List of countries

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This is a list of sovereign states, containing 203 entries, giving an overview of states around the world with information on the status and recognition of their sovereignty. For the sake of clarity, it is divided into two parts. The first part lists all 193 widely recognised sovereign states, including all member states of the United Nations. The second part lists states which either have de facto or de jure status, or both, but which are not universally recognised by other states. Both parts are arranged alphabetically. Compiling a list such as this can be a difficult and controversial process, as the status of many entries are disputed. For information on the criteria used to determine the contents of this list, please see the "criteria for inclusion" section below. For more general information on sovereign states, please see "sovereign state".

Contents:		Sovereign states · Other states · A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Criteria for inclusion · See also · Notes · References

Internationally recognized sovereign states

This list is complete and up-to-date as of April 7, 2009.

Name in English and the official languages of the state^[1]	Information on status and recognition of sovereignty^[2]

A

Abkhazia Other states

Afghanistan – Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Pashto: د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت De Afġānistān Islāmī Jomhoriyat Dari/Persian: افغانستان – جمهوری اسلامی افغانستان Afġānestān – Jomhūrī-ye Eslāmī-ye Afġānistān	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Albania – Republic of Albania Albanian: Shqipëria – Republika e Shqipërise	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Algeria – People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Arabic: الجزائر – الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية Al-Jazā'ir – Al-Jumhūrīyah al-Jazā’irīyah ad-Dīmuqrāţīyah ash-Sha`bīyah	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Andorra – Principality of Andorra Catalan: Andorra – Principat d’Andorra	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Angola – Republic of Angola Portuguese: Angola – República de Angola	Widely recognized member of the UN. A separatist government in exile claims independence for Cabinda.^[3]

Antigua and Barbuda English: Antigua and Barbuda	Widely recognized member of the UN. Antigua and Barbuda is a Commonwealth realm^[4] and has a division (dependency), Barbuda, with an autonomous status.^[5]

Argentina – Argentine Republic^[6] Spanish: Argentina – República Argentina	Widely recognized member of the UN. Argentina is a federation^[7] divided into provinces and one federal district. Argentina also claims sovereignty over the British overseas territories of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.^[8]

Armenia – Republic of Armenia Armenian: Հայաստան – Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն Hayastan – Hayastani Hanrapetut'yun	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Australia – Commonwealth of Australia English: Australia – Commonwealth of Australia	Widely recognized member of the UN. Australia is a Commonwealth realm^[4] and a federation^[7] of states and territories. Australia has sovereignty over: Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Norfolk Island Ashmore and Cartier Islands Coral Sea Islands Heard Island and McDonald Islands Australia claims sovereignty over parts of Antarctica as: Australian Antarctic Territory

Austria – Republic of Austria German: Österreich – Republik Österreich	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] Austria is a federation^[7] divided into federal-states (Bundesländer).

Azerbaijan – Republic of Azerbaijan Azerbaijani: Azərbaycan – Azərbaycan Respublikası	Widely recognized member of the UN. Azerbaijan has one autonomous republic, Nakhchivan and the autonomous region of Nagorno-Karabakh (Dağlıq Qarabağ,).^[5] In Nagorno-Karabakh, a de facto country in the de jure territory of Azerbaijan has been established.

B

Bahamas – Commonwealth of The Bahamas English: The Bahamas – Commonwealth of The Bahamas	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Bahamas is a Commonwealth realm.^[4]

Bahrain – Kingdom of Bahrain Arabic: البحرين – مملكة البحرين al-Baḥrayn – Mamlakat al-Baḥrayn	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Bangladesh – People's Republic of Bangladesh Bengali: বাংলাদেশ – গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশ Banglādeś – Gônoprojatontri Banglādeś	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Barbados English: Barbados	Widely recognized member of the UN. Barbados is a Commonwealth realm.^[4]

Belarus – Republic of Belarus Belarusian: Беларусь – Рэспубліка Беларусь Bjelarúś – Respublika Bjelarúś Russian: Беларусь – Республика Беларусь Belorussiya – Respublika Belarus	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Belgium – Kingdom of Belgium Dutch: België – Koninkrijk België French: Belgique – Royaume de Belgique German: Belgien – Königreich Belgien	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] Belgium is a federation^[7] divided into linguistic communities and regions.

Belize English: Belize	Widely recognized member of the UN. Belize is a Commonwealth realm.^[4]

Benin – Republic of Benin^[10] French: Bénin – République du Bénin	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Bhutan – Kingdom of Bhutan Dzongkha: འབྲུག་ཡུལ་ - འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ་ Druk Yul – Druk Gyal-khab	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Bolivia – Plurinational State of Bolivia Spanish: Bolivia – Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia Quechua: Bulibiya – Bulibiya Mama Llaqta Aymara: Wuliwya – Wuliwya Suyu	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnian and Croatian: Bosna i Hercegovina Serbian: Босна и Херцеговина	Widely recognized member of the UN. As a result of the Dayton Agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bosnia and Herzegovina is divided into two constituent entities, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.^[11]

Botswana – Republic of Botswana Tswana: Botswana – Lefatshe la Botswana English: Botswana – Republic of Botswana	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Brazil – Federative Republic of Brazil Portuguese: Brasil – República Federativa do Brasil	Widely recognized member of the UN. Brazil is a federation^[7] divided into states and one federal district.

Brunei – State of Brunei, Abode of Peace Malay: Brunei – Negara Brunei Darussalam برني دارالسلام	Widely recognized member of the UN. Brunei claims sovereignty over part of the Spratly Islands.^[12]

Bulgaria – Republic of Bulgaria Bulgarian: България – Република България Bălgarija – Republika Bălgarija	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Burkina Faso^[13] French: Burkina Faso	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Burma – Union of Myanmar Burmese: ဴမြန်မာပြည် — ပြည်ထောင်စုမြန်မာနိုင်ငံတော် Myan-ma – Pyi-daung-zu Myan-ma Naing-ngan-daw	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Burundi – Republic of Burundi Kirundi: Uburundi – Republika y'Uburundi French: Burundi – République du Burundi	Widely recognized member of the UN.

C

Cambodia – Kingdom of Cambodia Khmer: កម្ពុជា - ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ កម្ពុជា Kampuchea - Preah Reachea Nachakr Kampuchea	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Cameroon – Republic of Cameroon French: Cameroun – République du Cameroun English: Cameroon – Republic of Cameroon	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Canada^[14] English and French: Canada	Widely recognized member of the UN. Canada is a Commonwealth realm^[4] and a federation^[7] divided into provinces and territories.

Cape Verde – Republic of Cape Verde Portuguese: Cabo Verde – República de Cabo Verde	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Central African Republic French: République Centrafricaine Sango: Ködörösêse tî Bêafrîka	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Chad – Republic of Chad French: Tchad – République du Tchad Arabic: تشاد – جمهوريّة تشاد Tašād – Jumhūriyyat Tašād	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Chile – Republic of Chile Spanish: Chile – República de Chile	Widely recognized member of the UN. Easter Island and the Juan Fernández Islands are "special territories" of Chile. The Desventuradas Islands and Isla Salas y Gómez are part of the Valparaíso Region.

