United Nations member states
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As of 2006, there are 191 United Nations member states. By definition, only sovereign states can be members of the United Nations General Assembly, the universal consultative body of the United Nations, or of the United Nations Security Council, the exclusive decision-making body. Any other intergovernmental or legal entities can only be observers, allowing them to speak, but not vote in Assembly meetings.
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Current members
Image:United Nations member countries world map.PNG The members are listed below by alphabetical order in their short-form English names, with the date of joining. There were 51 founding members of the United Nations (shown in bold), of which 49 are either still in the organization or had their seat taken by a successor state (e.g. India for British India or Russia for the USSR). In the case of Czechoslovakia, the UN granted neither of its two successor states rights to the original seat. After the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia tried to take the seat of Yugoslavia as the successor state, but was denied, and had to reapply as a new member (it changed its name to Serbia and Montenegro in 2003). For the seat of China, the Republic of China was replaced by the People's Republic of China (as its successor state) in 1971 though the governments of both have existed well before and after the date of transfer (see below.)
- Template:AFG - November 19, 1946
- Template:ALB - December 14, 1955
- Template:DZA - October 8, 1962
- Template:AND - July 28, 1993
- Template:AGO - December 1, 1976
- Template:ATG - November 11, 1981
- Template:ARG - October 24, 1945
- Template:ARM - March 2, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:AUS - November 1, 1945
- Template:AUT - December 14, 1955
- Template:AZE - March 2, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:BHS - September 18, 1973
- Template:BHR - September 21, 1971
- Template:BGD - September 17, 1974
- Template:BRB - December 9, 1966
- Template:BLR - October 24, 1945 Template:Mn
- Template:BEL - December 27, 1945
- Template:BLZ - September 25, 1981
- Template:BEN - September 20, 1960
- Template:BTN - September 21, 1971
- Template:BOL - November 14, 1945
- Template:BIH - May 22, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:BWA - October 17, 1966
- Template:BRA - October 24, 1945
- Template:BRU - September 21 1984 Template:Mn
- Template:BGR - December 14, 1955
- Template:BFA - September 20, 1960
- Template:BDI - September 18, 1962
- Template:KHM - December 14, 1955
- Template:CMR - September 20, 1960
- Template:CAN - November 9, 1945
- Template:CPV - September 16, 1975
- Template:CAF - September 20, 1960
- Template:TCD - September 20, 1960
- Template:CHL - October 24, 1945
- Image:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China - October 24, 1945 Template:Mn, see Seat of China
- Template:COL - November 5, 1945
- Template:COM - November 12, 1975
- Template:COD - September 20, 1960 Template:Mn
- Template:COG - September 20, 1960 Template:Mn
- Template:CRI - November 2, 1945
- Template:CIV - September 20, 1960
- Template:HRV - May 22, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:CUB - October 24, 1945
- Template:CYP - September 20, 1960 Template:Mn
- Template:CZE - January 19, 1993 Template:Mn
- Template:DNK - October 24, 1945
- Template:DJI - September 20, 1977
- Template:DMA - December 18, 1978
- Template:DOM - October 24, 1945
- Template:ECU - December 21, 1945
- Template:EGY - October 24, 1945 Template:Mn
- Template:SLV - October 24, 1945
- Template:GNQ - November 12, 1968
- Template:ERI - May 28, 1993
- Template:EST - September 17, 1991 Template:Mn
- Template:ETH - November 13, 1945
- Template:FJI - October 13, 1970
- Template:FIN - December 14, 1955
- Template:FRA - October 24, 1945
- Template:GAB - September 20, 1960
- Template:GMB - September 21, 1965
- Template:GEO - July 31, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:DEU - October 3, 1990 Template:Mn, Template:Mn
- Template:GHA - March 8, 1957
- Template:GRC - October 25, 1945
