The Territory of Cocos (or Keeling) Islands is an Australian external territory located in the Indian Ocean midway between Australia and Sri Lanka. The area consists of 27 islands of which only 2 are inhabited. The population is only about 600. The islands were annexed by Great Britain in 1857 and for the next century the territory was administered by Singapore or Ceylon. Since 1955, the islands have been part of Australia.

Since 1963, the islands have issued their own stamps. Australian stamps are also valid for use on the islands.