China – People's Republic of China^[15] Chinese: 中国 – 中华人民共和国 Zhōngguó – Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó	Widely recognized member of the UN.^[16] Commonly known as China, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has five autonomous regions: Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Xinjiang and Tibet.^[5] Additionally, it has sovereignty over the Special Administrative Regions of: Hong Kong (special administrative region of Hong Kong)^[17] Macao (special administrative region of Macao)^[18] It also claims: Taiwan and associated islands, Kinmen, Matsu, the Pratas and Itu Aba, which are governed by the Republic of China (which claims sovereignty over the whole of China).^[19] The Paracel Islands (disputed by the ROC and Vietnam).^[20] The Spratly Islands (disputed by the ROC, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei).^[12] Part of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Aksai Chin, controlled by the PRC, is claimed by India as a part of Jammu and Kashmir.^[21] Tibet and East Turkestan (Xinjiang) have separatist governments in exile.^[3]

China, Republic of Taiwan Other states

Colombia – Republic of Colombia Spanish: Colombia – República de Colombia	Widely recognized member of the UN. Colombia is an independent republic with 31 departments (including the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina) and one capital district (Bogotá).

Comoros – Union of the Comoros Comorian: Komori – Udzima wa Komori French: Comores – Union des Comores Arabic: القمر – اتحاد القمر Al-Qumur – Ittihād al-Qumur	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Comoros is a federation with autonomous islands.^[5]^[7] The Comoros dispute the French sovereignty over Mayotte and the Glorioso Islands.^[8]

Congo, Democratic Republic of the (Congo-Kinshasa)^[22] French: Congo – République Démocratique du Congo	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Congo, Republic of the (Congo-Brazzaville) French: Congo – République du Congo	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Costa Rica – Republic of Costa Rica Spanish: Costa Rica – República de Costa Rica	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Côte d'Ivoire – Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) French: Côte d'Ivoire – République de Côte d'Ivoire	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Croatia – Republic of Croatia Croatian: Hrvatska – Republika Hrvatska	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Cuba – Republic of Cuba Spanish: Cuba – República de Cuba	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Cuban area of Guantánamo Bay is, along with the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, under the permanent control (with no claim of sovereignty) of the United States, which pays rent under terms of the Cuban-American Treaty of 1903.

Cyprus – Republic of Cyprus Greek: Κυπρος – Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία Kypros – Kipriakí Dimokratía Turkish: Kıbrıs – Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti	Widely recognized^[23] member of the UN and the EU.^[9] See Northern Cyprus for the de facto state in the de jure territory of Cyprus.

Czech Republic^[24] Czech: Česko – Česká republika	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

D

Denmark – Kingdom of Denmark Danish: Danmark – Kongeriget Danmark	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] The Kingdom of Denmark also includes two autonomous areas. For more information, see Rigsfællesskabet. Faroe Islands (Føroyar/Færøerne) Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat/Grønland)

Djibouti – Republic of Djibouti French: Djibouti – République de Djibouti Arabic: جيبوتي – جمهورية جيبوتي Jībūtī – Jumhūrīyat Jībūtī	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Dominica – Commonwealth of Dominica English: Dominica – Commonwealth of Dominica	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Dominican Republic Spanish: República Dominicana	Widely recognized member of the UN.

E

East Timor – Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste^[25] Tetum: Timor Lorosa'e – Repúblika Demokrátika Timor Lorosa'e Portuguese: Timor-Leste – República Democrática de Timor-Leste	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Ecuador – Republic of Ecuador Spanish: Ecuador – República del Ecuador	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Egypt – Arab Republic of Egypt Arabic: مصر – جمهوريّة مصرالعربيّة Mişr – Jumhūriyyat Mişr al-`Arabiyyah	Widely recognized member of the UN.

El Salvador – Republic of El Salvador Spanish: El Salvador – República de El Salvador	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Equatorial Guinea – Republic of Equatorial Guinea Spanish: Guinea Ecuatorial – República de Guinea Ecuatorial French: Guinée Équatoriale – République de Guinée Équatoriale	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Eritrea – State of Eritrea Tigrinya: ኤርትራ – ሃግሬ ኤርትራ Ertra – Hagere Ertra	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Estonia – Republic of Estonia Estonian: Eesti – Eesti Vabariik	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Ethiopia – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Amharic: ኢትዮጵያ – የኢትዮጵያ ፈደራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፐብሊክ Ityop'iya – Ityop'iya Federalawi Demokrasiyawi Ripeblik	Widely recognized member of the UN. Ethiopia is a federation^[7] divided into regions and chartered cities.

F

Fiji – Republic of the Fiji Islands Fijian: Viti – Matanitu Tu-Vaka-i-koya ko Viti English: Fiji – Republic of the Fiji Islands Hindustani:^[26] फ़िजी / فِجی – फ़िजी गणराज्य / فِجی رپبلک Fijī – Fijī Ripablik^[27]	Widely recognized member of the UN. Fiji has an autonomous region (dependency), Rotuma.^[5]

Finland – Republic of Finland Finnish: Suomi – Suomen tasavalta Swedish: Finland – Republiken Finland	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] Åland is a neutral and demilitarised autonomous region of Finland.^[5]^[28]

France – French Republic French: France – République française	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] The French overseas regions/departments (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion) are legally part of France and France possesses the uninhabited Clipperton Island. French sovereignty also includes the overseas territories of: French Polynesia (Polynésie française) Mayotte (disputed by Comoros) New Caledonia (Nouvelle-Calédonie) Saint-Barthélemy Saint Martin (Saint-Martin) Saint Pierre and Miquelon (Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon) Wallis and Futuna (Wallis-et-Futuna) French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Terres australes et antarctiques françaises, uninhabited). It includes the Antarctic claim of Adélie Land. French sovereignty over Bassas da India, Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island is disputed by Madagascar, over Glorioso Islands by Madagascar, the Seychelles and the Comoros, and over Tromelin Island by Mauritius and the Seychelles.^[8]

G

Gabon – Gabonese Republic French: Gabon – République Gabonaise	Widely recognized member of the UN.

The Gambia – Republic of The Gambia English: The Gambia – Republic of The Gambia	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Georgia Georgian: საქართველო Sak’art’velo	Widely recognized member of the UN. Georgia has three divisions with autonomous statuses, Adjara, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.^[5] Both in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, de facto states inside the de jure territory of Georgia have been formed.

Germany – Federal Republic of Germany German: Deutschland – Bundesrepublik Deutschland	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] Germany is a federation^[7] divided into states (Länder).

Ghana – Republic of Ghana English: Ghana – Republic of Ghana	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Greece – Hellenic Republic Greek: Ελλάδα – Ελληνική Δημοκρατία Elláda – Ellinikí Dimokratía	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] Greece has sovereignty over Mount Athos, an autonomous monastic state that is jointly governed by the multi-national "Holy Community" on the mountain and the Civil Governor appointed by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and spiritually comes under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Grenada English: Grenada	Widely recognized member of the UN. Grenada is a Commonwealth realm.^[4]

Guatemala – Republic of Guatemala Spanish: Guatemala – República de Guatemala	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Guinea – Republic of Guinea French: Guinée – République de Guinée	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Guinea-Bissau – Republic of Guinea-Bissau Portuguese: Guiné-Bissau – República da Guiné-Bissau	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Guyana – Co-operative Republic of Guyana English: Guyana – Co-operative Republic of Guyana	Widely recognized member of the UN.

H

Haiti – Republic of Haiti French: Haïti – République d'Haïti Haitian Creole: Ayiti – Repiblik dAyiti	Widely recognized member of the UN. Haiti claims the uninhabited United States possession of Navassa Island.^[8]

Holy See Vatican City

Honduras – Republic of Honduras Spanish: Honduras – República de Honduras	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Hungary – Republic of Hungary Hungarian: Magyarország – Magyar Köztársaság	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

I

Iceland – Republic of Iceland Icelandic: Ísland – Lýðveldið Ísland	Widely recognized member of the UN.

