User:Iadmc/List of sovereign states (silly)

"List of countries" and "List of nations" redirect here. For other country lists, see Lists of countries. For other national lists, see Lists of nations.

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 and Vatican City. The second part lists states which are de facto sovereign, 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".

Internationally recognized sovereign states

Name in English and the official languages of the state	Information on status and recognition of sovereignty
A
Abkhazia → Other states
Afghanistanland – Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Pashto: د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت Template:Rom Dari/Persian: افغانستان – جمهوری اسلامی افغانستان Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Albanialand – Republic of Albania Albanian: Shqipëria – Republika e Shqipërise	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Algerialand – People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Arabic: الجزائر – الجمهورية الجزائرية الديمقراطية الشعبية Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Andorraland – Principality of Andorra Catalan: Andorra – Principat d’Andorra	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Angolaland – Republic of Angola Portuguese: Angola – República de Angola	Widely recognized member of the UN. A separatist government in exile claims independence for Cabinda.
Antigua and Barbudaland or Antigualand or Barbudaland English: Antigua and Barbuda	Widely recognized member of the UN. Antigua and Barbuda is a Commonwealth realm and has a division (dependency), Barbuda, with an autonomous status.
Argentinaland – Argentine Republic Spanish: Argentina – República Argentina	Widely recognized member of the UN. Argentina is a federation 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.
Armenialand – Republic of Armenia Armenian: Հայաստան – Հայաստանի Հանրապետություն Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Australialand – Commonwealth of Australia English: Australia – Commonwealth of Australia	Widely recognized member of the UN. Australia is a Commonwealth realm and a federation 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
Austrialand – Republic of Austria German: Österreich – Republik Österreich	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU. Austria is a federation divided into federal-states (Bundesländer).
Azerbaijanland – 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,). In Nagorno-Karabakh, a de facto country in the de jure territory of Azerbaijan has been established.
B
Bahamasland – Commonwealth of The Bahamas English: The Bahamas – Commonwealth of The Bahamas	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Bahamas is a Commonwealth realm.
Bahrainland – Kingdom of Bahrain Arabic: البحرين – مملكة البحرين Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Bangladeshland – People's Republic of Bangladesh Bengali: বাংলাদেশ – গণপ্রজাতন্ত্রী বাংলাদেশ Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Barbadosland English: Barbados	Widely recognized member of the UN. Barbados is a Commonwealth realm.
Belarusland – Republic of Belarus Belarusian: Беларусь – Рэспубліка БеларусьTemplate:Rom Russian: Беларусь / Белоруссия – Республика БеларусьTemplate:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Belgiumland – 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. Belgium is a federation divided into linguistic communities and regions.
Belizeland English: Belize	Widely recognized member of the UN. Belize is a Commonwealth realm.
Beninland – Republic of Benin French: Bénin – République du Bénin	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Bhutanland – Kingdom of Bhutan Dzongkha: འབྲུག་ཡུལ་ - འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ་ Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Bolivialand – Plurinational State of Bolivia Spanish: Bolivia – Estado Plurinacional de Bolivia Aymara: Wuliwya – Wuliwya Suyu Guarani: Volivia – Tetã Volívia Quechua: Bulibiya – Bulibiya Mama Llaqta	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Bosnia and Herzegovinaland or Bosnialand or Herzegovinaland 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: Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Republika Srpska
Botswanaland – Republic of Botswana Tswana: Botswana – Lefatshe la Botswana English: Botswana – Republic of Botswana	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Brazilland or Braziland – Federative Republic of Brazil Portuguese: Brasil – República Federativa do Brasil	Widely recognized member of the UN. Brazil is a federation divided into 26 states and one federal district.
Bruneiland – State of Brunei, Abode of Peace Malay: Brunei – Negara Brunei DarussalamTemplate:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Brunei claims sovereignty over part of the Spratly Islands.
Bulgarialand – Republic of Bulgaria Bulgarian: България – Република БългарияTemplate:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.
Burkina Fasoland French: Burkina Faso	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Burmaland – Union of Myanmar Burmese: ဴမြန်မာပြည် — ျပည္ေတာင္စုၿမန္မာႏိုင္ငံေတာ္ Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN
Burundiland – Republic of Burundi Kirundi: Uburundi – Republika y'Uburundi French: Burundi – République du Burundi	Widely recognized member of the UN.
