World Post Day is observed on October 9th every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) on October 9th, 1874. Today the UPU, with 189 member countries, oversees the co-ordination of the global postal service, the world's largest physical distribution network. Postal services in all countries provide the primary means of communication for people, organisations and business. The goal is to ensure a universal postal service that is easily accessible, efficient and affordable.