India – Republic of India Hindi: भारत – भारत गणराज्य Bhārat – Bhārat Ganarājya English: India – Republic of India Assamese: ভাৰত - ভাৰত গণৰাজ্য Bhārat – Bhārat Gaṇarājya Bengali: ভারত - ভারতীয় প্রজাতন্ত্র Bhārot - Bhārotiya Projātôntro Bhojpuri: भारत - भारत गणराज्य Bhārat – Bhārat Ganarājya Gujarati: ભારત - ભારતીય પ્રજાસત્તાક Bhārat - Bhārtiya Prajāsattāk Kannada : ಭಾರತ - ಭಾರತ ಗಣರಾಜ್ಯ Bhārata - Bhārata Gaṇarājya Kashmiri: ہِندوستان Hindustān Konkani: भारत - भारत गणराज्य Malayalam: ഭാരതം - ഭാരത ഗണരാജ്യം Meitei Manipuri: ভারত - ভারত গণরাজ্য Marathi: भारत - भारतीय प्रजासत्ताक Nepali: भारत - भारत गणराज्य Oriya: ଭାରତ - ଭାରତ ଗଣରାଜ୍ଯ Punjabi: ਭਾਰਤ - ਭਾਰਤ ਗਣਤੰਤਰ Sanskrit: भारतम् - भारत गणराज्यम् Sindhi: भारत गणराज्य, ڀارت، - هندستانڀارت، भारत ڀارت، Tamil: இந்தியா - இந்தியக் குடியரசு Telugu: భారత్ - భారత గణతంత్ర రాజ్యము Urdu: جمہوریہ بھارت - جمہوریہ بھارت	Widely recognized member of the UN. India is a federation^[7] divided into states and union territories. The Indian sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh is disputed by the People's Republic of China.^[8] India claims sovereignty over and administers part of Kashmir.^[21]

Indonesia – Republic of Indonesia Indonesian: Indonesia – Republik Indonesia	Widely recognized member of the UN. Indonesia has four provinces with special statuses, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Yogyakarta Special Region, Papua, and Jakarta Special Capital Region.^[5] Separatist governments in exile claim independence for the Republic of the South Moluccas, the Republic of West Papua, and the Sultanate of Nangroe Aceh Darusalam.^[29]

Iran – Islamic Republic of Iran Persian: ایران – جمهوری اسلامی ایران Īrān – Jomhūri-ye Eslāmi-ye Īrān	Widely recognized member of the UN. Divided into provinces and counties

Iraq – Republic of Iraq Arabic: العراق – جمهورية العراق Al-ʿIrāq – Jumhūrīyat Al-`Irāq Kurdish: عێراق – كۆماری عێراق ʿÎraq – Komara `Îraqê	Widely recognized member of the UN. Iraq's constitution labels the country as a federation^[7]^[30] divided into regions, governorates and the capital district. At present the only region is Iraqi Kurdistan.

Ireland^[31] Irish: Éire English: Ireland	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Israel – State of Israel Hebrew: ישראל – מדינת ישראל Yisra'el – Medinat Yisra'el Arabic: اسرائيل – دولة اسرائيل Isrā'īl – Dawlat Isrā'īl	Widely recognized member of the UN.^[32] Israel occupies East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and parts of the West Bank. These areas are not internationally recognized as being part of Israel.^[8] Israel no longer has a permanent military presence in the Gaza Strip, following its unilateral disengagement but is still the occupying power under International law, a status disputed by few.^[33]^[34]^[35]^[36]^[37]^[38]^[39]^[40]^[41]^[42] For more information, see also: Palestinian National Authority.

Italy – Italian Republic Italian: Italia – Repubblica Italiana	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] Italy has autonomous regions, Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia, Sicily and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.^[5]

Ivory Coast Côte d'Ivoire

J

Jamaica English: Jamaica	Widely recognized member of the UN. Jamaica is a Commonwealth realm.^[4]

Japan – State of Japan^[43] Japanese: 日本 – 日本国 Nihon/Nippon – Nihon-koku/Nippon-koku	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Jordan – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Arabic: الاردن – المملكة الأردنّيّة الهاشميّة Al-Urdunn – Al-Mamlakah al-Urdunniyyah al-Hāshimiyyah	Widely recognized member of the UN.

K

Kazakhstan – Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakh: Қазақстан Республикасы/Qazaqstan Respwblïkası Russian: Республика Казахстан/Respublika Kazakhstan Ukrainian: Казахстан - Республіка Казахстан German: Kasachstan - Republik Kasachstan	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Kenya – Republic of Kenya English: Kenya – Republic of Kenya Swahili: Kenya – Jamhuri ya Kenya	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Kiribati – Republic of Kiribati Gilbertese: Kiribati – Ribaberikin Kiribati English: Kiribati – Republic of Kiribati	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Korea, North – Democratic People's Republic of Korea Korean: 조선 – 조선민주주의인민공화국 Chosŏn – Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Korea, South – Republic of Korea Korean: 한국 – 대한민국 Hanguk – Daehan Minguk	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Kosovo Other states

Kuwait – State of Kuwait Arabic: الكويت – دولة الكويت Al-Kuwayt – Dawlat al-Kuwayt	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz Republic Kyrgyz: Кыргызстан – Кыргыз Республикасы Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz Respublikasy Russian: Кыргызстан – Кыргызская республика Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzskaya respublika	Widely recognized member of the UN.

L

Laos – Lao People's Democratic Republic Lao: ນລາວ – ສາທາລະນະລັດປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Lao – Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxon Lao	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Latvia – Republic of Latvia Latvian: Latvija – Latvijas Republika	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Lebanon – Republic of Lebanon Arabic: لبنان – الجمهوريّة اللبنانيّة Lubnān – Al-Jumhūriyyah al-Lubnāniyyah French: République libanaise	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Lesotho – Kingdom of Lesotho English: Lesotho – Kingdom of Lesotho Sotho: Lesotho – Mmuso wa Lesotho	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Liberia – Republic of Liberia English: Liberia – Republic of Liberia	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Libya – Socialist People's Libyan Arab Great Jamahiriya Arabic: ليبيا – الجماهيرية العربية الليبية الشعبية الإشتراكية العظمى Lībiyā – al-Jamāhīrīyah al-‘Arabīyah al-Lībīyah ash-Sha‘bīyah al-Ishtirākīyah al-`Uzmā	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Liechtenstein – Principality of Liechtenstein German: Liechtenstein – Fürstentum Liechtenstein	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Lithuania – Republic of Lithuania Lithuanian: Lietuva – Lietuvos Respublika	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Luxembourg – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Luxembourgian: Lëtzebuerg – Groussherzogdem Lëtzebuerg French: Luxembourg – Grand-Duché du Luxembourg German: Luxemburg – Großherzogtum Luxemburg	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

M

Macedonia^[44] – Republic of Macedonia Macedonian:^[45] Македонија – Република Македонија Makedonija – Republika Makedonija	Widely recognized member of the UN, provisionally referred to by many international organisations and some countries as the "former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia", see Macedonia naming dispute.

