postoffice

A post office is a public facility operated by a national postal operator where people can drop off and collect mail, purchase postage, and access related services. Local branches handle mail acceptance, sorting, and dispatch, as well as delivery of letters and parcels within a defined service area. In many countries post offices also provide retail products such as stamps, envelopes, and packaging materials, along with services like mail tracking and registration, insured mail, and parcel delivery.

In addition to mail services, post offices may offer financial products and government-related services. These can include savings accounts, money orders, payment transactions, passport or identity services, and distribution of government forms. Postal networks are typically anchored by a central headquarters, regional distribution centers, and a widespread network of urban and rural branches designed to reach remote communities. The operator is often government-owned or heavily regulated, though privatization or market competition exists in some jurisdictions.

Historically, organized postal services emerged in the early modern era, with the use of standardized postage rates and stamps in the 19th century speeding up mail delivery. The 20th century saw expansion of parcel, express, and logistical services; more recently, digital communications and e-commerce have pushed post offices to diversify into logistics, digital services, and financial technology. Today, post offices are valued for accessibility, especially in rural areas, and for maintaining a universal service obligation to provide reliable mail and essential services at affordable prices.