The Universal Postal Union (UPU) was formed in 1874 and is the primary means of cooperation between postal services of all the nations of the world. A typical Congress where delegates meet and discuss membership, postal problems, etc. has over 1,000 delegates for the 189 member nations. This alphabetical listing of member nations with the date of joining the UPU, leaving, and/or change of names due to various reasons may be the first of its kind outside of the UPU itself. It has been taken from UPU documents, and will be updated as conditions change for the various postal administrations due to their nation losing or winning a war, or any other possibility.

[WEBMASTER: Extensive updating to this listing courtesy of Ben Cahoon. See his work at www.Worldstatesmen.org.]

Here are some key happenings of past years.

1. A political system may change, such as Russia becoming the USSR, but the original dates of membership remain.
2. Once a member of the UPU, the nation will always remain a member, even if they don’t pay their dues.
3. No nation has ever stated “I Quit the UPU.”
4. South Africa was expelled due to apartheid by a 1979 UPU Congress, but was immediately readmitted since the nation is a member of the United Nations Organization, and any member of the UNO is automatically a member of the UPU.
5. Until 1971, the Republic of China (Taiwan) was considered the representative of China for the UNO and the UPU, before continental China existed for the UPU. When continental China became a member of the UNO, Taiwan “disappeared” and this country is now considered a “China province” on UPU records.

Abu Dhabi -- 1966, Dec. 31: joined the UPU. 1973, Mar. 30: changed UPU affiliation to United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan -- 1928, April 1: joined the UPU
Afrique Occidental: Portuguese province -- joined the UPU Jan. 1, 1922; left the UPU Nov. 11, 1975. ["Portuguese West Africa," now Angola]
Afrique Orientale: Portuguese province -- joined the UPU Jan.1, 1922; left the UPU Oct., 11, 1978. ["Portuguese East Africa; now Mozambique]
Aland Islands -- 1918, Feb. 12: joined the UPU as part of Finland
Alaska -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with the USA.
Albania -- 1922, March 1: joined the UPU
Algeria -- 1907, Oct. 1: changed UPU affiliation with French Colonies and Protectorates; 1964, May 28: changed UPU affiliation as independent of France.
American Samoa: 1891: joined the UPU, however mail to the USA required an additional 5-cent American stamp to pay for inland delivery; 1900, 17 Apr 1940 Tutuila and Aunu'u possessions of U.S as American Samoa, July 1: changed UPU affiliation to all USA Possessions including Samoa.
Andorra -- UN member country whose status with the UPU has not yet been settled
Angola -- 1977, March 3: joined the UPU (formerly Afrique Occidental: Portuguese West Africa province 1922-1975 )
Anguilla -- 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain
Antigua & Barbuda -- 1994, Jan. 20: joined the UPU
Argentina -- 1878, April 1: joined the UPU; 1929, June 28: renewed membership in UPU
Armenia -- 1992, Sept.14: joined the UPU
Aruba -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with the Netherlands; 1877, May 1: joined the UPU as part of the Netherlands Antilles; 1986, Jan. 1: Separation from Netherlands Antilles.
Ascension -- 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain
Australia -- 1907, Oct. 1: joined the UPU, includes Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands)
Austria -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member, Austria-Hungary; 1900, Jan. 25: joined UPU as Austria; 1900, Apr. 25: changed UPU affiliation, named Austria and Hungary; 1918, Dec. 20: changed UPU affiliation to being independent as Austria; [1938-1945 part of Germany]; ; 1946, Nov. 11: changed UPU affiliation to Austria
Azerbaijan -- 1993, April 1: joined the UPU
Bahamas -- 1974, April 24: joined the UPU
Bahrain -- 1973, Dec. 21: joined the UPU
Bangladesh -- 1947, Nov. 10: joined the UPU with Pakistan; 1973, Feb. 7: changed UPU affiliation to an independent nation
Barbados -- 1967, Nov. 11: joined the UPU
Bassas da India -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department.
Belarus -- 1947, May 13: changed UPU affiliation to Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic; 1996: changed UPU affiliation to Belarus.
Belgian Congo -- 1908: renamed the Belgian Congo, admitted to the UPU; from 1960- Democratic Republic of Congo; 1961, 5 July joined UPU; 1971-1997 named Zaire.
Belgium -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member
Belize -- 1982, Oct. 1:joined the UPU
Benin -- 1961, April 27: joined the UPU
Bermuda -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain,
Bhutan -- 1969, March 7: joined the UPU
Bohemia and Moravia -- 1939, Sep. 1: joined the UPU with Germany; 1939, Oct. 7: changed UPU affiliation to be German Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia ; from May 1945, Restored to Czechoslovakia.
Bolivia -- 1886, April 1: joined the UPU
Bonaire -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with The Netherlands 1948, Sep.3: changed UPU affiliation to Netherlands Antilles.
Bosnia and Herzegovina -- 1892, July 1: Bosnia Herzegovina joined the UPU; 1921, Dec. 24: changed UPU affiliation to Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes; 1923-1992 part of Yugoslavia; 1993, Jan. 26: rejoined the UPU
Botswana -- 1968, Jan. 12: joined the UPU, formerly named Bechuanaland
Brazil -- 1877, July 1: joined the UPU
British Australian Colonies -- 1891, Oct.1: became affiliated with the UPU; 1907, Oct.1: changed UPU affiliation to Austsralia.
