Postal Statistics

The International Bureau of the UPU has published postal statistics regularly since the first edition in 1875. It thus holds the oldest records of international statistics collected by an international organization. These statistics have been amended and improved to meet as closely as possible the postal sector's expectations and need for information. 

The aim of these postal statistics, in addition to providing a single source of information on data, is to serve as an analytical working tool at both the international and national level. At the international level, the data make it possible to deduce general trends in postal traffic and the means used to handle this traffic. At the national level, data can be used by posts to effectively manage and plan their services. 

The UPU's statistical database provides a dynamic overview of postal development in each country. It contains data from over 200 countries or territories and includes approximately 100 indicators of postal development, grouped in 12 chapters. The data is collected annually from all UPU member countries and published in the Postal Statistics Yearbook.

Size limit queries

To guarantee proper functioning of dynamic access to the statistical data and reasonable response times, a limit of 10,000 records per query has been set. An error message appears if this limit is exceeded.

If your query exceeds 10,000 records, it should be divided into several smaller queries.

Format 1

In format 1, the number of countries selected multiplied by the number of items selected must not exceed 10,000. It is not possible to select all countries and all items in a single query.

Examples

• If all countries are selected, not more than 40 items can be selected
• If all items are selected, not more than 100 countries can be selected

Format 2

In format 2, the number of years selected also comes into the calculation: the number of countries multiplied by the number of items multiplied by the number of years must not exceed 10,000.

Examples

• If all countries are selected, approximately 40 items can be selected for one year, 20 for two years, ten for four years, four for ten years, or two for 20 years
• If all items are selected, approximately 100 countries can be selected for one year, 50 for two years, 25 for four years, ten for ten years, or five for 20 years