C
Cambodialand – Kingdom of Cambodia Khmer: កម្ពុជា - ព្រះរាជាណាចក្រ កម្ពុជា Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Cameroonland – Republic of Cameroon French: Cameroun – République du Cameroun English: Cameroon – Republic of Cameroon	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Canadaland English and French: Canada	Widely recognized member of the UN. Canada is a Commonwealth realm and a federation divided into provinces and territories.
Cape Verdeland – Republic of Cape Verde Portuguese: Cabo Verde – República de Cabo Verde	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Central African Republicland or CARland or Carland French: République Centrafricaine Sango: Ködörösêse tî Bêafrîka	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Chadland – Republic of Chad French: Tchad – République du Tchad Arabic: تشاد – جمهوريّة تشاد Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Chileland – 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.
Chinaland – People's Republic of China Chinese: 中国 – 中华人民共和国Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Commonly known as China, the People's Republic of China (PRC) has five autonomous regions: Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Xinjiang and Tibet. Additionally, it has sovereignty over the Special Administrative Regions of: Hong Kong Macao 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). The Paracel Islands (disputed by the ROC and Vietnam). The Spratly Islands (disputed by the ROC, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei). 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. Tibet and East Turkestan (Xinjiang) have separatist governments in exile.
China, Republic of → Taiwan → Other states
Colombialand – 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).
Comorosland – Union of the Comoros Comorian: Komori – Udzima wa Komori French: Comores – Union des Comores Arabic: القمر – اتحاد القمرTemplate:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Comoros is a federation with autonomous islands. The Comoros dispute the French sovereignty over Mayotte and the Glorioso Islands.
Congoland or The Congoland	Democratic Republic of the Congoland or DRCland or Drcland or Congo-Kinshasaland or Zaireland French: Congo – République Démocratique du Congo	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Republic of the Congoland or Congo-Brazzavilleland French: Congo – République du Congo	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Costa Ricaland – Republic of Costa Rica Spanish: Costa Rica – República de Costa Rica	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Côte d'Ivoireland or Côte d'Ivoireterre – Republic of Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) French: Côte d'Ivoire – République de Côte d'Ivoire	Widely recognized member of the UN.
[[Croatialand – Republic of Croatia Croatian: Hrvatska – Republika Hrvatska	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Cubaland – 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.
Cyprusland – Republic of Cyprus Greek: Κύπρος – Κυπριακή ΔημοκρατίαTemplate:Rom Turkish: Kıbrıs – Kıbrıs Cumhuriyeti	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU. See Northern Cyprus for the de facto state in the de jure territory of Cyprus.
Czech Republicland or Czechland Czech: Česko – Česká republika	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.
D
Denmark – Kingdom of Denmark Danish: Danmark – Kongeriget Danmark	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU. 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 جيبوتيTemplate:Rom	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 Taíno: Quisqueya	Widely recognized member of the UN.
E
East Timor – Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste 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 Template:Rom	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 Portuguese: Guiné Equatorial – República da Guiné Equatorial	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Eritrea – State of Eritrea Tigrinya: ኤርትራ – ሃግሬ ኤርትራTemplate:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Estonia – Republic of Estonia Estonian: Eesti – Eesti Vabariik	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.
Ethiopia – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Amharic: ኢትዮጵያ – የኢትዮጵያ ፈደራላዊ ዲሞክራሲያዊ ሪፐብሊክTemplate:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Ethiopia is a federation 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: फ़िजी / فِجی – फ़िजी गणराज्य / فِجی رپبلک	Widely recognized member of the UN. Fiji has an autonomous region (dependency), Rotuma.
Finland – Republic of Finland Finnish: Suomi – Suomen tasavalta Swedish: Finland – Republiken Finland	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU. Åland is a neutral and demilitarised autonomous region of Finland.
France – French Republic French: France – République française	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU. 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.
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: საქართველოTemplate:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Georgia has two divisions with autonomous statuses: Adjara Abkhazia In Abkhazia and South Ossetia (a former autonomous entity) 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. Germany is a federation 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 ΔημοκρατίαTemplate:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU. 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.
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.
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.
I
Iceland – Republic of Iceland Icelandic: Ísland – Lýðveldið Ísland	Widely recognized member of the UN.