British Virgin Islands -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain
British Colonies -- 1877, Apr. 1: joined the UPU; 1879, Jan. 1: changed UPU affiliation to include British Colonies and Possessions; 1891, Oct. 1: changed UPU affiliation to all British colonies; 1907, Oct. 1; changed UPU affiliation to include additional Colonies and Possessions; 1940, July 1: changed UPU affiliation to include overseas territories, Protectorates and Mandated areas; 1953: changed UPU affiliation to include British colonies, overseas territories, Protectorates, Mandated areas and Northern Ireland
British Colonies and Possessions, Oriental Africa -- 1895, Dec.1: joined the UPU; 1901, Apr.1: changed UPU affiliation to Oriental Africa and Uganda; 1907, Oct. 1: joined the UPU; British Colonies and Possessions in South Africa, Australia, Canada. British India and New Zealand, plus other Colonies, and Possessions; 1921: changed UPU affiliation to Great Britain, Diverse Dominion, Colonies and Protectorates.
British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain
British Solomon Islands -- 1907, Sept. 3: joined the UPU from 1972 independent as Solomon Islands, rejoined UPU 1984, May 4.
Brunei -- 1985, Jan.15: joined the UPU as Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria -- 1879, July 1: joined the UPU
Burkina Faso -- 1963, March 29: joined the UPU 1963-1984 named Upper Volta.
Burma -- 1876, July 1: joined the UPU as British Burma, part of India; 1949, Oct. 4: joined the UPU; 1989: changed UPU affiliation to Myanmar
Burundi -- 1963, April 6: joined the UPU
Cambodia -- 1951, Dec. 21: joined the UPU, formerly part of French Indochina.
Cameroon -- 1960, July 26: joined the UPU
Canada -- 1878, July 1: joined the UPU with New Territories; 1907, Oct. 1: changed UPU affiliation to include British Colonies and Possessions; from 1949, Apr. 1 includes Newfoundland.
Cape Verde -- 1976, Sept. 30: joined the UPU
Cayman Islands -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain,
Central African Republic -- 1961, June 28: joined the UPU
Ceylon -- 1947, July 5: joined the UPU; 1949, July 13: rejoined the UPU as independent within Commonwealth; 1956, May 10: rejoined the UPU; from 1972 named Sri Lanka.
Chad -- 1961, June 23: joined the UPU
Channel Islands -- 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a Territory of Great Britain.
Chile -- 1881, April 1: joined the UPU
China -- 1914, March 1: joined the UPU, includes Hong Kong, Macao, Mongolia, Sinkiang and Tibet; 1963, Aug. 24: changed affiliation with the UPU, Mongolia became independent separate UPU member.
Christmas Island (Indian Ocean) -- 1888, Jun. 6 joined UPU as Overseas Territory of Great Britain; 1958, Oct. 1 transferred to Australia. Clipperton Island -- 1876, Jan.1: joined the UPU with France.
Cocos (Keeling Islands) 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain; 1955, 23 November transferred to Australia.
Colombia -- 1881, July 1: joined the UPU. Panama was part of Colombia until 1904.
Comoro Islands -- 1976, July 29: joined the UPU
Congo, Democratic Republic of -- 1886, Jan. 1: joined the UPU with Kingdom of Belgium; 1908: changed UPU affiliation to Belgian Congo; 1961, July 5: changed UPU affiliation to Democratic Republic of Congo 1971-1997 named Zaire.
Congo, Republic of -- 1886, Jan. 1: joined the UPU; 1960, July 1: joined the UPU.
Cook Islands -- 1888, joined UPU as British possession; 1901, Jun. 11 transferred to New Zealand.
Costa Rica -- 1883, Jan. 1: joined the UPU
Côte d'Ivoire -- 1961, May 23: joined the UPU as Ivory Coast ; from 1985, October 12 name left untranslated Côte d'Ivoire.
Crete -- 1902, July 1: joined the UPU; 1913, combined with Greece within the UPU.
Croatia -- 1921, Dec. 24: joined the UPU; 1929, Oct. 3: changed affiliation with the UPU combined with Yugoslavia; 1942, Apr. 7: changed affiliation with the UPU independent from Yugoslavia; 1945: became part of the Yugoslav Federation, provisional overprints on Croatian stamps used, changed UPU affiliation to part of Yugoslavia; 1992, July 20: rejoined the UPU.
Crozet Archipelago -- 1876, Jan.1: joined the UPU with France as Crozet Islands.
Cuba -- 1877, May 1: became member of UPU; 1877, June 15: changed UPU affiliation to Spanish Colony; 1902, Oct. 4: rejoined the UPU
Curaçao -- 1922, Jan.1: affiliated with the UPU as Curaçao and Surinam with Netherlands Colonies; 1948: changed UPU affiliation; renamed Netherlands Antilles and Surinam
Cyprus -- 1961, Nov. 23: joined the UPU as a republic within the British Commonwealth; 1975, Feb. 13: Turkish Cypriot federated state declared, Turkish Cyprus stamps not recognized by the UPU
Czechoslovakia -- 1920, May 18: joined the UPU; 1939, June 15: changed UPU affiliation to Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia; 1945, Aug. 10: changed UPU affiliation to Czechoslovakia; 1992, Dec. 31: changed UPU affiliation to Czech and Slovak Republic; 1993, March 18: rejoined the UPU as Czech Republic; 18 May 1920 joined the UPU as part of Czechoslovakia.
Dahomey -- 1961, Apr. 27: joined the UPU; from 1975 named Benin.
Danish Antilles -- 1887: joined the UPU (aka Danish West Indies); 1916, Aug. 4 -Mar. 31, 1917: changed UPU affiliation to Islands with the USA as U.S. Virgin Islands.
Danish Colonies - 1877, Sep. 1: affiliated with the UPU, Danish Antilles added later in 1877
Danish West Indies -- 1877, Sept. 1: joined the UPU (aka the Danish Antilles).
Danzig -- 1921, Oct. 1: joined the UPU; 1939, Nov. 24: changed UPU affiliation to Free City of Danzig within Germany
Denmark -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member; includes Faroe Islands and Greenland.
