The Universal Postal Union was established in 1874 and has one hundred and ninety two member countries. The Universal Postal Union's mission is to encourage cooperation between postal sectors and promote universal postal network. The Universal Postal Union became a specialised agency of the UN in 1948 and works with a selection of other UN organizations to promote social and economic development.

The main activities of the Universal Postal Union are:

Technical cooperation
General policy issues
Letter post
Financial services
Parcels
Terminal dues and transit charges
Postal economics
Sustainable development

The Universal Postal Union is comprised of four main bodies: the International Bureau, the Congress, the Postal Operations Council and the Council of Administration.

Universal Postal Union
International Bureau
P.O. Box
3000 Berne 15
Switzerland