How does international mail work? Payment wise?

[b0rk]

If I want to mail something to Africa, how does my postage stamp get shared between the two countries? And why is it a flat fee to a whole country? doesn't it cost more to go to more rural areas?

[olympic]

Good ol' Wikipedia! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Postal_Union : )

My brother lived in Malawi, Africa for 2 years back in the late 80's. If things havn't changed since then, expect your letter to take over a month to get there. It will also be steamed open and read along the way too.