Universal Postal Union

Universal Postal Union (UPU), specialized agency of the United Nations, with headquarters at Bern, Switzerland. Established in 1875 following adoption of the Universal Postal Convention, it is one of the oldest extant international governmental organizations. The union was associated with the United Nations in 1947. The Universal Postal Congress, the governing body, usually meets every five years to consider the activities of the executive council of 40 members elected on a geographical basis and meeting yearly. Countries that belong to the union form a unified postal territory with easy international exchange of mail. The union also provides technical assistance and advice in attempts to improve postal service, especially in developing countries. The UPU has 189 member nations.