- Template:GRD - September 17, 1974
- Template:GTM - November 21, 1945
- Template:GIN - December 12, 1958
- Template:GNB - September 17, 1974
- Template:GUY - September 20, 1966
- Template:HTI - October 24, 1945
- Template:HND - December 17, 1945
- Template:HUN - December 14, 1955
- Template:ISL - November 19, 1946
- Template:IND - October 30, 1945
- Template:IDN - September 28, 1950 Template:Mn
- Template:IRN - October 24, 1945 Template:Mn
- Template:IRQ - December 21, 1945
- Template:IRL - December 14, 1955
- Template:ISR - May 11, 1949
- Template:ITA - December 14, 1955
- Template:JAM - September 18, 1962
- Template:JPN - December 18, 1956
- Template:JOR - December 14, 1955
- Template:KAZ - March 2, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:KEN - December 16, 1963
- Template:KIR - September 14, 1999
- Template:PRK - September 17, 1991
- Template:KOR - September 17, 1991
- Template:KWT - May 14, 1963
- Template:KGZ - March 2, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:LAO - December 14, 1955 Template:Mn
- Template:LVA - September 17, 1991 Template:Mn
- Template:LBN - October 24, 1945
- Template:LSO - October 17, 1966
- Template:LBR - November 2, 1945
- Template:LBY - December 14, 1955 Template:Mn
- Template:LIE - September 18, 1990
- Template:LTU - September 17, 1991 Template:Mn
- Template:LUX - October 24, 1945
- Template:MKD - April 8, 1993 Template:Mn, Template:Mn
- Template:MDG - September 20, 1960
- Template:MWI - December 1, 1964
- Template:MYS - September 17, 1957 Template:Mn
- Template:MDV - September 21, 1965
- Template:MLI - September 28, 1960
- Template:MLT - December 1, 1964
- Template:MHL - September 17, 1991
- Template:MRT - October 27, 1961
- Template:MUS - April 24, 1968
- Template:MEX - November 7, 1945
- Template:FSM - September 17, 1991 Template:Mn
- Template:MDA - March 2, 1992 Template:Mn, Template:Mn
- Template:MCO - May 28, 1993
- Template:MNG - October 27, 1961
- Template:MAR - November 12, 1956
- Template:MOZ - September 16, 1975
- Template:MMR - April 19, 1948 Template:Mn
- Template:NAM - April 23, 1990
- Template:NRU - September 14, 1999
- Template:NPL - December 14, 1955
- Template:NLD - December 10, 1945 Template:Mn
- Template:NZL - October 24, 1945
- Template:NIC - October 24, 1945
- Template:NER - September 20, 1960
- Template:NGA - October 7, 1960
- Template:NOR - November 27, 1945
- Template:OMN - October 7, 1971
- Template:PAK - September 30, 1947
- Template:PLW - December 15, 1994
- Template:PAN - November 13, 1945
- Template:PNG - October 10, 1975
- Template:PRY - October 24, 1945
- Template:PER - October 31, 1945
- Template:PHL - October 24, 1945
- Template:POL - October 24, 1945
- Template:PRT - December 14, 1955
- Template:QAT - September 21, 1971
- Template:ROU - December 14, 1955
- Template:RUS - October 24, 1945 Template:Mn, Template:Mn
- Template:RWA - September 18, 1962
- Template:KNA - September 23, 1983
- Template:LCA - September 18, 1979
- Template:VCT - September 16, 1980
- Template:WSM - December 15, 1976
- Template:SMR - March 2, 1992
- Template:STP - September 16, 1975
- Template:SAU - October 24, 1945
- Template:SEN - September 28, 1960
- Template:SCG - November 1, 2000 Template:Mn
- Template:SYC - September 21, 1976
- Template:SLE - September 27, 1961
- Template:SGP - September 21, 1965
- Template:SVK - January 19, 1993 Template:Mn
- Template:SVN - May 22, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:SLB - September 19, 1978
- Template:SOM - September 20, 1960
- Template:ZAF - November 7, 1945
- Template:ESP - December 14, 1955
- Template:LKA - December 14, 1955
- Template:SDN - November 12, 1956
- Template:SUR - December 4, 1975
- Template:SWZ - September 24, 1968
- Template:SWE - November 19, 1946
- Template:CHE - September 10, 2002
- Template:SYR - October 24 1945 Template:Mn, Template:Mn
- Template:TJK - March 2, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:TZA - April 26, 1964 Template:Mn, Template:Mn, Template:Mn
- Template:THA - December 16, 1946
- Template:TLS - September 27, 2002
- Template:TGO - September 20, 1960
- Template:TON - September 14, 1999
- Template:TTO - September 18, 1962