Madagascar – Republic of Madagascar Malagasy: Madagasikara – Repoblikan'i Madagasikara French: Madagascar – Republique de Madagascar	Widely recognized member of the UN. Madagascar claims the French possessions of the Glorioso Islands and Juan de Nova Island.^[8]

Malawi – Republic of Malawi English: Malawi – Republic of Malawi Chewa: Malaŵi – Mfuko la Malaŵi	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Malaysia Malay: Malaysia Tamil: மலேசியா Chinese: 马来西亚- Ma Lai Xi Ya	Widely recognized member of the UN. Malaysia is a federation^[7] divided into states and federal territories. Malaysia claims part of the Spratly Islands.^[12]

Maldives – Republic of Maldives Dhivehi: ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ Divehi Rājje – Divehi Rājje ge Jumhuriyyā	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Mali – Republic of Mali French: Mali – République du Mali	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Malta – Republic of Malta Maltese: Malta – Repubblika ta' Malta English: Malta – Republic of Malta	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Marshall Islands – Republic of the Marshall Islands Marshallese: Aorōkin M̧ajeļ – Aolepān Aorōkin M̧ajeļ English: Marshall Islands – Republic of the Marshall Islands	Widely recognized member of the UN under Compact of Free Association with the United States. The Marshall Islands claim the United States territory of Wake Island.^[8]

Mauritania – Islamic Republic of Mauritania Arabic: موريتانيا – الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية Mūrītāniyā – l-Jumhūriyyah al-Islāmiyyah al-Mūrītāniyyah French: Mauritanie – République Islamique de la Mauritanie	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Mauritius – Republic of Mauritius English: Mauritius – Republic of Mauritius	Widely recognized member of the UN. Mauritius has an autonomous island, Rodrigues.^[5] Mauritius claims the British Indian Ocean Territory and the French island of Tromelin.^[8]

Mexico – United Mexican States Spanish: México – Estados Unidos Mexicanos	Widely recognized member of the UN. Mexico is a federation^[7] divided into states and one federal district.

Micronesia – Federated States of Micronesia English: Micronesia – Federated States of Micronesia	Widely recognized member of the UN under Compact of Free Association with the United States. Micronesia is a federation^[7] divided into states.

Moldova – Republic of Moldova Moldovan^[46]: Moldova – Republica Moldova	Widely recognized member of the UN. See Transnistria for the de facto state inside the de jure territory of Moldova.

Monaco – Principality of Monaco French: Monaco – Principauté de Monaco Monegasque: Múnegu – Principatu de Múnegu Italian: Monaco - Principato di Monaco	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Mongolia Mongolian: Монгол Улс Mongol Uls	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Montenegro Montenegrian: Црна Гора Crna Gora	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Morocco – Kingdom of Morocco Arabic: المغرب – المملكة المغربية al-Maġrib – Al-Mamlakah al-Maġribiyyah	Widely recognized member of the UN. Morocco claims sovereignty over the Western Sahara and controls most of it, which is disputed by the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Morocco disputes the Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta, Isla de Alborán, Isla Perejil, Islas Chafarinas, Melilla and Peñón de Alhucemas.^[8]

Mozambique – Republic of Mozambique Portuguese: Moçambique – República de Moçambique	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Myanmar Burma

N

Nagorno-Karabakh Other states

Namibia – Republic of Namibia English: Namibia – Republic of Namibia	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Nauru – Republic of Nauru Nauruan: Naoero – Ripublik Naoero English: Nauru – Republic of Nauru	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Nepal – Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Nepali: नेपाल Sanghiya Loktāntrik Ganatantra Nepāl	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Netherlands – Kingdom of the Netherlands Dutch: Nederland – Koninkrijk der Nederlanden	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] Legally the Netherlands refers to the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with the latter consisting of one European country: Netherlands and the two overseas (associated) countries: Aruba Netherlands Antilles (Nederlandse Antillen)

New Zealand English: New Zealand Māori: Aotearoa	Widely recognized member of the UN. New Zealand is a Commonwealth realm^[4] and has responsibilities for the two free associated states of: Cook Islands. The Cook Islands have received some diplomatic recognition^[47] Niue. Niue established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 2007^[48], while New Zealand has responsibility for Niue's external affairs. The dependent territory of: Tokelau^[49] New Zealand also claims sovereignty over parts of Antarctica as: Ross Dependency

Nicaragua – Republic of Nicaragua Spanish: Nicaragua – República de Nicaragua	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Niger – Republic of Niger French: Niger – République du Niger	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Nigeria – Federal Republic of Nigeria English: Nigeria – Federal Republic of Nigeria Yorùbá: Naìjírìà - Orílẹ̀-èdè Olómìnira Àpapọ̀ Ilẹ̀ Naìjírìà	Widely recognized member of the UN. Nigeria is a federation^[7] divided into states and one federal district.

Northern Cyprus Other states

North Korea Korea, Democratic People's Republic of

Norway – Kingdom of Norway Norwegian: Norge – Kongeriket Norge	Widely recognized member of the UN. Svalbard is an integral part of Norway, but has a special status due to the Spitsbergen Treaty. The overseas uninhabited possessions of Bouvet Island and Jan Mayen are integral parts of Norway. The Norwegian claim of Peter I Island and Queen Maud Land (Antarctica) as part of Norway is suspended.^[50]

O

Oman – Sultanate of Oman Arabic: عُمان – سلطنة عُمان ʿUmān – Saltanat ʿUmān	Widely recognized member of the UN.

P

Pakistan – Islamic Republic of Pakistan Urdu: پاکستان – اسلامی جمہوریۂ پاکستان Pākistān – Islami Jomhuri-ye Pākistān English: Pakistan – Islamic Republic of Pakistan	Widely recognized member of the UN. Pakistan is a federation^[7] divided into provinces and territories. Pakistan claims sovereignty over and administers part of Kashmir.^[21]

Palau – Republic of Palau Palauan: Belau – Beluu er a Belau English: Palau – Republic of Palau	Widely recognized member of the UN under Compact of Free Association with the United States.

The Palestinian National Authority Other states

Panama – Republic of Panama Spanish: Panamá – República de Panamá	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Papua New Guinea – Independent State of Papua New Guinea English: Papua New Guinea – Independent State of Papua New Guinea Tok Pisin: Papua Niugini – Independen Stet bilong Papua Niugini	Widely recognized member of the UN. Papua New Guinea is a Commonwealth realm^[4] and also has the autonomous Region of Bougainville.^[5]

Paraguay – Republic of Paraguay Spanish: Paraguay – República del Paraguay Guarani: Paraguái – Tetã Paraguái	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Peru – Republic of Peru Spanish: Perú – República del Perú	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Philippines – Republic of the Philippines Filipino: Pilipinas – Republika ng Pilipinas English: Philippines – Republic of the Philippines Spanish: Filipinas - República de Filipinas	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Philippines has the autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.^[5] The Philippines claims sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, Scarborough Shoal and Sabah, which is currently administered by Malaysia.^[12]

Poland – Republic of Poland Polish: Polska – Rzeczpospolita Polska	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Portugal – Portuguese Republic Portuguese: Portugal – República Portuguesa Mirandese: Pertual – República Pertuesa	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] Portugal has two autonomous regions: Azores Madeira Portugal does not recognize Spanish sovereignty over: Olivenza Táliga

Pridnestrovie Other states, Transnistria

Q

Qatar – State of Qatar Arabic: قطر – دولة قطر Qatar – Dawlat Qatar	Widely recognized member of the UN.

R

Romania Romanian: România Hungarian: Románia	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Russia – Russian Federation Russian: Россия – Российская Федерация Rossiya – Rossiyskaya Federatsiya	Widely recognized member of the UN. Russia is a federation^[7]^[51] divided into Subjects of Russia (oblasts, republics, autonomous okrugs, krays, and federal cities). Several of the federal subjects are republics:^[5] Adygea Altai Republic Bashkortostan Buryatia Chechnya Chuvashia Dagestan Ingushetia Kabardino-Balkaria Kalmykia Karachay-Cherkessia Karelia Khakassia Komi Mari El Mordovia North Ossetia-Alania Sakha Republic Tatarstan Tuva Udmurtia

Rwanda – Republic of Rwanda KinyaRwanda: Rwanda – Repubulika y'u Rwanda French: Rwanda – République du Rwanda English: Rwanda – Republic of Rwanda	Widely recognized member of the UN.