India – Republic of India Hindi: भारत – भारत गणराज्य Template:Rom English: India – Republic of India Assamese: ভাৰত - ভাৰত গণৰাজ্য Template:Rom Bengali: ভারত - ভারতীয় প্রজাতন্ত্র Template:Rom Bhojpuri: भारत - भारत गणराज्य Template:Rom Gujarati: ભારત - ભારતીય પ્રજાસત્તાક Template:Rom Kannada : ಭಾರತ - ಭಾರತ ಗಣರಾಜ್ಯ Template:Rom Kashmiri: ہِندوستان Template:Rom Konkani: भारत - भारत गणराज्य Template:Rom Malayalam: ഭാരതം - ഭാരത ഗണരാജ്യം Template:Rom Meitei Manipuri: ভারত - ভারত গণরাজ্য Template:Rom Marathi: भारत - भारतीय प्रजासत्ताक Template:Rom Nepali: भारत - भारत गणराज्य Template:Rom Oriya: ଭାରତ - ଭାରତ ଗଣରାଜ୍ଯ Template:Rom Punjabi: ਭਾਰਤ - ਭਾਰਤ ਗਣਤੰਤਰ Template:Rom Sanskrit: भारतम् - भारत गणराज्यम् Template:Rom Sindhi: भारत गणराज्य, ڀارت، - هندستانڀارت، भारत ڀارت، Template:Rom Tamil: இந்தியா - இந்தியக் குடியரசு Template:Rom Telugu: భారత్ - భారత గణతంత్ర రాజ్యము Template:Rom Urdu: جمہوریہ بھارت - جمہوریہ بھارت Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. India is a federation divided into states and union territories. The Indian sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh is disputed by the People's Republic of China. India claims sovereignty over all of Jammu and Kashmir and administers part of Kashmir.
Indonesia – Republic of Indonesia Indonesian: Indonesia – Republik Indonesia	Widely recognized member of the UN. Indonesia has five provinces with special status, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, Yogyakarta Special Region, Papua, West Papua, and Jakarta Special Capital Region. Separatist governments in exile claim independence for the Republic of the South Moluccas and the Republic of West Papua.
Iran – Islamic Republic of Iran Persian: ایران – جمهوری اسلامی ایرانTemplate:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Divided into provinces and counties
Iraq – Republic of Iraq Arabic : العراق – جمهورية العراق Template:Rom Kurdish: عێراق – كۆماری عێراق Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Iraq's constitution labels the country as a federation divided into regions, governorates and the capital district. At present the only region is Iraqi Kurdistan.
Ireland Irish: Éire English: Ireland	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.
Israel – State of Israel Hebrew: ישראל – מדינת ישראל Template:Rom Arabic: اسرائيل – دولة اسرائيل Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Israel occupies East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights and parts of the West Bank. These areas are not internationally recognized as being part of Israel. 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, though this status is disputed.
Italy – Italian Republic Italian: Italia – Repubblica Italiana	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU. Italy has autonomous regions, Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia, Sicily and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.
Ivory Coast → Côte d'Ivoire
J
Jamaica English: Jamaica	Widely recognized member of the UN. Jamaica is a Commonwealth realm.
Japan Japanese: 日本 – 日本国 Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Jordan – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Arabic: الاردن – المملكة الأردنّيّة الهاشميّة Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
K
Kazakhstan – Republic of Kazakhstan Kazakh: Қазақстан Республикасы/Qazaqstan Respwblïkası Russian: Республика Казахстан/Respublika Kazakhstan	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 Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Korea, South – Republic of Korea Korean: 한국 – 대한민국 Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Kosovo → Other states
Kuwait – State of Kuwait Arabic: الكويت – دولة الكويت Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz Republic Kyrgyz: Кыргызстан – Кыргыз Республикасы Template:Rom Russian: Кыргызстан – Кыргызская республика Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
L
Laos – Lao People's Democratic Republic Lao: ນລາວ – ສາທາລະນະລັດປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Latvia – Republic of Latvia Latvian: Latvija – Latvijas Republika	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.
Lebanon – Republic of Lebanon Arabic: لبنان – الجمهوريّة اللبنانيّة Template:Rom 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 – Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Arabic: ليبيا – الجماهيرية العربية الليبية الشعبية الإشتراكية العظمى Template:Rom	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.
Luxembourg – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Luxembourgish: Lëtzebuerg – Groussherzogdem Lëtzebuerg French: Luxembourg – Grand-Duché du Luxembourg German: Luxemburg – Großherzogtum Luxemburg	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.
