United States
Format: NNNNN or NNNNN-NNNN
Example: 90210 or 90210-1234
The United States uses a five-digit ZIP code system, optionally followed by a hyphen and four additional digits for more precise location identification. The first five digits indicate the destination post office or delivery area, while the additional four digits (if used) pinpoint a specific delivery route within that area.
United Kingdom
Format: AA9A 9AA, A9A 9AA, A9 9AA, A99 9AA, AA9 9AA, AA99 9AA
Example: SW1A 1AA
The UK postcode system uses a combination of letters and numbers. The first part is the outward code, identifying the post town or district, while the second part (after the space) is the inward code, which sorts mail to a specific street or building. This alphanumeric system allows for highly precise mail sorting and delivery.
Canada
Format: A9A 9A9
Example: K1A 0B1
Canadian postal codes alternate letters and numbers in a "ANA NAN" format. The first character represents a postal district, often corresponding to an entire province or territory. This system enables efficient mail sorting for Canada's vast geographical area.
Germany
Format: NNNNN
Example: 10115
German postal codes (Postleitzahlen) consist of five digits. The first two digits usually represent the wider area or city, while the last three specify a delivery district within that area. This system was introduced in 1993 following German reunification.
Japan
Format: NNN-NNNN
Example: 100-0001
Japan uses a seven-digit postal code system, with a hyphen after the first three digits. The first three digits represent the geographical region, while the last four indicate a more specific area, typically corresponding to a group of buildings or a large institution.
Australia
Format: NNNN
Example: 2000
Australian postcodes are four-digit numbers. The first digit indicates the state or territory, the second digit represents a region within that state, while the last two digits identify the delivery area. This system efficiently covers Australia's large, but unevenly populated territory.
India
Format: NNNNNN
Example: 110001
India uses a six-digit postal index number (PIN) system. The first digit represents a broad geographical region, the next two digits represent the sub-region or revenue district, and the last three digits represent the post office within the district.
Brazil
Format: NNNNN-NNN
Example: 70150-900
Brazilian postal codes (CEP - Código de Endereçamento Postal) consist of eight digits, with a hyphen after the first five. The first five digits represent the general area, while the last three further specify the exact delivery location.