered by Australia and gained independence in 1968. It does not have an official capital, but its largest settlement is Yaren which is also the seat of the government. It is the third smallest state in the world, after the Vatican City and Monaco. Its official currency unit is the Australian dollar.

The first post office on the island opened in 1905. Stamps from the Marshall Islands were used. From 1914-1916 Australian stamps overprinted “North West Pacific Islands” were used. From 1916-1924, British stamps overprinted “NAURU” were issued and after 1924 Australian stamps were used. After independence in 1968, Nauru issued its own stamps.