Final Answer:
ZIP codes are used in the United States instead of postal codes. ZIP stands for "Zone Improvement Plan," introduced in 1963 to enhance mail delivery efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
ZIP codes, or Zone Improvement Plan codes, are a postal code system used in the United States. Introduced in 1963 by the United States Postal Service (USPS), ZIP codes were designed to improve the efficiency of mail delivery. The term "Zone Improvement Plan" reflects the system's original purpose: to organize geographic regions into zones and facilitate more accurate and streamlined mail sorting and delivery.
Each ZIP code corresponds to a specific geographic area, helping postal workers identify the destination of mail more efficiently. The system also assists in automating the sorting process at postal facilities. The five-digit ZIP code was later expanded to include an additional four digits after a hyphen, providing even more precise location information.
ZIP codes have become an integral part of addressing in the United States, influencing not only mail delivery but also various demographic and marketing applications. The system has evolved to adapt to the changing needs of the postal service and society, playing a crucial role in modern logistics.