M
Macedonia – Republic of Macedonia Macedonian: Македонија – Република Македонија Template:Rom	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.
Malawi – Republic of Malawi English: Malawi – Republic of Malawi Chewa: Malaŵi – Mfuko la Malaŵi	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Malaysia - Federation of Malaysia English: Malaysia - Federation of Malaysia Malay: Malaysia - Persekutuan Malaysia Chinese: 马来西亚 - Mă Lái Xī Yà Tamil: மலேசியா	Widely recognized member of the UN. Malaysia is a federation divided into states and federal territories. Malaysia claims part of the Spratly Islands.
Maldives – Republic of Maldives Dhivehi: ދިވެހިރާއްޖޭގެ ޖުމްހޫރިއްޔާ Template:Rom	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.
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.
Mauritania – Islamic Republic of Mauritania Arabic: موريتانيا – الجمهورية الإسلامية الموريتانية Template:Rom French: Mauritanie – République Islamique de la Mauritanie	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Mauritius – Republic of Mauritius English: Mauritius – Republic of Mauritius French: Île Maurice – République de Maurice Mauritian Creole: Moris - Repbilik Moris	Widely recognized member of the UN. Mauritius has an autonomous island, Rodrigues. Mauritius claims the British Indian Ocean Territory and the French island of Tromelin.
Mexico – United Mexican States Spanish: México – Estados Unidos Mexicanos	Widely recognized member of the UN. Mexico is a federation divided into 31 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 divided into states.
Moldova – Republic of Moldova Romanian: 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 Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Montenegro Montenegrian: Црна Гора Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Morocco – Kingdom of Morocco Arabic: المغرب – المملكة المغربية Template:Rom	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.
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 – संघिय लोकतन्त्रिक गणतन्त्र नेपाल Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Netherlands – Kingdom of the Netherlands Dutch: Nederland – Koninkrijk der Nederlanden Papiamentu: Hulanda (or Ulanda) - Reino di Hulanda English Netherlands - Kingdom of the Netherlands	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of three countries which each enjoy a great amount of autonomy: Netherlands Aruba Netherlands Antilles The designation Netherlands thus legally only refers to one of the Kingdom's constituent countries. The Kingdom of the Netherlands as a whole is a member of the EU, but Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles are not part of the EU.
New Zealand English: New Zealand Māori: Aotearoa	Widely recognized member of the UN. New Zealand is a Commonwealth realm and has responsibilities for the two free associated states of: Cook Islands. The Cook Islands have received some diplomatic recognition Niue. Niue established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 2007, while New Zealand has responsibility for Niue's external affairs. The dependent territory of: Tokelau 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 Hausa: Najeriya - Kasar Najeriya Yorùbá: Naìjírìà - Orílẹ̀-èdè Olómìnira Àpapọ̀ Ilẹ̀ Naìjírìà Igbo: Naigeria - Republic ndi Naigeria	Widely recognized member of the UN. Nigeria is a federation divided into 36 states and one federal territory.
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.
O
Oman – Sultanate of Oman Arabic: عُمان – سلطنة عُمان Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
P
Pakistan – Islamic Republic of Pakistan Urdu: پاکستان – اسلامی جمہوریۂ پاکستان Template:Rom English: Pakistan – Islamic Republic of Pakistan	Widely recognized member of the UN. Pakistan is a federation divided into provinces and territories. Pakistan claims sovereignty over the whole of Kashmir, but administers only part of it.
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 and also has the autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Paraguay – Republic of Paraguay Guarani: Paraguái – Tetã Paraguái Spanish: Paraguay – República del Paraguay	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Persia → Iran
Peru – Republic of Peru Spanish: Perú – República del Perú Aymara : Piruw – Piruw Mamallaqta Quechua: Piruw – Piruw Suyu	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 Tagalog: ᜉᜒᜎᜒᜉᜒᜈᜐ᜔ – ᜍᜒᜉᜓᜊ᜔ᜎᜒᜃ ᜈᜅ᜔ ᜉᜒᜎᜒᜉᜒᜈᜐ᜔ Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Philippines has the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The Philippines administers Scarborough Shoal and most of the Kalayaan Islands and claims sovereignty over the unoccupied Macclesfield Bank and Sabah. Sabah is currently administered by Malaysia.
Poland – Republic of Poland Polish: Polska – Rzeczpospolita Polska	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.
Portugal – Portuguese Republic Portuguese: Portugal – República Portuguesa Mirandese: Pertual – República Pertuesa	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU. 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 Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN.