Djibouti -- 1978, June 6: joined the UPU (1967-1977 was French Territory of Afars and Issas). 1884-1967 named French Somaliland.
Dominica -- 1980, Jan. 31: joined the UPU as Dominican Commonwealth.
Dominican Republic -- 1880, Oct. 1: joined the UPU
Dubai -- 1963, June 14: joined the UPU, British postal agency withdrawn; 1973, Mar. 30: changed UPU affiliation to United Arab Emirates.
East Germany (German Democratic Republic) -- joined UPU 1973, 1 June; 1990, Oct. 3: changed UPU affiliation, reunited with (West) Germany. East Timor -- 2003, November 23: joined UPU, 1975-2002 part of Indonesia; to 1975 colony as Portuguese Timor; from 2002 Portuguese name " Timor-Leste " often left untranslated
Ecuador -- 1880, July 1: joined the UPU as Republic of Ecuador
East Germany (German Democratic Republic) -- joined UPU 1973, 1 June; 1990, Oct. 3: changed UPU affiliation, reunited with (West) German
Egypt -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member; included Sudan to 1956; 1960-1965: changed UPU affiliation to United Arab Republic
Equatorial Guinea, Republic of -- 1969: joined UPU; 1970, July 24: changed UPU affiliation to Equatorial Guinea; 1926-1963 named Spanish Guinea; to 1926 separate Spanish colonies of Río Muni, Fernando Póo, and Annobón.
Eritrea -- 1936: affiliated with the UPU through Ethiopia; 1952: changed UPU affiliation to federated state with Ethiopia; 1962, Nov. 14: changed UPU affiliation to be part of Ethiopia; 1993, Aug. 19: joined the UPU as Eritrea. Eritrea was a colony of Italy 1885-1942.
Estonia -- 1922, July 7: joined the UPU; 1940, Aug. 6: changed UPU affiliation to part of the USSR; 1992, April 30: changed UPU affiliation as Republic of Estonia.
Ethiopia -- 1908, Nov. 1: Empire of Ethiopia joined the UPU; 1936: changed UPU affiliation to Ethiopia; 1941, May 5: change UPU affiliation back to Empire of Ethiopia; 1945, Jan. 1: changed UPU affiliation to Ethiopia. Ethiopia was colony of Italy 1936-1941 as part of Italian East Africa.
Ethiopia, French Offices - 1908: offices closed when Ethiopia joined the UPU.
Europa - 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department.
Falkland Islands -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain,
Faroe Islands -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with Denmark (also spelled Faeroe Islands).
Fiji -- 1971, June 18: joined the UPU
Finland -- 1918, Feb. 12: joined the UPU
Fiume -- 1920, 8 Sept. Independent State of Fiume; 1924, Mar. 16 annexed to Italy; 1945, part of Yugoslavia renamed Rijeka; 1992 part of Croatia.
France -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as France, Algeria, and Monaco; French Overseas Departments included: French Guinea, Guadeloupe, Martinque, Reunion, Mayotte, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Territories included: Bassas da India, Clipperton Island, Crozet Islands, Europa, French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Territories, Glorieuses, Juan de Nova, Kerguelen Islands, New Caledonia, St. Paul and Amsterdam Islands, Terre Adelie, Tromelin, Wallis and Futuna Islands; 1884: changed UPU affiliation to France, Algeria and Tunisia; 1888: changed UPU affiliation to France and Algeria; 1907, Oct.1: joined the UPU; 1925: posts of France to operate Principality of Monaco posts, change of UPU affiliation; 1946: changed UPU affiliation to include French overseas territories; 1947: changed UPU affiliation to include French overseas and Monaco; 1952: changed UPU affiliation to include French administered territories; 1955: changed UPU affiliation to include Andorra; 1957: changed UPU affiliation to add territories represented by the French Post Office and Telecommunications.
France and Algeria -- 1888: joined the UPU; 1907, Oct. 1: changed UPU affiliation to France.
French Cochinchina (French Cochin China) see: French Indochina French Colonies -- 1876, July 1: member of the UPU with French Protectorates; 1907, Oct.1: changed UPU affiliation to French Colonies and Protectorates; 1925: changed UPU affiliation to France; 1946: changed UPU affiliation to Territories of the French Republic.
French Guinea -- 1876, Jan.1: joined the UPU with France.
French India -- 1875, 1 Jan. joined UPU and French territory; 1954, Nov. 1 changed UPU affiliation as part of India as Pondichéry, Karikal, Mahe, and Yanaon.
French Polynesia -- 1876, Jan.1: joined the UPU with France.
French Southern and Antarctic Territories -- 1876, Jan.1: joined the UPU with France.
Glorious Islands -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department.
Gabon -- 1961, July 17: joined the UPU
Gambia -- 1974, Oct. 9: joined the UPU.
Georgia -- 1993, April 1: joined the UPU
German Democratic Republic (East Germany) -- joined UPU 1973, 1 June; 1990, Oct. 3: changed UPU affiliation, reunited with (West) Germany
German Protectorates -- 1887, June 1: joined the UPU; 1902, Feb. 24: changed UPU affiliation to include Africa, Asia and Australia.
Germany -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member; 1939, Sep.1: changed UPU affiliation to include Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia; 1955, Mar. 21: changed UPU affiliation to include Saar; 1973, June 1: changed UPU affiliation for separate Democratic Republic of Germany. 1 Oct 1990 German Democratic Republic reunited with Germany.
Ghana -- 1957, Oct. 10: joined the UPU
Gibraltar -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with Great Britain.
Glorious Islands -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department.