- Template:TUN - November 12, 1956
- Template:TUR - October 24, 1945
- Template:TKM - March 2, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:TUV - September 5, 2000
- Template:UGA - October 25, 1962
- Template:UKR - October 24, 1945 Template:Mn
- Template:ARE - December 9, 1971
- Template:UK - October 24, 1945 Template:Mn
- Template:USA - October 24, 1945 Template:Mn
- Template:URY - December 18, 1945
- Template:UZB - March 2, 1992 Template:Mn
- Template:VUT - September 15, 1981
- Template:VEN - November 15, 1945 Template:Mn
- Template:VNM - September 20, 1977 Template:Mn
- Template:YEM - September 30, 1947 Template:Mn, Template:Mn
- Template:ZMB - December 1, 1964
- Template:ZWE - August 25, 1980
Seat of China
Main article: China and the United Nations
The Republic of China was one of the five original founders of the UN in 1945. However, at the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the Kuomintang-controlled ROC government fled to Taiwan, with the Communist government of the newly-declared People's Republic of China taking control of most of the territory of China. Representatives of the Nationalist government continued to represent China at the UN, though it was often alleged that this was somewhat unfair, given the size of the ROC's jurisdiction of Taiwan (and other outlying islands) compared to the PRC's jurisdiction of mainland China. In October 1971, Resolution 2758 was passed by the General Assembly, effectively expelling the ROC from all UN organs and replacing the China seat on the Security Council with the PRC. Multiple attempts by the Republic of China to re-join the UN, no longer to represent "China" as a whole but the "twenty-three million people of Taiwan," have not made it past committee. Therefore as of now, China takes its seat under the name "People's Republic of China".
Observer states and non-members
In addition to the member states discussed above, there is one non-member observer state, the Holy See (Vatican City State), which maintains a permanent observer mission at the UN headquarters. For several years, Switzerland was also an observer state, but it became a full member on September 10, 2002 after a national referendum.
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic of Western Sahara maintains diplomatic ties with dozens of states and is a full member of the African Union. It administers a minority of the territory of Western Sahara, with a government-in-exile headquartered in the refugee camps of Tindouf, Algeria. The rest of the area is under military occupation by Morocco. The UN has attempted to administer a referendum for the Sahrawis right to self-determination.
The island nations of the Cook Islands and Niue, while self-governing in their domestic affairs, have their foreign affairs represented by New Zealand, and therefore do not have UN membership.
Some international organizations, non-governmental organizations, or entities whose statehood/sovereignty has not been precisely defined, such as the European Union, the Palestinian National Authority (called simply "Palestine" in UN literature), the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, have a similar observer status but not as "non-member states." See United Nations General Assembly observers for more information.
Former members
Template:MnbCzechoslovakia was a member from October 24, 1945 until December 31, 1992. Its seat has been taken by the Czech Republic and Slovakia. There is no single successor state to Czechoslovakia, and both the Czech Republic and Slovakia had to apply for membership.
Template:MnbEast Germany was originally admitted as the "German Democratic Republic" on September 18, 1973. After the reunification of Germany, its seat was taken on October 3, 1990.
Template:MnbWest Germany was originally admitted as the "Federal Republic of Germany" on September 18, 1973. After the reunification of Germany, its seat was taken on October 3, 1990.
Template:MnbNorth Yemen (the Yemen Arab Republic) was admitted on September 30, 1947, under the name "North Yemen." Starting May 22, 1992, it also represented South Yemen (the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen).
