The UPU - What IS It?




The Universal Postal Union (the UPU) is the "governing" body for international postal services, and all legitimate postal authorities are members. Founded in 1874, it's basic purpose is (and was) to set standard rates for international postage. For many years it even specified colors for domestic and international postage, which is why so many early monocolor stamps from different countries are red for basic postal rate stamps.



As of the year 2000, over 10,000 different commemorative stamps, mini-sheets and stamp-related items had been issued by postal authorities around the world in honor of the UPU. Collecting stamps with a UPU topic or theme is a popular and generally inexpensive stamp collecting specialty.