Great Britain -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member, includes Overseas Territories Anguilla, Ascension, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Henderson Ducie and Oeno (Islands), Northern Ireland, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos Islands; Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man; (British colonies included Hong Kong 1875- 1997)
Greece -- 1875, July 1; joined the UPU as charter member
Greenland -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU, with Denmark. Local name "Kalaallit Nunaat"
Grenada -- 1978, Jan. 30: joined the UPU
Guadeloupe -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department,
Guam -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with as Spanish colony; 1898, Jun 21 possession of United States.
Guatemala -- 1881, Aug. 1: joined the UPU
Guernsey -- 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a Territory of Great Britain.
Guinea -- 1959, May 6: joined the UPU as Republic of Guinea
Guinea-Bissau - 1974, May 30, joined the UPU
Haiti -- 1881, July 1: joined the UPU
Hawaii -- 1881, Jan. 1: became affiliated with the UPU as Kingdom of Hawaii; 1898, Aug.12: annexed by the US, changed affiliation with UPU to a Possession of the USA; 1907, Oct.1: USA changed UPU affiliation to include Hawaii.
Hejaz-Nejd -- see Saudi Arabia
Heligoland -- 1879, July 1: joined the UPU as British colony; from 1891 it was part of Germany
Henderson Ducie and Oeno (Islands) -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain.
Honduras -- 1879, April 1: joined the UPU
Hong Kong -- 1914, Mar. 1: joined the UPU included with China; British colony until 1975.
Hungary -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU, Austrian-Hungarian Empire; 1900, Jan. 25: joined UPU as Hungary
Iceland -- 1875: joined UPU as a Danish possession; 1919, Nov. 15: joined the UPU.
India -- 1876, July 1: joined the UPU as British India; including Aden, Hindustan and British Burma; 1907, Oct.: British India changed UPU affiliation to British Colonies and Possessions; from August 1947 independent as India
India Route -- Via Brindisi; UPU permitted a surcharge on mail traveling this route in 1881-2.
Indo-China -- 1896, Oct. 1: joined the UPU with Cambodia, Laos and Annam, Tonkin and French Cochinchina (Viet Nam); 1951, Oct. 20: UPU affiliation of Viet Nam changed to Republic of Viet Nam; 1951, Dec. 21: UPU affiliation of Cambodia changed to Khmere Republic; 1952, May 2: UPU affiliation changed to independent Laos, Cambodia and Viet Nam.
Indonesia -- 1877, May 1: joined the UPU as Netherlands East Indies; 1948, Sep. 20: rejoined the UPU as Indonesian Republic; 1949, July 13: rejoined UPU as Indonesia.
Iran -- 1877, Sept. 1: joined the UPU as Persia; 1935, Jan. 29: affiliated with the UPU as Iran.
Iraq -- 1929, April 22; joined the UPU with Kuwait; 1941, Oct. 31: Kuwait changed UPU affiliation from Iraq to British India.
Ireland -- 1923, Sept.6: joined the UPU as Irish Free State; 1937, Dec. 29: renewed UPU affiliation as Ireland.
Ireland, Northern -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as a Great Britain Overseas Territory.
Isle of Man -- 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a Territory of Great Britain.
Israel -- 1949, Dec. 24: joined the UPU.
Isthmus of Panama -- UPU permitted a surcharge on mail traveling this route in 1881-2.
Italian Colonies -- 1904, July 1: joined the UPU; 1907, Oct. 1: changed UPU affiliation to include all Italian colonies; 1940, July 1: changed UPU affiliation to include Italian Somalia, Eritrea, Libya, Rhondes & Dodecanse Islands (from 1948 part of Greece) and the Italian Tiensin concession in China.
Italian East Africa -- 1940: July 1: Italian East Africa became a UPU member; 1943 - June 3, 1952: changed UPU affiliation to British Administration; 1950, Apr. 1: changed UPU affiliation to Italian Administration; 1952, June 4: changed UPU affiliation to Libyan Jamahiriya, (Libya Socialist).
Italy -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member.
Ivory Coast -- 1961, May 23: joined the UPU; from 1985, October 12 name left untranslated ,Côte d'Ivoire.
Jamaica -- 1963, Aug. 29: joined the UPU.
Japan -- 1877, June 1: joined the UPU; 1922, Jan.1: changed UPU affiliation to include Japanese Dependencies: Marianas, Marshall and Caroline Islands; 1945, Apr 3 Okinawa and Ryukyu Islands under United States administration; 1967, Nov. 21 Ryukyu Islands restored to Japan; 1972, May 15 Okinawa restored to Japan.
Jersey -- 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a Territory of Great Britain.
Jordan -- 1947, May 16: joined the UPU as Royal Kingdom of Transjordan; 1951, June 7: changed UPU affiliation to Royal Kingdom of Jordan.
Juan de Nova -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Territory.
Kazakhstan -- 1992, Aug. 27: joined the UPU.
Kenya -- 1964, Oct. 27: joined the UPU.
Kerguelen Archipelago -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Territory.
Kiribati -- 1984, Aug. 14: joined the UPU. Formerly Gilbert and Ellice Islands
Korea -- 1906: joined the UPU as the Empire of Korea; 1910, Aug. 29 - 1945, Sept. 12 1945 annexed by Japan; 1922, Jan. 1: changed UPU affiliation to Chosen; 1949, Dec. 17: became independent, changed UPU affiliation to Republic of Korea
Korea, Democratic People’s Republic (North Korea) -- 1974, June 6: changed joined UPU affiliation to the as Popular Democratic Republic of Korea.
Korea, Republic (South Korea) -- 1949, Dec. 17: became independent, changed UPU affiliation to Republic of Korea.
Kuwait -- 1941, Oct. 31: changed UPU affiliation from Iraq to British India; 1947, Nov. 10: joined the UPU with Pakistan; 1960, Feb. 16: changed UPU affiliation to independent Kuwait.
