The Digital Age Brings an End to Physical Letters: Denmark Becomes the World’s First Country to End Traditional Postal Mail | WPN World People News

Driven by digitalization and persistent operating deficits, Denmark’s state-owned postal service, PostNord, delivered its final batch of physical letters on December 30 and officially ceased letter delivery services on December 31, bringing to an end more than 400 years of public mail delivery history.

Denmark ranks among the world’s most digitally advanced countries, with both government and private sectors widely adopting online services. As a result, the volume of official documents and personal letters sent in physical form has declined sharply. According to PostNord, letter volumes in 2024 fell by more than 90% compared with 2000. Last year, PostNord recorded an operating loss of approximately 428 million Danish kroner. In light of the drastic drop in mail volumes and long-term losses, PostNord ended its state-run letter delivery service on December 31 and will refocus its operations on parcels and express delivery.

The Danish government has designated the private logistics company DAO to take over the handling of physical letters. In the future, members of the public who need to send letters can do so at DAO service points, and DAO will also offer paid services such as home pickup. During the transition period, the government is providing DAO with subsidies of about 110 million Danish kroner . Should DAO be unable to continue providing letter services in the future, the government remains obligated to appoint another provider to ensure that letter-sending options are not interrupted. However, due to limitations in internet coverage and digital access, postal services still play an important role in rural communities, among women, and within low-income groups, who may be more significantly affected by this change.