North Macedonian stamps have been issued since 1992, when the Republic of Macedonia split from the disintegrated Yugoslavia.
In 1944, during World War II, Bulgaria and Germany occupied parts of Macedonia, and used stamps there postally. These were Bulgarian stamps with an overprint reading ‘МАКЕДОНИЯ’ (with the single quotes), the date, and a surcharge. Fairly easy to find in the marketplace, these stamps date from a short but crucial time in the history of Macedonia and Yugoslavia.
The modern, independent Republic of Macedonia has been issuing its own stamps since 1992. These newer stamps are inscribed either МАКЕДОНИЈА or MAKEDONIJA and there have been several special collectors’ items issued in addition to the regular postage stamps.
More: Albania Stamps: Collecting a Twisted History of Names
Change to North Macedonia
In 2019, the country of Macedonia changed its official name to North Macedonia. On postage stamps, look for this new name reflected in the legend РЕПУБЛИКА СЕВЕРНА МАКЕДОНИЈА (“Republic of North Macedonia”). You’ll often see both the Cyrillic and the English phrases.
