was established in 1874, in Bern, Switzerland, and is the second oldest international organization after the International Telecommunications Union. With 190 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal services and helps to ensure a universal network of up-to-date products and services. It also sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to member nations to stimulate growth in mail volumes and to improve the quality of service for postal customers around the world.

The UPU fulfills its mission by:

Guaranteeing the free circulation of postal items through an interconnected single postal territory.
Promoting the adoption of fair and common standards and the application of technology.
Cooperation and interaction among member nations.
Faciliting the effective provision of technical cooperation.
Ensuring that the changing needs of customers are addressed.

For a complete history of the UPU, its organization, and its various functions, see its website: www.upu.int

[UPU Member Nations]

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