Kyrgyzstan -- several bogus issues, reported to the UPU in many letters; 1993, Jan. 26: joined the UPU.
Labuan -- 1889: joined the UPU as British colony, from 1957 part of Malaysia.
Laos - 1952, May 20: joined the UPU, formerly part of French Indochina.
Latvia - 1921, Oct.1: joined the UPU; 1940, Aug. 5: changed UPU affiliation to the USSR; 1992, June 17: rejoined the UPU as Republic of Latvia
Lebanon -- 1923, Oct. 23: joined the UPU as Federated State of Syria; 1931, May 12: changed UPU affiliation; 1946, May 15: rejoined the UPU as Republic of Lebanon.
Lesotho -- 1967, Sept. 6: joined the UPU, formerly named Basutoland.
Liberia - 1967, Sept. 6: joined the UPU.
Libya -- 1946, May 15: joined the UPU; 1952, June 4: rejoined the UPU; 1977: changed UPU affiliation to Libyan Jamahiriya. (Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriyra).
Liechtenstein -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member affiliated with Austria-Hungary; 1921, Feb.13: post office administered by Switzerland, changed UPU affiliation to be with Switzerland; 1962, April 13: joined the UPU as independent nation.
Lithuania -- 1922, Jan. 1: joined the UPU; 1940, Aug. 3: joined the USSR, left the UPU; 1992, Jan. 10: rejoined the UPU as Republic of Lithuania.
Luxembourg -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member.
Macao -- 1914, Mar.1: joined the UPU, included with China; 1978, Dec. 28: changed UPU affiliation to independent Macao was Portuguese colony until 1999.
Macedonia (former Yugoslav Republic of) -- 1993, July 12: joined the UPU.
Madagascar -- 1961, Nov. 2: joined the UPU as Malagasy Republic; from 1975: 30 December, Republic of Madagascar.
Malawi -- 1966, Oct. 25: joined the UPU.
Malaysia -- 1958, Jan. 17: joined the UPU as Federation of Malaya; 1963, Sept.16: changed UPU affiliation to Malaysia.
Maldive Islands -- 1967, Aug. 15: joined the UPU; from 1968, Nov. 11 named Maldives.
Mali -- 1961, April 21: joined the UPU.
Marshall Islands and Caroline Islands -- 1922, Jan. 1: changed UPU affiliation to include Japanese Dependencies; from 1945-1990 U.S. Trust Territory.
Malta -- 1965, May 21: joined the UPU
Mariana Islands -- 1922, Jan. 1: changed UPU affiliation to include Japan Dependencies; from 1945 U.S. territory of Northern Marianas.
Marshall and Carolines Islandsd -- 1922, Jan. 1: changed UPU affiliation to include Japanese Dependencies; from 1945-1990 US Trust Territory.
Martinique -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU with French Overseas Departments.
Mauritania -- 1967, Mar.22: joined the UPU.
Mauritius -- 1969, Aug. 29: joined the UPU.
Mayotte -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department
Memel -- 1920, Jan. 10 separate territory under League of Nations administration; 1923, Feb. 19 annexed to Lithuania, renamed Klaipeda.
Mexico -- 1879, April 1: joined the UPU
Micronesia -- UN member country whose status with the UPU has not yet been settled. Until 1979 named Caroline Islands.
Moldovia (Moldova) -- 1992, Nov. 16: joined UPU.
Monaco -- 1876, Jan.1: joined the UPU with France; 1955, Oct. 12: changed the UPU affiliation.
Mongolia -- 1914, Mar.1: joined the UPU with China; 1963, Aug. 24: changed the UPU affiliation.
Montenegro-- 1875, June 30: membership in the UPU as charter member as Kingdom of Montenegro; 1921, Dec. 24: changed UPU affiliation, became Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes; 2006; 26 July rejoined UPU as independent Montenegro
Montserrat -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain.
Morocco -- 1920, Oct.1: joined UPU; 1956, Oct. 15: changed the UPU affiliation to independent Morocco
Mozambique -- 1978, Oct. 11: joined the UPU (formerly Afrique Orientale: Portuguese province 1922-1978 ).
Namibia -- 1922, Mar. 1: joined the UPU as South West Africa; 1954: changed UPU affiliation as administered by Union of South Africa 1966, Oct. 27: joined the UPU under responsibility of the United Nations.1990: 21 Mar, independent as a UPU member
Nauru -- 1969, April 17: joined the UPU.
Nepal -- 1956, Oct. 11: joined the UPU
Netherlands -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as a charter member, includes Aruba, Netherlands Antilles.
Netherlands Antilles -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with The Netherlands; 1877: joined the UPU; 1948, Sep.3: changed UPU affiliation to include Surinam, Ned(erlandse) Antillen appeared on all stamps
Netherlands Colonies -- 1877, May 1: became affiliated with the UPU; 1922, Jan. 1: added Curaçao, Surinam and Netherlands Indies to UPU affiliation.
Netherlands East Indies -- 1877, May 1: joined the UPU as Netherlands East Indies; 1948, Sep. 20: rejoined the UPU as Indonesian Republic; 1949, July 13: rejoined UPU as Indonesia.
New Caledonia -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Territory.
Newfoundland -- 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain; 1907-1933 separate British dominion; changed UPU status 1949, Apr. 1 as part of Canada.
New Guinea, British -- 1892: joined UPU; from 1975 part of independent Papua New Guinea.
New South Wales -- 1891: Oct.1: became affiliated with the UPU as British Australian possessions; 1907, Oct.1: changed UPU affiliation to Australia.
New Zealand -- 1907, Oct. 1: joined the UPU; includes Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau.
