kirjepostia

Kirjepostia is the Finnish term for mail sent as a letter. It designates items in the letter-post category, including personal letters, greeting cards, and other flat documents, as distinct from parcels or packages. In postal practice, kirjepostia is usually lighter and smaller, and it is typically delivered through standard letter routes rather than parcel networks. The service is offered by national postal operators and is used for domestic and international correspondence. Postage for kirjepostia is generally lower than for parcels, and many systems provide optional services such as tracking, proof of delivery, or registered mail for added security.

Usage of kirjepostia has declined in many countries with the rise of digital communication, but it remains a channel for official notices, invoices, and personal correspondence in environments where physical mail is preferred or required. Delivery practices vary by country: some systems place letters in mailboxes, while others require pickup at a post office for certain classes or for registered items.

Historically, letter mail formed a central part of communication networks, spurring the development of sorting centers, standardized rates, and international conventions. In contemporary postal reforms, letter post may be treated as a distinct category with specific size and weight limits and security rules, while overall volumes have decreased as digital alternatives expand.