R
Romania Romanian: România Hungarian: Románia	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU.
Russia – Russian Federation Russian: Россия – Российская Федерация Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Russia is a federation divided into Subjects of Russia (oblasts, republics, autonomous okrugs, krays, and federal cities). Several of the federal subjects are republics acting as ethnic autonomies:
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 and is a federation of the islands.
Saint Lucia English: Saint Lucia	Widely recognized member of the UN. Saint Lucia is a Commonwealth realm.
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.
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.
Saudi Arabia – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Arabic: السعودية – المملكة العربيّة السّعوديّة Template:Rom	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 Template:Rom Hungarian: Szerbia – Szerb Köztársaság	Widely recognized member of the UN. Serbia considers itself to have two autonomous provinces, though most of Kosovo is under the de facto control of the Republic of Kosovo, which does not have general recognition. Kosovo and Metohija Vojvodina
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.
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 Template:Rom Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் – சிங்கப்பூர் குடியரசு Template:Rom	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.
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.
Solomon Islands English: Solomon Islands	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Solomon Islands is a Commonwealth realm.
Somalia – Federal Republic of Somalia Somali: Soomaaliya – Jamhuuriyadda Federaalka Soomaaliya Arabic: الصومال – جمهورية الصومال Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Somalia is presently fragmented with its Transitional National Government. Somalia disputed the Yemenite sovereignty over Socotra. 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 Occitan: Espanha – Reialme d'Espanha Basque: Espainia – Espainiako Erresuma Galician: España – Reino de España	Widely recognized member of the UN and the EU. 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.
Sri Lanka – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Sinhala: ශ්‍රී ලංකා – ශ්‍රී ලංකා ප්‍රජාතාන්ත්‍රික සමාජවාදී ජනරජය Template:Rom Tamil: இலங்கை – இலங்கை ஜனநாயக சமத்துவ குடியரசு Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Located on the better-known Island of Ceylon.
Sudan – Republic of the Sudan Arabic: السودان – جمهورية السودان Template:Rom English: Sudan – Republic of the Sudan	Widely recognized member of the UN. Sudan is a federation divided into states and has one autonomous region, Southern Sudan, formed out of the Southern Sudanese states.
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.
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 divided into cantons.
Syria – Syrian Arab Republic Arabic: سورية – الجمهوريّة العربيّة السّوريّة Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Golan Heights are annexed by Israel. Syria disputed the Turkish sovereignty over Hatay Province.
T
Taiwan → Other states
Tajikistan – Republic of Tajikistan Tajik: Тоҷикистон – Ҷумҳурии Тоҷикистон Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Tajikistan also has the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Province.
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.
Thailand – Kingdom of Thailand Thai: ประเทศไทย – ราชอาณาจักรไทย Template:Rom	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.
Tunisia – Republic of Tunisia Arabic: تونس – الجمهورية التونسية Template:Rom 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.
U
Uganda – Republic of Uganda English: Uganda – Republic of Uganda Swahili: Uganda – Jamhuri ya Uganda	Widely recognized member of the UN.
Ukraine Ukrainian: Україна Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Ukraine has one autonomous republic: Crimea
United Arab Emirates Arabic: دولة الإمارات العربيّة المتّحدة Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. The United Arab Emirates is a federation 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: Rìoghachd Aonaichte na Breatainn Mòire agus Èireann 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. The United Kingdom is a Commonwealth realm 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) British Virgin Islands Cayman Islands Falkland Islands (disputed by Argentina) Gibraltar (disputed by Spain) Montserrat Pitcairn Islands Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (disputed by Argentina) Turks and Caicos Islands British Antarctic Territory (disputed) The British Monarch has direct sovereignty over these, which are mostly self-governing: Guernsey, with three dependencies: Alderney Herm 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 divided into 50 states, one federal district, and one incorporated territory (Palmyra Atoll). The United States has sovereignty over the following inhabited possessions and commonwealths: Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Guam American Samoa Northern Mariana Islands In addition, there are uninhabited possessions of the United States in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea: Baker Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, Kingman Reef, Midway Atoll, Petrel Islands (disputed with Colombia and Jamaica), Serranilla Bank (disputed with Colombia), Wake Island (somewhat disputed by the Marshall Islands) as well as Navassa Island (disputed by Haiti).