Nicaragua -- 1882, May 1: joined the UPU
Niger -- 1961, June 12: joined the UPU.
Nigeria -- 1961, July 10: joined the UPU,
Niue -- 1907, Oct.1: Joined the UPU with New Zealand.
Norfolk Island -- 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain; 1914, 1 July transferred to Australia.
North Borneo -- 1891: joined the UPU; from 1963 part of Malaysia as Sabah
Norway -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as a charter member.
Oil Rivers Protectorate -- 1879, Jan. 1: British West Africa colonies joined the UPU. From 1960 part of Nigeria
Oman -- 1875, Aug. 17: joined the UPU; 1947, Nov. 10: joined the UPU with Pakistan; 1966, Apr. 30: Oman Sultanate took over postal administration of Muscat and Oman, issued first stamps under its own postal authority, changed UPU affiliation to autonomous; 1971, Aug.17: rejoined the UPU as Sultanate of Oman.
Orange Free State -- 1898, Jan.: became member of UPU; 1899, Jan.1: changed affiliation with UPU to British Protectorate of South Africa; from 1910 part of South Africa. .
Pakistan -- 1947, Nov. 10: joined the UPU.
Palau -- UN member country whose status with the UPU has not yet been settled
Panama -- 1904, June 11: joined UPU; Canal Zone had its own stamps 1904-1979,
Panama Canal Zone: 1904, June 11: Canal Zone had its own stamps, joined the UPU; 1904, Aug.1: changed UPU affiliation to Panama Canal Zone; 1940, July 1: changed UPU affiliation to all USA Possessions, with Panama Canal Zone; from 1979: 30 September Canal Zone incorporated into Panama.
Papua New Guinea. -- 1976, June 4: joined the UPU.
Paraguay.-- 1881, July 1: joined the UPU.
Persia -- 1877, Sep. 1: affiliated with the UPU; 1935, Jan. 29: changed UPU affiliation to Iran.
Peru -- 1879, April 1: joined the UPU.
Philippines -- 1877: Spanish colonies joined the UPU and foreign stamps stopped being used; 1898 - 1946, Jul. 4 administered by United States; 1922, Jan. 1: joined the UPU.
Pitcairn Islands -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain (includes Henderson, Ducie and Oneo islands).
Poland -- 1919, May 1: joined the UPU; 1939, Sept.1: German occupation “Deutsche Post Osten” overprint on stamps of Germany, changed affiliation with the UPU “with Germany”; 1945, July 20: changed affiliation with the UPU, became independent; 1956: changed UPU affiliation to Popular Republic of Poland.
Portugal -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as a charter member.
Portuguese Africa -- 1907, Oct.1: Portuguese African Colonies joined the UPU; 1922, Jan.1: changed UPU affiliation to Portuguese Provinces, Occidental Africa,
Portuguese Colonies -- 1877, July 1: became members of the UPU; 1907: changed UPU affiliation to include Portuguese African Colonies; 1922, Jan. 1: changed UPU affiliation with additional Portuguese Colonies (Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea- Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe , Goa, Macau, East Timor.).
Portuguese India -- 1875, Jan. 1: joined the UPU a Portuguese colony; 1962, Mar. 12 changed UPU affiliation as part of India, named Goa. Puerto Rico -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as Spanish colony; 1898 Dec. 10 possession of United States. Qatar -- 1969, Jan. 31: joined the UPU
Queensland -- 1891. Oct.1: became affiliated with the UPU as British Australian possessions; 1907, Oct.1: changed UPU affiliation to Australia
Reunion -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department.
Russia -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as a charter member; 1924, June 24: changed UPU affiliation, became USSR, first postage due stamp; from 25 December 1991 named Russian Fderation
Rwanda -- 1963, April 6: joined the UPU; 1923, Aug. 31: joined the UPU under the Mandate of Belgium; 1963, Apr. 6: changed UPU affiliation, became independent as Rwanda and Burundi..
Saar -- 1920, 1 Sep. - 1935, Jan. 13 Saarland a separate UPU member; 1959, July 6: Saar stamps discontinued, German Federal Republic stamps and currency used detached from the UPU.;
Saba -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with The Netherlands 1948, Sep.3: changed UPU affiliation to Netherlands Antilles.
Sabah -- 1963, Sep. 16: joined the UPU through Malaysia. Formerly North Borneo.
St. Barthelemy -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department.
St. Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla -- 1988, Jan. 11: joined the UPU as St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla remained a British colony
St. Eustatius -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with The Netherlands 1948, Sep.3: changed UPU affiliation to Netherlands Antilles.
St. Helena -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain (includes Tristan da Cuhna, Gough, Inaccessible and Nightingale islands).
St. Lucia -- 1980, July 10: joined the UPU.
St. Maarten 1875, July 1: joined the UPU with The Netherlands 1948, Sep.3: changed UPU affiliation to Netherlands Antilles.
St. Martin -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department.
St. Paul and Amsterdam Islands -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Territory.
St. Pierre and Miquelon -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Department.
Straits Settlements -- 1877, April 1: joined the UPU.
St. Vincent -- 1881: joined the UPU.
St. Vincent Grenadines -- 1981, Feb. 3: joined the UPU.
Salvador, El -- 1879, April 1: joined the UPU.
Samoa -- 1891: joined the UPU, however mail to the USA required an additional 5-cent American stamp to pay for inland delivery; 1889 - 1900 joint German-U.K.-U.S. protectorate; 1900, 17 Feb. 1914, Aug. 29 German possession; 1914, Aug 29 - 1962, Jan. 1 New Zealand possession; 1962, Jan. 1 independent was Independent State of Western Samoa; 1989, 9 August, joined UPU as independent member; 1997, July 4 renamed Independent State of Samoa.
