i am looking for rankings of countries based on the quality and reach
of postal service and package delivery.  I admit i am not sure exactly
what metrics one would use to define quality of service, and as such
am open to suggestion.  I would like data on as all the countries in
the world, or nearly so.

For context, the purpose here is to identify markets well-suited to
direct marketing.  Obviously, if there is shoddy or insufficient
package delivery, it will be difficult to get people to buy direct
(online, by phone, etc).  I would like some kind of data representing
this criteria to include as i filter through countries.

The Universal Postal Union (UPU) publishes annual postal statistics
for more than 200 countries and territories.  The statistics includes
approximately 100 indicators of postal development, grouped in 10
chapters.  These data may be queried via the UPU's web site at
http://www.upu.int/statistics/en/index.shtml

Alternatively, you may order a printed edition via the order form at
http://www.upu.int/publications/en/fax_en.pdf

I hope this provides the information you need.

`thanks!

If you want to know how probable it is that a parcel to a particular
country will be lost or stolen, experienced postal workers in your own
country can give a good estimate. The advice from my local postal
staff matches my own experience, which is that Italy is very bad, and
South America (including Mexico) also. Less than 1 in 200 of my
parcels from Australia to US & UK are lost.