Template:MnbSouth Yemen (the People's Democratic Republic of Yemen) was admitted on 14 December 1967. Starting May 22, 1992, its seat was taken by Yemen.
Template:MnbTanganyika was a member from December 14, 1961 until April 26, 1964, when its seat was taken by Tanzania.
Template:MnbThe United Arab Republic was a member from February 21, 1958 through September 2, 1971, when Egypt changed its long-form name to the "Arab Republic of Egypt."
Template:MnbThe Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was a member from October 24, 1945 through December 23, 1991. Its seat was taken by Russia on December 24, 1991. Belarus and Ukraine had prior membership. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were admitted September 17, 1991. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan were admitted March 2, 1992. Georgia was admitted July 31, 1992.
Template:MnbYugoslavia (the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) was a member from October 19, 1945 through November 10, 2000. After its dissolution, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia tried to take its seat as the successor state, but was denied, and had to reapply as a new member. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia changed its name to Serbia and Montenegro. Bosnia and Herzegovina was admitted by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/46/237 on May 22, 1992. Croatia was admitted by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/46/238 on May 22, 1992. Macedonia was admitted by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/47/225 on April 8, 1993, with this provision "pending settlement over the difference that had arisen over its name." Slovenia was admitted by General Assembly Resolution A/RES/46/238 on May 22, 1992.
Template:MnbZanzibar was a member from December 16, 1963 until April 26, 1964, when its seat was taken by Tanzania.
Template:MnbThe Republic of China (Taiwan) was a member from October 24, 1945 until October 25, 1971, when its seat was taken by the People's Republic of China (see above).
Naming conventions and notes
Template:MnbBelarus was originally admitted as the "Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic" on October 24, 1945. It informed the United Nations of the change on September 19, 1991.
Template:MnbBrunei takes its seat under the name "Brunei Darussalam."
Template:MnbThe Democratic Republic of the Congo was originally admitted as "Zaire" on September 20, 1960. It changed its name on May 17, 1997.
Template:MnbThe Republic of the Congo takes its seat under the name "Congo."
Template:MnbCyprus as an entire island is represented by the Republic of Cyprus, including the area administered by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Template:MnbIndonesia was admitted on September 28, 1950 and temporarily withdrew from January 20, 1965 through September 27, 1966 (inclusive), due to the upheaval of Sukarno by Suharto's coup, and the annexation of western New Guinea. It announced its intention to rejoin on September 19, 1966.
Template:MnbIran takes its seat under the name the "Islamic Republic of Iran."
Template:MnbLaos takes its seat under the name the "Lao People's Democratic Republic."
Template:MnbLibya takes its seat under the name "Libyan Arab Jamahiriya."
Template:MnbMacedonia takes its seat under the name the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," due to objections from Greece.
Template:MnbMalaysia was originally admitted as the "Federation of Malaya" on September 17, 1957.
Template:MnbMicronesia takes its seat under the name "Federated States of Micronesia."
Template:MnbMoldova takes its seat under the name the "Republic of Moldova."
Template:MnbMyanmar was originally admitted as "Burma" on April 19, 1948.
Template:MnbThe Netherlands takes its seat as the "Kingdom of the Netherlands."
Template:MnbRussia takes its seat as the "Russian Federation."
Template:MnbSyria takes its seat as the "Syrian Arab Republic."
Template:MnbTanzania takes its seat under the name the "United Republic of Tanzania."
Template:MnbUkraine was originally admitted as the "Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic" on October 24 1945.
Template:MnbUnited Kingdom takes its seat under the name the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland."
Template:MnbUnited States takes its seat under the name the "United States of America."
Template:MnbVenezuela takes its seat under the name the "Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela."
Template:MnbVietnam takes its seat under the name "Viet Nam."
See also
- List of ambassadors to the United Nations contains a list of all ambassadors from these member states.
- List of sovereign states
References
- Official list of member states, including membership history
- Growth in United Nations Membership, 1945-2005
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