S
Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Other states

Saint Kitts and Nevis – Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis English: Saint Kitts and Nevis – Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis	Widely recognized member of the UN. Saint Kitts and Nevis is a Commonwealth realm^[4] and is a federation^[7] of the islands.

Saint Lucia English: Saint Lucia	Widely recognized member of the UN. Saint Lucia is a Commonwealth realm.^[4]

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines English: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Widely recognized member of the UN. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a Commonwealth realm.^[4]

Samoa – Independent State of Samoa Samoan: Sāmoa – Mālo Tuto'atasi o Sāmoa English: Samoa – Independent State of Samoa	Widely recognized member of the UN.

San Marino – Republic of San Marino Italian: San Marino – Repubblica di San Marino	Widely recognized member of the UN.

São Tomé and Príncipe – Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe Portuguese: São Tomé e Príncipe – República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe	Widely recognized member of the UN. São Tomé and Príncipe has an autonomous province, Príncipe.^[5]

Saudi Arabia – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Arabic: السعودية – المملكة العربيّة السّعوديّة as-Saʿūdiyyah – Al-Mamlakah al-'Arabiyyah as-Sa'ūdiyyah	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Senegal – Republic of Senegal French: Sénégal – République du Sénégal	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Serbia – Republic of Serbia Serbian: Србија – Република Србија Srbija – Republika Srbija Hungarian: Szerbia – Szerb Köztársaság	Widely recognized member of the UN. Serbia considers itself to have two autonomous provinces, Kosovo and Metohija and Vojvodina,^[5] though most of Kosovo is under the de facto control of the Republic of Kosovo, which does not have general recognition.

Seychelles – Republic of Seychelles English: Seychelles – Republic of Seychelles French: Seychelles – République des Seychelles Seselwa: Sesel - Repiblik Sesel	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Seychelles claim the British Indian Ocean Territory and the French Glorioso Islands and Tromelin Island.^[8]

Sierra Leone – Republic of Sierra Leone English: Sierra Leone – Republic of Sierra Leone	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Singapore – Republic of Singapore English: Singapore – Republic of Singapore Malay: Singapura – Republik Singapura Chinese: 新加坡 – 新加坡共和国 Xīnjīapō – Xīnjīapō Gònghéguó Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் – சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு Ciŋkappūr – Ciŋkappūr Kudiyarasu	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Slovakia – Slovak Republic Slovak: Slovensko – Slovenská republika Hungarian: Szlovákia - Szlovák Köztársaság	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Slovenia – Republic of Slovenia Slovenian: Slovenija – Republika Slovenija Italian: Slovenia - Repubblica slovena Hungarian: Szlovénia – a Szlovén Köztársaság	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Solomon Islands English: Solomon Islands	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Solomon Islands is a Commonwealth realm.^[4]

Somalia – Federal Republic of Somalia Somali: Soomaaliya – Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya Arabic: الصومال – جمهورية الصومال As-Sūmāl – Jumhūriyyat aṣ-Ṣūmāl	Widely recognized member of the UN. Somalia is presently fragmented with its Transitional National Government. Somalia disputed the Yemenite sovereignty over Socotra.^[8] See Somaliland for the de facto country inside the de jure territory of Somalia.

South Africa – Republic of South Africa English: South Africa – Republic of South Africa Afrikaans: Suid-Afrika – Republiek van Suid-Afrika Xhosa: Mzantsi Afrika – IRiphabliki yaseMzantsi Afrika Zulu: Ningizimu Afrika – IRiphabliki yaseNingizimu Afrika Southern Ndebele: Sewula Afrika – IRiphabliki yeSewula Afrika Northern Sotho: Afrika-Borwa – Rephaboliki ya Afrika-Borwa Sotho: Afrika Borwa – Rephaboliki ya Afrika Borwa Tswana: Aforika Borwa – Rephaboliki ya Aforika Borwa Swati: Ningizimu Afrika – IRiphabhulikhi yeNingizimu Afrika Venda: Afurika Tshipembe – Riphabuḽiki ya Afurika Tshipembe Tsonga: Afrika Dzonga – Riphabliki ra Afrika Dzonga	Widely recognized member of the UN.

South Korea Korea, Republic of

South Ossetia Other states

Spain – Kingdom of Spain Spanish: España – Reino de España Catalan: Espanya – Regne d'Espanya Basque: Espainia – Espainiako Erresuma Galician: España – Reino de España	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] Spain is divided into autonomous communities and cities. The sovereignty over Ceuta, Isla de Alborán, Isla Perejil, Islas Chafarinas, Melilla and Peñón de Alhucemas is disputed by Morocco. The sovereignty over Olivenza and Táliga is disputed by Portugal. Spain disputes the British sovereignty over Gibraltar.^[8]

Sri Lanka – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Sinhala: ශ්‍රී ලංකා – ශ්‍රී ලංකා ප්‍රජාතාන්ත්‍රික සමාජවාදී ජනරජය Sri Lankā – Sri Lankā Prajathanthrika Samajavadi Janarajaya Tamil: இலங்கை – இலங்கை ஜனநாயக சமத்துவ குடியரசு Llankai – Illankai Chananaayaka Chosalisa Kudiyarasu	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Sudan – Republic of the Sudan Arabic: السودان – جمهورية السودان As-Sūdān – Jumhūrīyat as-Sūdān English: Sudan – Republic of the Sudan	Widely recognized member of the UN. Sudan is a federation^[7] divided into states and has one autonomous region, Southern Sudan, formed out of the Southern Sudanese states.^[5]

Suriname – Republic of Suriname Dutch: Suriname – Republiek Suriname	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Swaziland – Kingdom of Swaziland English: Swaziland – Kingdom of Swaziland Swati: eSwatini – Umbuso weSwatini	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Sweden – Kingdom of Sweden Swedish: Sverige – Konungariket Sverige	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9]

Switzerland – Swiss Confederation German: Schweiz – Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft French: Suisse – Confédération Suisse Italian: Svizzera – Confederazione Svizzera Raeto-Romance: Svizra – Confederaziun Svizra Latin: Confoederatio Helvetica	Widely recognized member of the UN. Switzerland is a federation^[7] divided into cantons.

Syria – Syrian Arab Republic Arabic: سورية – الجمهوريّة العربيّة السّوريّة Sūriyah – Al-Jumhūriyyah al-'Arabiyyah as-Sūriyyah	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Golan is occupied by Israel. Syria disputed the Turkish sovereignty over Hatay Province.^[8]

T

Taiwan Other states

Tajikistan – Republic of Tajikistan Tajik: Тоҷикистон – Ҷумҳурии Тоҷикистон Tojikiston – Jumhurii Tojikiston	Widely recognized member of the UN. Tajikistan also has the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province.^[5]

Tanzania – United Republic of Tanzania Swahili: Tanzania – Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania English: Tanzania – United Republic of Tanzania	Widely recognized member of the UN. Tanzania is a federacy with an autonomous status for Zanzibar.^[5]

Thailand – Kingdom of Thailand Thai: ประเทศไทย – ราชอาณาจักรไทย Prathēt Thai – Rātcha Anāchak Thai	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Timor-Leste East Timor

Togo – Togolese Republic French: Togo – République Togolaise	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Tonga – Kingdom of Tonga Tongan: Tonga – Pule'anga Fakatu'i 'o Tonga English: Tonga – Kingdom of Tonga	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Transnistria Other states

Trinidad and Tobago – Republic of Trinidad and Tobago English: Trinidad and Tobago – Republic of Trinidad and Tobago	Widely recognized member of the UN. Trinidad and Tobago has an autonomous island, Tobago.^[5]

Tunisia – Republic of Tunisia Arabic: تونس – الجمهورية التونسية Tūnis – Al-Jumhūriyyah at-Tūnisiyyah French: Tunisie - République du Tunisie	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Turkey – Republic of Turkey Turkish: Türkiye – Türkiye Cumhuriyeti	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Turkmenistan Turkmenian: Türkmenistan	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Tuvalu Tuvaluan and English: Tuvalu	Widely recognized member of the UN. Tuvalu is a Commonwealth realm.^[4]

U

Uganda – Republic of Uganda English: Uganda – Republic of Uganda Swahili: Uganda – Jamhuri ya Uganda	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Ukraine Ukrainian: Україна Ukrajina	Widely recognized member of the UN. Ukraine has an autonomous republic, Crimea.^[5]

United Arab Emirates Arabic: دولة الإمارات العربيّة المتّحدة -Dawlat Al-Imārāt Al-`Arabiyyah Al-Muttahidah	Widely recognized member of the UN. The United Arab Emirates is a federation^[7] divided into emirates.

