World Post Day
Next: October 9, 2027
Post someone a card.
The story
Where it comes from
On 9 October 1874, delegates from 22 countries signed the Treaty of Bern in the Swiss capital, creating the General Postal Union and, for the first time, a single postal territory in which letters crossed borders under shared rules. Renamed the Universal Postal Union in 1878, it became a UN specialised agency in 1948. The UPU Congress in Tokyo in 1969 declared the anniversary World Post Day, a birthday for the system that still carries the world's letters, parcels and cards.
How it's celebrated
More than 150 countries mark the day. Posts launch new stamps and services, open post offices, mail centres and postal museums to visitors, and thank their staff for good service. Countries taking part in the UPU's letter-writing competition for young people often honour their national winners on 9 October. For the rest of us it is a fine day to post a card, and to thank the person who delivers it.
Did you know
- The UPU is the world's second-oldest international organisation and has 192 member countries.
- The UPU's letter-writing competition for 9- to 15-year-olds was created at the same 1969 Tokyo Congress, and Viet Nam has had the largest participation of any country.
- The founding treaty was signed in a Bern political meeting hall that is now the restaurant Zum Äusseren Stand.
Coming up next
- Double Tenth Day · October 10, 2027
- World Mental Health Day · October 10, 2027
- Thanksgiving (Canada) · October 11, 2027
- International Day of the Girl Child · October 11, 2027
- Sports Day · October 11, 2027
- Luciano Pavarotti's Birthday · October 12, 2027