postcodegebied

Postcodegebied is a term used in Dutch to describe a geographic area defined by the postal code system. In this context, a postcodegebied corresponds to the first two digits of the four-digit postal code, providing a broad region that helps organize mail delivery and regional identification.

In the Netherlands, a standard postal code consists of four digits followed by two letters (for example, 1234 AB). The two-digit prefix (the first two digits) designates the postcodegebied, a large area that may cover parts of one or several municipalities. The remaining digits and letters identify a more specific location within that area, often corresponding to a neighborhood, street cluster, or even a few consecutive streets.

The concept of a postcodegebied is used for practical and analytical purposes. It aids mail routing, logistics planning, and address validation. Beyond mail, postcodegebieden are used in market research, demographic analysis, public planning, and geospatial information systems to group addresses into meaningful regional units.

Postcodegebieden are not fixed administrative units. Their boundaries can cross municipal borders, and the size of an area may vary depending on population density and postal logistics. As a result, a single postcodegebied can contain multiple neighborhoods, while a single neighborhood might span more than one postcodegebied.

See also: Postcode, Geocoding, Address standardization.