United Kingdom – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland English: United Kingdom – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Welsh: Teyrnas Unedig Prydain Fawr a Gogledd Iwerddon Scottish Gaelic: An Rìoghachd Aonaichte na Breatainn Mhòr agus Èirinn a Tuath Irish: Ríocht Aontaithe na Breataine Móire agus Thuaisceart Éireann Scots: Unitit Kinrick o Great Breetain an Northren Ireland Cornish: Ruwvaneth Unys Breten Veur hag Iwerdhon Gledh	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.^[9] The United Kingdom is a Commonwealth realm^[4] divided into four parts. The United Kingdom has the following overseas territories: Akrotiri and Dhekelia Anguilla Bermuda British Indian Ocean Territory (disputed by Mauritius and the Seychelles)^[8] British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Falkland Islands (disputed by Argentina)^[8] Gibraltar (disputed by Spain)^[8] Montserrat Pitcairn Islands Saint Helena (with its dependencies of Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha) South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (disputed by Argentina)^[8] Turks and Caicos Islands^[8] British Antarctic Territory (disputed) The British Crown has sovereignty over: Guernsey (with the dependencies of Alderney, Herm and Sark) Isle of Man Jersey

United States – United States of America English: United States – United States of America	Widely recognized member of the UN. The United States is a federation^[7] divided into states, a federal district, and one territory. The United States has sovereignty over the following (inhabited) territories and commonwealths: American Samoa Guam Northern Mariana Islands Puerto Rico United States Virgin Islands In addition, there are uninhabited territories in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea: Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, Palmyra Atoll (incorporated), Wake Island (disputed by the Marshall Islands) as well as Navassa Island (disputed by Haiti).^[8] Of these, only Palmyra Atoll is fully incorporated and permanently under U.S. sovereignty.

Uruguay – Eastern Republic of Uruguay Spanish: Uruguay – República Oriental del Uruguay	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Uzbekistan – Republic of Uzbekistan Uzbek: Ўзбекистон – Ўзбекистон Республикаси O'zbekiston – O‘zbekiston Respublikasi	Widely recognized member of the UN. Uzbekistan has an autonomous republic, Karakalpakstan.^[5]

V

Vanuatu – Republic of Vanuatu Bislama: Vanuatu – Ripablik blong Vanuatu English: Vanuatu – Republic of Vanuatu French: Vanuatu – République du Vanuatu	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Vatican City – State of the Vatican City Latin: Civitas Vaticana – Status Civitatis Vaticanæ Italian: Città del Vaticano – Stato della Città del Vaticano	Widely recognized country. The Holy See, a sovereign entity recognized by 176 countries, administers the territory of Vatican City; the Holy See is a permanent observer of the UN. Vatican City is governed by officials appointed by the Pope, with the latter being the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Rome and therefore, ex officio sovereign of Vatican City. The Holy See also administers a number of extraterritorial properties in Italy and in many other countries (Apostolic Nunciatures).

Venezuela – Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Spanish: Venezuela – República Bolivariana de Venezuela	Widely recognized member of the UN. Venezuela is a federation^[7] divided into states, one federal dependency and one federal district.

Vietnam – Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vietnamese: Việt Nam – Cộng hòa Xã hội Chủ nghĩa Việt Nam	Widely recognized member of the UN. Vietnam claims sovereignty over the Paracel^[20] and Spratly Islands.^[12]

W

Y

Yemen – Republic of Yemen Arabic: اليمن – الجمهوريّة اليمنية Al-Yaman – Al-Jumhūriyyah al-Yamaniyyah	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Yemenite sovereignty over Socotra is disputed by Somalia.^[8]
Z

Zambia – Republic of Zambia English: Zambia – Republic of Zambia	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Zimbabwe – Republic of Zimbabwe English: Zimbabwe – Republic of Zimbabwe	Widely recognized member of the UN.

Other states

For a more comprehensive list, see List of states with limited recognition

This annex lists states that claim sovereignty and have control over (part of) their claimed territories, but due to disputes over their legitimacy, do not have normal diplomatic relations with the majority of sovereign states. Entities considered to be micronations are not included.


Abkhazia: Republic of Abkhazia Abkhaz: Аҧсны – Аҧснытәи Республика Apsny – Apsnytei Respublika Russian: Aбхазия – Республика Абхазия Abkhaziya – Respublika Abkhaziya	De facto independent state only recognised by Russia, Nicaragua, South Ossetia and Transnistria.^[52] Claimed in whole by Georgia as the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.

Kosovo – Republic of Kosovo Albanian: Kosovës – Republika e Kosovës Serbian: Косово – Република Косово Kosovo – Republika Kosovo	De facto independent state that is recognised by 62 UN member states and by the Republic of China. Claimed in whole by the Republic of Serbia as part of its Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija. In turn, the Republic of Kosovo claims the part of Kosovo controlled by the Republic of Serbia and still administered by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK).

Nagorno-Karabakh – Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Armenian: Լեռնային Ղարաբաղ – Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի Հանրապետություն Leṙnalin Ġarabaġ – Leṙnayin Ġarabaġi Hanrapetut‘yun	De facto independent state that has not been diplomatically recognized by any other state. Claimed in whole by the Republic of Azerbaijan.^[53]

Northern Cyprus – Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Turkish: Kuzey Kıbrıs – Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti	De facto independent state that is recognised only by Turkey. It was accepted as an observer state of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference under the name of the Turkish Cypriot State since 1979. In addition, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic regards TRNC as sovereign but Azerbaijan (the sovereign state that Nakhichevan belongs to) has not followed suit. Northern Cyprus is claimed in whole by the Republic of Cyprus.^[54]

Palestine^[55]^[56] Arabic: فلسطين Filastīn	Palestine enjoys observer status at United Nations General Assembly and maintains a permanent observer mission at the UN Headquarters^[57] The declared State of Palestine is recognized by more than 100 countries. In foreign relations, the State of Palestine is represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization. The Palestinian National Authority is an interim administrative body formed as a result of the Oslo Accords that exercises limited control over parts of Occupied Palestinian Territory, the rest of which is controlled by Israel.

SADR – Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Arabic: الجمهورية العربية الصحراوية الديمقراطية Al-Jumhūrīya al-`Arabīya as-Sahrāwīya ad-Dīmuqrātīya	De facto independent state recognized by 46 other states. It is a member of the African Union and the Asian-African Strategic Partnership formed at the 2005 Asian-African Conference. The territories under its control, the so-called Free Zone, are claimed in whole by Morocco as part of its Southern Provinces. In turn, the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic claims the part of the Western Sahara to the west of the Moroccan Wall controlled by Morocco. Its government resides in exile in Algeria.

