What is a zip code?

Zip Codes are numerical codes used by postal services to identify specific geographic regions and facilitate mail delivery. In the United States, the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) Code system was introduced by the USPS in 1963 to improve the efficiency and accuracy of mail sorting and delivery. Each ZIP Code generally corresponds to a particular area, city, or even a single building in large urban locations. They are essential for directing mail, determining service areas, and are often used for demographic analysis and marketing purposes.