San Marino -- 1915, July 1: joined UPU .
São Tomé and Príncipe (St. Thomas and Prince Islands) -- 1977, Aug. 22: joined the UPU
Saudi Arabia 1927 joined UPU as Hejaz and Nejd; 1957, changed UPU affiliate as Saudi Arabia. See Hejaz-Nejd.
Senegal -- 1961, June 14: joined the UPU
Serbia -- 1874: Serbia was an original member of the General Postal Union; 1875, July 1: joined the UPU; 1921, Dec. 24: rejoined the UPU as Kingdom of Serbs, Croates and Slovenes; 1929, Oct. 3: rejoined the UPU as Yugoslavia; 2001, June 18: rejoined the UPU as Federal Republic of Yugoslavia; 2003, Feb. 4: rejoined the UPU as Serbia & Montenegro; 2006, Jun. 5: UPU member as Republic of Serbia.
Seychelles -- 1977, Oct. 7: joined the UPU.
Siam -- 1885, July 1: joined the UPU; 1939, June 24: changed UPU affiliation to Thailand
Sierra Leone -- 1962, Jan. 29: joined the UPU
Singapore -- 1966, Jan. 8: joined the UPU.
Sinkiang -- 1914, Mar.1: joined the UPU with China, from 1979 spelled "Xianjang"
Slovakia -- 1920, May 18: joined the UPU; 1939, June 17: joined the UPU as German Protectorate; 1940: first personal delivery stamp, changed UPU affiliation to leave German Protectorate; 1945, Aug. 10: changed affiliation with UPU as a constituent republic of Czechoslovakia; 1993, March 18: rejoined the UPU as Slovakia Republic.
Slovenia -- 1921, Dec. 24: joined the UPU; 1992, Aug. 27: rejoined the UPU.
Solomon Islands -- 1907: joined the UPU as the British Solomon Islands; 1984, May 4: rejoined the UPU as Solomon Islands.
Somalia -- 1950, Apr. 1: joined the UPU under ten year United Nations Trusteeship; 1959, April 1: joined the UPU under Italian Administration; 1960, July 1: former Italian colony merged with British Somaliland Protectorate to form independent Republic of Somalia, changed UPU affiliation to sovereign state.
South Africa -- 1893, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as Boer state named South-African Republic; 1899, Jan. 1: changed UPU affiliation to South Africa Colonies and Protectorates; 1910, June 1: changed UPU affiliation to Union of South Africa; 1961, May 31: withdrew from British Commonwealth, became Republic of South Africa, changed affiliation with the UPU; 1981, June 19: changed UPU affiliation to South Africa; 1994, Aug. 22: changed UPU affiliation to Republic of South Africa.
South Australia -- 1891: Oct.1: became affiliated with the UPU as British Australian possessions; 1907, Oct.1: changed UPU affiliation to Australia
South Georgia and the South Sandwich (Islands) -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain.
South West Africa -- 1922, Mar. 1: joined the UPU; 1954: changed UPU affiliation as administered by Union of South Africa; 1966, Oct. 27: joined the UPU under responsibility of the United Nations.1990: 21 Mar, independent as a UPU member as Namibia.
Spain -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member.
Spanish Colonies -- 1877, May 1: became affiliated with UPU; 1899, Dec. 7: added Golf of Guinea to UPU membership.
Spanish Guinea -- 1885, Jan. 9 joined the UPU as Spanish colonies of Río Muni, Fernando Póo, and Annobón ; 1926 named Spanish Guinea; 1963, Dec. 15 renamed Equatorial Guinea; 1970, July 24, joined UPU.
Spanish West Africa (Spanish Sahara) -- 1885 joined UPU as Río de Oro Spanish protectorate; 1946, Jul. 26 named Spanish West Africa (África Occidental Española); 1958, Jan. 12 named Spanish Sahara; 1976, Feb 26 Spain terminates its administration.
Sri Lanka -- 1949, July 13: joined the UPU; named Ceylon until 1972, May 22.
Straits Settlements -- 1877, April 1: joined the UPU.; 1946, Apr. 1 Straits Settlements dissolved, Singapore a separated, Malacca, Penang made part of Malaya.
Sudan -- 1875, July 1: became charter member of the UPU through affiliation with Egypt as Anglo-Egyptian Sudan; 1956, July 27: changed affiliation with UPU to independent as Republic of Sudan.
Suriname -- 1877, May 1: joined the UPU; 1922, Jan. 1: added to the UPU affiliation with Netherlands Colonies; 1976, April 20: changed UPU affiliation as Republic of Suriname.
Swaziland -- 1969, Nov. 7: joined the UPU.
Sweden -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as a charter member.
Switzerland -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as a charter member.
Syria -- 1923, Oct. 30: French Federated States admitted to the UPU; 1931, May 12: changed UPU affiliation as French Territory of Syria with Lebanon; 1946, May 15: changed UPU affiliation to an independent republic.
Taiwan (Formosa) -- 1895, Jun. 2 joined UPU as a possession of Japan; 1945, Oct. 25 changed UPU affiliation as part of China; the Republic of China (Taiwan) represented China until 1972, Apr 13 when the UPU voted to have China represented by the People's Republic of China; from 1972 UPU status of Taiwan is Taiwan province of China.
Tajikistan -- 1994, June 9: joined the UPU
Tanganyika -- 1963, Mar. 29: joined the UPU; 1964, Apr. 26: merged with Zanzibar, changed UPU affiliation to United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar
Tanzania -- 1963, Mar 29: Tanzania, joined the UPU as Tanganyika; 1964, April 27: merged with Zanzibar to become United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, changed UPU affiliation; 1964 Oct. 29: changed UPU affiliation to United Republic of Tanzania.