Somaliland – Republic of Somaliland Somali: Soomaaliland – Jamhuuriyadda Soomaaliland Arabic: ارض الصومال – جمهورية ارض الصومال Ard as-Sūmāl – Jumhūrīyat Ard as-Sūmāl	De facto independent state not diplomatically recognized by any other state, claimed in whole by the Somali Republic.^[58]

South Ossetia – Republic of South Ossetia Ossetian: Хуссар Ирыстон – Республикæ Хуссар Ирыстон Xussar Iryston – Respublikæ Xussar Iryston Russian: Южная Осетия – Республика Южная Осетия Yuzhnaya Osetiya – Respublika Yuzhnaya Osetiya	De facto independent state only recognised by Russia, Nicaragua, Abkhazia and Transnistria. Claimed in whole by the Republic of Georgia as the Provisional Administrative Entity of South Ossetia.^[52]

Taiwan – Republic of China^[15] Chinese: 臺灣 / 台灣 – 中華民國 Táiwan – Zhōnghuá Mínguó^[59]	A state competing for recognition with the People's Republic of China as the government of China since 1949. The Republic of China controls the island of Taiwan and associated islands, Quemoy, Matsu, the Pratas, and part of the Spratly Islands^[12] and has not renounced claims over the territory of the PRC and Mongolia.^[60] The Republic of China is currently recognised by 23 states including the Vatican City. The territory of the Republic of China is claimed in whole by the People's Republic of China.^[19] The Republic of China participates in a number of non-UN international organizations such as the World Trade Organization, International Olympic Committee and others under a variety of pseudonyms, most commonly Chinese Taipei.

Transnistria – Transnistrian Moldovan Republic (Pridnestrovie, Trans-Dniester) Russian: Приднестровье: Приднестровская Молдавская Республика Pridnestrovye – Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya Respublika Ukrainian: Придністров'я: Придністровська Молдавська Республіка Pridnistrov'ya – ridnistrovs'ka Moldavs'ka Respublika Moldovan: Нистря: Република Молдовеняскэ Нистрянэ Nistria – Republica Moldovenească Nistreană	De facto independent state, recognized only by Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Claimed in whole by the Republic of Moldova as the Territorial Unit of Transnistria.^[61]

Criteria for inclusion

This list derives its definition of a state from Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention of 1933. According to the Convention, a state should possess the following qualifications: (a) a permanent population, (b) a defined territory, (c) government, and (d) capacity to enter into relations with the other states. In respect of the last qualification, the role of recognition by other states can often be crucial since it implies acceptance into the international community.^[62] The list includes all states which are often regarded as satisfying these criteria and claim to be sovereign and independent. However, in many cases, whether an entity satisfies the Montevideo Convention criteria is disputed. It is also important to note that there is a divergence of opinion in international law on whether the Montevideo Convention criteria alone are sufficient qualities of statehood. Links to different theories on this question are provided below. On the basis of the above criteria, this list includes the following 203 entities:

193 sovereign states with general international recognition:
- 192 member states of the United Nations
- One state with general international recognition, governed by the Holy See (a UN permanent observer): Vatican City
10 sovereign states lacking general international recognition, none of which are members of the United Nations:
- One state with diplomatic relations with more than 100 states and informal relations with 25 others, governed by the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization (a UN permanent observer): Palestine
- One state, recognized by 62 United Nations member states and by Taiwan, informal relations with six others: Kosovo
- One state, recognized by 46 other states, a member of the African Union, in partial control of the Western Sahara (listed by the United Nations as a non self-governing territory): the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
- One state, competing for recognition with another state, currently recognised as the state representing China by 23 UN members, but no longer recognised by the United Nations as of 25 October 1971: the Republic of China
- Two states, recognized by two UN member states, by Transnistria and by the other of the two: Abkhazia and South Ossetia
- One state, recognized by one UN member state and having informal relations with 19 more: the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
- Two states, recognized by Abkhazia, South Ossetia and by the other of the two: Transnistria and Nagorno-Karabakh
- One state not recognized by any other state: Somaliland

Entities considered to be micronations that are not internationally recognized are not included. Unlisted above are the following noteworthy entities that do not satisfy all the qualifications in the Montevideo Convention:

Antarctica as a whole has no government and no permanent population. Seven countries claim parts of Antarctica and five of these have reciprocally recognized one another's claims.^[63] These claims, which are regulated by the Antarctic Treaty System, are not recognised by any other country.^[64]
The European Union, a sui generis supranational organization which currently has 27 member states. The member states have transferred a measure of their legislative, executive, and judicial powers to the institutions of the EU, and as such the EU has some characteristics of a sovereign state, without generally being considered a sovereign state. The European Union does not claim to be a sovereign state and has only limited capacity for relations with other states.
The subnational entities called States, in the United States, Australia, and other countries, for which, see: State (administrative division). Most such subnational entities do not form relations with foreign states, but there have been exceptions; the member states of the German Empire had consulates abroad, and Ukraine and Belorussia (now Belarus), then a part of the Soviet Union, were founding members of the United Nations.
The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a UN observer member and is recognized by 103 states, but has no territory other than extraterritorial areas within Rome. It claims to be a traditional example of a sovereign entity other than a sovereign state.^[65]

