What countries are part of the United Nations?

As an expert in international relations and global organizations, I have a deep understanding of the United Nations (UN) and its membership. The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote international cooperation and maintain international order. It is one of the most influential global entities today, with a wide range of responsibilities including maintaining peace and security, promoting sustainable development, protecting human rights, upholding international law, and delivering humanitarian aid. The UN is made up of 193 Member States, each of which has equal representation and one vote in the General Assembly. Membership is open to all peace-loving states that accept the obligations contained in the United Nations Charter and, in the judgment of the Organization, are able and willing to carry out these obligations. Here is a detailed overview of the membership: 1. Founding Members: The UN was established with 51 founding members. The most notable of these were the Republic of China (now Taiwan), France, the Soviet Union (now the Russian Federation), the United Kingdom, and the United States. 2. Original Signatories: In addition to the founding members, there were other original signatories to the UN Charter, including many countries from different continents. 3. Joining Process: Countries that wish to join the UN must deposit their instrument of accession with the Secretary-General. The Security Council recommends the admission of new members to the General Assembly, which then makes the final decision. 4. Principal Organs: The UN has six principal organs: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the International Court of Justice, the Secretariat, the Trusteeship Council (now largely dormant), and the Economic and Social Council. 5. Specialized Agencies: The UN also works closely with numerous specialized agencies, funds, and programs, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the World Food Programme (WFP). 6. Regional Groups: For the purpose of representation and elections, the UN recognizes five regional groups: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG). 7. Non-Member States: There are a few states that are not members of the UN but have observer status, such as the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine. 8. Suspensions and Expulsions: The UN has provisions for the suspension or expulsion of members under certain conditions, although this is a rare occurrence. 9. Financial Contributions: Members are expected to contribute to the UN budget, with assessments based on a country's capacity to pay. 10. Voting and Decision-Making: Decisions in the General Assembly on important questions, such as those related to peace and security, require a two-thirds majority. On other matters, a simple majority suffices. 11. Peacekeeping Operations: The UN conducts peacekeeping operations to help countries navigate the transition from conflict to peace. 12. Human Rights: The UN is committed to promoting and protecting human rights through various mechanisms, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 13. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The UN has set 17 SDGs to be achieved by 2030, focusing on areas such as poverty, hunger, health, education, gender equality, clean water, and climate action. 14. Climate Change: The UN plays a pivotal role in global efforts to combat climate change, particularly through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). 15. Global Health Initiatives: The UN coordinates global health initiatives, including the response to pandemics like COVID-19. 16. Disarmament and Non-Proliferation: The UN works towards disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 17. Refugees and Migrants: The UN provides assistance to refugees and migrants worldwide through agencies like the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 18. Economic Development: The UN promotes economic development and social progress through various initiatives and partnerships. 19. Cultural and Educational Exchange: The UN encourages cultural and educational exchange to foster understanding and cooperation among nations. 20. Peaceful Resolution of Disputes: The UN encourages the peaceful resolution of disputes and the avoidance of armed conflict. The list of countries that are part of the United Nations is extensive and includes virtually every recognized sovereign state in the world. It is a testament to the organization's broad reach and the collective commitment of nations to work together for the common good.

(193 nations)CountryJoined UN 1Ukraine1945United Arab Emirates1971United Kingdom1945United States1945189 more rows