A ZIP code is a numerical code used in the United States to identify a specific geographic area for the purpose of sorting and delivering mail. The term "ZIP" is an acronym for "Zone Improvement Plan."
ZIP codes were introduced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) in 1963 to enhance the efficiency of mail delivery. Each ZIP code represents a specific area, such as a city, town, or region, and is composed of five digits. In some cases, an additional four-digit extension called ZIP+4 may be used to further refine the geographical location.
ZIP codes help facilitate the sorting and routing of mail, making the process more accurate and streamlined. They are also commonly used in various other contexts, such as online forms, address verification, demographic analysis, and mapping services.