adding the comparison part

thepostalsystemexplained/index.md

@@ -93,5 +93,57 @@ Finally, the recipient receives the mail at the designated delivery location. Th
 
 ![](postalchecks.png)
 
+## **Differences between postal systems**
 
+I’d like to compare the postal systems of the USA and Europe to highlight the key differences between the two.
+
+First of all, most European countries have national postal services that operate independently, but they adhere to European Union regulations for cross-border mail. In contrast, the United States has the United States Postal Service (USPS), which is an independent government agency that covers the entire country.
+
+![](europe.png)
+
+In Europe, each country sets its own postage prices, while in the United States, the price is the same across all states. The European Union only regulates the prices for cross-border mail.
+
+![](stamp.png)
+
+When it comes to delivery methods, they are fairly similar in both Europe and the USA. In both regions, the government controls the postal system and holds significant authority over it.
+
+While these systems share many similarities, there is one postal system that is considered the strictest. Let me introduce the Australian postal system!
+
+![](australia.png)
+
+Australia Post has very strict rules regarding what can and cannot be sent through the mail. Many items are either prohibited (completely banned) or restricted (sent only under specific conditions). When sending items internationally, Australia Post follows stringent customs and border control regulations. All international parcels are subject to checks by Australian Customs and Border Protection.
+
+Security checks are a major part of the system’s strictness. Certain types of mail, especially those coming from or going to high-risk countries, undergo additional screening. The Australian postal system is highly regulated when it comes to illegal content. Sending material considered illegal, such as hate speech, child exploitation material, or terrorist propaganda, is strictly prohibited. Authorities actively monitor for such materials.
+
+![](australiaprohibited.png)
+
+Mail interception can occur if authorities suspect illegal activity. Australia Post works closely with law enforcement agencies, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP), to investigate and prevent crimes such as mail fraud, smuggling, or terrorism.
+
+By law, Australia Post must cooperate with law enforcement to detect and intercept illegal content. This means mail suspected of containing prohibited material can be flagged and investigated. Additionally, censorship laws apply to printed materials, especially when dealing with politically sensitive or controversial content.
+
+Another strict area of Australia Post's operations is delivery confirmation. The service employs a range of methods to ensure that mail and parcels are securely delivered to the intended recipient.
+
+![](australiareturn.png)
+
+Australia Post also takes a strict approach to preventing postal fraud and misuse. This includes the use of postal services for illegal activities, such as fraudulent transactions or identity theft. Misusing the postal system can result in legal actions, including fines and criminal charges. For example, sending false identification or using stolen credit cards to pay for postage could lead to investigations by the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
+
+The Australian postal system is considered strict because of its rigorous enforcement of legal regulations, safety protocols, and government controls over what can be mailed and how. Whether dealing with international shipping, security checks, or compliance with Australian laws, the system is designed to prevent misuse and ensure the safety and security of all users. This makes it one of the most tightly regulated postal systems in the world.
+
+*Drugs and Narcotics*: 
+
+Over recent years, Australian authorities have consistently intercepted significant amounts of drugs being trafficked through the mail system. For example, in the 2019-2020 period, Australian Border Force (ABF) reported seizing 2.4 tonnes of illicit drugs across various entry points, a significant portion of which involved mail and parcel intercepts.
+
+*Prohibited Items*: 
+
+The ABF's annual statistics often show tens of thousands of items intercepted for various reasons, such as prohibited weapons, counterfeit goods, controlled substances, and materials that violate Australia's Customs and Border Protection laws. In one instance, more than 20,000 parcels were inspected at Australian airports in just a single year.
+
+If you want to ckeck additional data about this subject, here are a few links that could help (Warning, this is Australian government official data): 
+
+Australian Border Force (ABF) Annual Reports [here](https://www.abf.gov.au/about-us/publications/annual-reports).
+
+Australia Post Annual Reports [here](https://www.auspost.com.au/about-us/corporate-responsibility/annual-reports).
+
+Australian Federal Police (AFP) Annual Reports [here](https://www.afp.gov.au/about-us/publications).
+
+Australian Customs and Border Protection [here](https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-pubs).