Notes

^ The names of the items in the list are given in English and include both an English version of the short official names (e.g. Afghanistan) and an English version of the (longer) official names (e.g. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan), as well as the same names in the (de jure or de facto) official languages on national level of the entity. Main source for the names in the official languages are the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CIA World Fact Book (both retrieved 14 August 2007). If needed, they have been transliterated into Romanized characters, but original scripts (such as Cyrillic or Chinese characters) are included. When possible, the Romanization preferred by the country has been used.The sources for both flag and names, official languages and Romanizations are the main articles on these entities. When other sources are used, these sources are mentioned. See for a gallery of flags Gallery of sovereign-state flags.
^ Information is included on
- the extent of recognition and membership of the United Nations (Source: the website of the UN).
- the reason a non-de jure state is listed. More information can be found at the list of states with limited recognition.
- the overseas dependencies. Some sovereign states have overseas dependencies, generally not part of the territory of the state. More information can be found at the List of dependent countries.
- the federal structures if applicable. Some sovereign states have more or less federal structures. More information can be found at a List of federations.
- the autonomous areas inside the territory of the sovereign state. Some sovereign states have one or more autonomous areas as part of the their territory; see List of autonomous areas by country.
- List of territorial disputes
- separatist governments in exile.
^ ^a ^b More information on separatism can be found at the List of active autonomist and secessionist movements and the main articles.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p The Commonwealth realms are members of the Commonwealth of Nations in which the head of state is Queen Elizabeth II. The realms are sovereign states, see Sovereignty of the Realms.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u For more information on divisions with a high degree of autonomy, see the List of autonomous areas by country.
^ Argentina is also named Argentine Nation for purposes of legislation.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u ^v ^w More information on more or less federal structures can be found at a List of federations.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u More information on territorial disputes can be found at the List of territorial disputes and the main articles.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p ^q ^r ^s ^t ^u ^v ^w ^x ^y ^z ^aa The member countries of the European Union transferred part of their sovereignty in the form of legislative, executive, and judicial powers to the institutions of the EU.
^ Formerly referred to as Dahomey, its official name until 1975.
^ See form more information about the division of Bosnia and Herzegovina Dayton Agreement and the text of the The General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f The sovereignty over the Spratly Islands is disputed by People's Republic of China, the Republic of China, Vietnam, the Philippines (part), Malaysia (part), and Brunei (part). Except Brunei, each of these countries occupies part of the islands (see List of territorial disputes).
^ Also known as Burkina; formerly referred to as Upper Volta, its official name until 1984.
^ The legal name for Canada is the sole word; an officially sanctioned, though disused, name is Dominion of Canada (which includes its legal title); see: Name of Canada, Dominion.
^ ^a ^b The People's Republic of China (PRC) is commonly referred to as China, while the Republic of China (ROC) is commonly referred to as Taiwan. The ROC is also occasionally known diplomatically as Chinese Taipei, along with other names.
^ The People's Republic of China is currently not recognized by 23 UN member states and the Holy See, which recognise the Republic of China. See: Dates of establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and Foreign relations of the PRC.
^ Government of Hong Kong
^ Government of Macau
^ ^a ^b In 1949, during the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China government led by the Kuomintang (KMT) lost control of mainland China to the Communist Party of China (CPC) and relocated to the island of Taiwan. The CPC established the PRC. As such, the political status of the ROC and the legal status of Taiwan (alongside the territories currently under ROC jurisdiction) are in dispute. In 1971, the ROC lost the China seat at the United Nations to the PRC: most states recognize or acknowledge the PRC to be the sole legitimate representative of all China, and the UN reckons the former as Taiwan, Province of China. The ROC is currently recognized by the Holy See and 23 UN member states as the government of China and has de facto relations with most others. A significant political movement within Taiwan advocates Taiwan independence.
^ ^a ^b The Chinese sovereignty over the Paracel Islands is disputed by Vietnam and the Republic of China (see List of territorial disputes).
^ ^a ^b ^c The sovereignty over Kashmir is disputed by India and Pakistan, smaller parts are disputed by the People's Republic of China (and the Republic of China). De facto Kashmir is divided between India, Pakistan and China. See the List of territorial disputes.
^ Abbreviated as DRC, and also known as Congo-Kinshasa; also formerly referred to as Zaire, its official name from 1971 to 1997.
^ Cyprus is recognized by the Holy See and all UN member states except Turkey, see Foreign relations of Cyprus
^ A simpler official short-form name has been encouraged by the Czech government: the English variant Czechia remains uncommon, but variants in Czech (Česko) and some other languages are more popular. See Name of the Czech Republic
^ The government of East Timor uses Timor-Leste as the English translation.
^ Hindustani uses both the Hindi and Urdu script
^ Source for the romanization is Geonames.
^ Åland It was demilitarised by the Treaty of Paris in 1856, which was later affirmed by the League of Nations in 1921, and in a somewhat different context reaffirmed in the treaty on Finland's admission to the European Union in 1995.
^ See List of active autonomist and secessionist movements.
^ Source: Iraqi constitution
^ Ireland is often referred to as the Republic of Ireland (its official description but not its name). Sometimes this is done to distinguish Ireland from island of Ireland as a whole. However, sometimes it is done for political reasons and is contentious.
^ Israel is currently non-recognized by 34 countries, see Foreign relations of Israel.
^ Israel and the Palestinians: Key terms, BBC Newswatch, accessed, 8 April 2009.
^ Dore Gold, JCPA Legal Acrobatics: The Palestinian Claim that Gaza is Still "Occupied" Even After Israel Withdraws, Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Vol. 5, No. 3, August 26, 2005.
^ International Law and Gaza: The Assault on Israel's Right to Self-Defense, Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Vol. 7, No. 29 28 January 2008.
^ Israeli MFA Address by Israeli Foreign Minister Livni to the 8th Herzliya Conference, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Israel), January 22, 2008.
^ Panelists Disagree Over Gaza’s Occupation Status, University of Virginia School of Law, November 17, 2005.
^ "Israel: 'Disengagement' Will Not End Gaza Occupation" Human Rights Watch. October 29, 2004
^ "Human Rights Council Special Session on the Occupied Palestinian Territories" July 6, 2006"
^ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs office on Occupied Palestinian Territory web site.
^ Summary of the Advisory Opinion: Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, International Court of Justice, July 9, 2004.
^ Richard Falk, Statement by Prof. Richard Falk, United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories, United Nations Human Rights Council, December 27, 2008.
^ The translation of Nihon-koku was found at the Afrikaans Wikipedia.
^ Though the sovereignty of the Republic of Macedonia is not disputed, Greece disputes its name. Therefore, the republic is referred to by the UN and a number of countries and international organizations as "the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia".
^ Some argue that Albanian is the second official language, others argue that Albanian is not used as a second official language. See also Macedonian language naming dispute.
^ Moldovan is often considered to be the same language as Romanian, see Moldovan language.
^ E.g. the Federal Republic of Germany has diplomatic relations with the Cook Islands, Source: German foreign ministry, retrieved 14 August 2007. For more information: Foreign relations of the Cook Islands
^ Full text of joint communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Niue, China Internet Information Center, retrieved 25 May 2009
^ Tokelau remains a dependent territory after referendums. Source: New Zealand Herald, retrieved 8 August 2008
^ The continent of Antarctica, including its outlying islands south of 60°S, are held in abeyance under the terms of the Antarctic Treaty. All claims are suspended. Claiming countries are Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. There is also an informal Brazilian claim.
^ Whether or not the Russian Federation is a genuine federation is a matter of dispute. See: Russian Federation section.
^ ^a ^b "Russia condemned for recognizing rebel regions". CNN.com. 2008-08-26. http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/08/26/russia.vote.georgia/index.html. Retrieved on 2008-08-26.
^ See Regions and territories: Nagorno-Karabakh (17 January 2006). BBC News. Retrieved January 17, 2006.
^ See The World Factbook|Cyprus (10 January 2006). Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved January 17, 2006.
^ Bissio, 1995, p. 433.
^ Page, 2004, p. 161.
^ Source for observership: UN Website.
^ See Regions and territories: Somaliland (30 December 2005). BBC News. Retrieved January 17, 2006.
^ Romanization in Pinyin.
^ "Ma refers to China as ROC territory in magazine interview". Taipei Times. 2008-10-08. http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/10/08/2003425320.
^ 'See Regions and territories: Trans-Dniester (13 December 2005). BBC News. Retrieved January 17, 2006.
^ "State", pp. 512–3 in Penguin Dictionary of International Relations. Evans, Graham & Newnham, Jeffrey. 1998. (ISBN 0-14-051397-3). London: Penguin Books Ltd.
^ Rogan-Finnemore, Michelle (2005), "What Bioprospecting Means for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean", in Von Tigerstrom, Barbara, International Law Issues in the South Pacific, Ashgate Publishing, p. 204, ISBN 0754644197 "Australia, New Zealand, France, Norway and the United Kingdom reciprocally recognize the validity of each other's claims."
^ CIA – the World Factbook – Antarctica – accessed 19 January 2008
^ Bilateral relations with countries, Order of Malta, Retrieved 2009-01-27

Other references

List of TerritoriesPDF (84.7 KiB) (2004). United Nations Cartographic Section. Retrieved 17 January 2006.
Countries or areas, codes and abbreviations (2006). United Nations Statistics Division. Retrieved 18 October 2006.
Countries and currencies (2006). European Commission. Retrieved 27 October 2006.
The World Factbook (2006). Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved 17 January 2006.
ISO 3166 country code list (2006) ISO 3166-1 Retrieved 18 October 2006
How many countries are there in the world? an article by David Madore on this unanswerable question
Average Latitude & Longitude of Countries
World List of ISO Countries and States

Bibliography

Roberto Remo Bissio, ed (1995). The world: a Third World guide 1995-96 (Illustrated ed.). Instituto del Tercer Mundo. ISBN 0855982918, 9780855982911.
Kogan Page (2004). Middle East Review (27th, illustrated ed.). ISBN 074944066X, 9780749440664. http://books.google.ca/books?id=NYszJtC66FAC&pg=PA161&dq=%22official+name%22+palestine&lr=#v=onepage&q=%22official%20name%22%20palestine&f=false.

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