Tasmania -- 1891: Oct.1: became affiliated with the UPU as British Australian possessions; 1907, Oct.1: changed UPU affiliation to Australia
Terre Adelie -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Territory
Thailand -- 1885, July 1: Siam joined the UPU; 1939, June 24: affiliated with UPU as Thailand
Tibet -- 1914, Mar.1: joined the UPU with China
Timor-Leste: see East Timor
Togo -- 1886: joined the UPU with other German colonies; 1962, Mar. 21: joined the UPU.
Tokelau -- 1889, Jan.. 22: joined the UPU as a British protectorate named Union Group; 1948 named Tokelau; 1949, Jan. 1 transferred to New Zealand.
Tonga -- 1893, Feb. 13: first official stamp, adopted the UPU rates; 1972, Jan. 26: joined the UPU, includes Niuafo’ou,
Transvaal -- 1893: joined the UPU; from 1910 part of South Africa.
Trinidad and Tobago -- 1963, June 15: joined the UPU.
Trieste UPU member Sept. 1947 - March 1955. 1947, Sept. 15 Free Territory of Trieste (United Nations mandate), Anglo-American occupation of Zone A, Zone B occupied by Yugoslavia; 1954, Oct. 26 Divided between Italy (zone A) and Yugoslavia (zone B).
Tristan da Cunha -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain.
Tromelin -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Territory.
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands: Marshall Islands Northern Marianas, Micronesia (Caroline Islands) and Palau; US United Nations Mandate 1945-1990
Tunisia -- 1888, July 1: French protectorate, changed UPU affiliation to Kingdom of Tunisia; 1956, Mar. 20: UPU affiliation to Tunisia as a sovereign state; 1956, Nov. 1: changed UPU affiliation to participating state,
Turkey -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as a charter member.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Northern Cyprus) -- stamps declared illegal by 1979 UPU Congress and all member nations were advised to refuse to handle any mail "bearing these illegal postage stamps."
Turkmenistan -- 1993, Jan. 26: joined the UPU,
Turks and Caicos Islands -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as an Overseas Territory of Great Britain
Tuvalu -- 1981, Feb. 3: joined the UPU, formerly Ellice Islands
Uganda -- 1901, April: joined the UPU as British Protectorate; 1964, Feb. 13: changed UPU affiliation as an independent.
Ukraine -- 1947, May 13: joined UPU as Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic; 25 Dec 1991 changed UPU affiliation as independent from Russia.
United Arab Emirates -- 1973, March 30: joined the UPU (includes Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Qaiwain).
United States of America -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU as charter member; includes Alaska, Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands of the USA, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands; 1900, Feb. 25: USA possessions became affiliated with UPU; 1907, Oct. 1: changed UPU affiliation to include Hawaii, Panama Canal Zone; 1940, July 1: changed UPU affiliation to include Samoa, Panama Canal Zone; 1947, Apr. 2: changed UPU affiliation to include territories supervised by the USA; 1953, July 1: changed UPU affiliation to Territories of the USA, 30 Sept. Panama Canal Zone incorporated into Panama
Upper Volta -- 1963, Mar. 29: joined the UPU. From 1984 re-named Burkina Faso
Uruguay -- 1880, July 1: joined the UPU
Uzbekistan -- 1994, Feb. 24: joined the UPU.
Vanuatu -- 1982, July 16: joined the UPU, formerly to 1980 named New Hebrides
Vatican City -- 1929, June 1: created by Lateran Treaty with Italy, joined UPU.
Venezuela -- 1880, Jan. 1: joined the UPU
Victoria -- 1891: Oct.1: became affiliated with the UPU as British Australian possessions; 1907, Oct.1: changed UPU affiliation to Australia
Viet Nam -- 1951, Oct. 20: joined the UPU as Republic of Viet Nam (South Vietnam); 1976, Mar. 15: changed UPU affiliation to Republic of South Viet Nam; 1976, Aug. 23: changed UPU affiliation to Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
Wallis and Futuna -- 1876, Jan. 1: joined the UPU as a French Overseas Territory.
Western Australia -- 1891: joined the UPU.
Western Sahara non UPU member administered by Morocco; 1885 joined UPU as Río de Oro Spanish protectorate; 1946, Jul. 26 named Spanish West Africa (África Occidental Española); 1958, Jan. 12 named Spanish Sahara; 1976, Feb 26 Spain terminates its administration; 1976, Feb 28 Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic declared (not recognized by Morocco).
Western Samoa -- see Samoa.
Yemen, Republic of -- 1930, Jan. 1: first foreign and domestic issue; joined the UPU; 1990, May 22: changed affiliation with UPU to Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) and the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (South Yemen) planned to merge to form the Republic of Yemen, government ministries merged but civil war delayed completion.
Yemen, People’s Democratic Republic of (South Yemen)-- 1968, June 28: joined the UPU; 1990, May 22: changed UPU affiliation to Republic of Yemen.
Yugoslavia -- 1875, July 1: joined the UPU; 1921, Dec. 24: continued membership in the UPU; 1929, Oct. 3: name changed to Kingdom of Yugoslavia, changed affiliation with UPU, included Croatia; 2001, June 18: continued membership in the UPU as Serbia and Montenegro; 2003, Feb. 4: changed UPU affiliation to The State Union of Serbia and Montenegro; from 2006 see Serbia
Zaire: see Congo, Democratic Republic of
Zambia -- 1967, March 22: joined the UPU; former British colony of Northern Rhodesia.
Zanzibar: see Tanzania.
Zimbabwe -- 1981, July 31: joined the UPU; former British colony of Southern Rhodesia; 1965-1979 named Republic of Rhodesia, not a UPU member.
Zululand -- 1888: joined the UPU as U.K. colony; from 1910 part of South Africa.