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 Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. Uzbekistan has one autonomous republic: Karakalpakstan
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 in the category of "Non-member State." 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 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 and Spratly Islands.
W
X
Y
Yemen – Republic of Yemen Arabic: اليمن – الجمهوريّة اليمنية Template:Rom	Widely recognized member of the UN. The Yemenite sovereignty over Socotra is disputed by Somalia.
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 РеспубликаTemplate:Rom Russian: Aбхазия – Республика АбхазияTemplate:Rom	De facto independent state recognised by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, South Ossetia, Transnistria and Nauru. Claimed in whole by Georgia as the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia.
Kosovo – Republic of Kosovo Albanian: Kosovës – Republika e Kosovës Serbian: Косово – Република Косово Template:Rom	De facto independent state that is recognised by UN member states and by Taiwan (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 ՀանրապետությունTemplate:Rom	De facto independent state that has not been diplomatically recognized by any other state. Claimed in whole by the Republic of Azerbaijan.
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.
Palestine Arabic: فلسطين Template:Rom	Palestine has observer status at United Nations General Assembly and maintains a permanent observer mission at the UN Headquarters The declared State of Palestine is recognized by more than 100 countries, though with varying territorial borders, or even none. 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 the West Bank, the rest of which is controlled by Israel, while the Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas.
SADR – Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic Arabic: الجمهورية العربية الصحراوية الديمقراطية Template:Rom	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 Template:Rom	De facto independent state not diplomatically recognized by any other state, claimed in whole by the Somali Republic.
South Ossetia – Republic of South Ossetia Ossetian: Хуссар Ирыстон – Республикæ Хуссар ИрыстонTemplate:Rom Russian: Южная Осетия – Республика Южная ОсетияTemplate:Rom	De facto independent state recognised by Russia, Nicaragua, Nauru, Venezuela, Abkhazia and Transnistria. Claimed in whole by the Republic of Georgia as the Provisional Administrative Entity of South Ossetia.
Taiwan – Republic of China Chinese: 中華民國 Template:Rom	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 and has not renounced claims over the territory of the PRC and Mongolia. The Republic of China is currently recognised by including the Holy See. The territory of the Republic of China is claimed in whole by the People's Republic of China. The Republic of China participates in the World Health Organization and 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 РеспубликаTemplate:Rom Ukrainian: Придністров'я: Придністровська Молдавська РеспублікаTemplate:Rom Romanian: Нистря: Република Молдовеняскэ НистрянэTemplate:Rom	De facto independent state, recognized by Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Claimed in whole by the Republic of Moldova as the Territorial Unit of Transnistria.

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
• (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. 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 United Nations permanent observer in the category "Non-member states"): 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 United Nations permanent observer): Palestine
  • One state, 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 as the state representing China, but no longer recognised by the United Nations as of 25 October 1971: the Republic of China
  • Two states, recognized by four United Nations member states, by Transnistria and by the other of the two: Abkhazia and South Ossetia
  • One state, recognized by one United Nations member state and having informal relations with 19 more: Northern Cyprus
  • One state, recognized by Abkhazia and South Ossetia: Transnistria
  • Two states not recognized by any other state: Somaliland and Nagorno-Karabakh

Unlisted above are the following noteworthy entities that do not satisfy all the qualifications in the Montevideo Convention or which do not claim to be sovereign and independent:

• 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. These claims, which are regulated by the Antarctic Treaty System, are not recognised by any other country.
• 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. More importantly though, none of these states claim to be sovereign and independent.
• The Sovereign Military Order of Malta is a United Nations observer in the category "Other entities having received a standing invitation to participate as observers in the sessions and the work of the General Assembly and maintaining permanent offices at Headquarters." The order has bi-lateral diplomatic relations with 104 states, but has no territory other than extraterritorial areas within Rome. It website asserts that "it has always been recognised by nations as an independent subject of international law." The order's Constitution states: "The Order is a subject of international law and exercises sovereign functions." Although the order frequently asserts its sovereignty, including in its name, it does not claim to be a sovereign state. It lacks a defined territory. As with other embassies, Italy could theoretically break diplomatic relations with the order and oblige the the non-Italian members to leave Italian territory. Since all its members are citizens of other states, virtually all of them live in their native countries, and those who reside in the order's extraterritorial properites in Rome do so only in connection with their official duties, the order lacks the characteristic of having a permenant population.
• Entities considered to be micronations are not included, even though they generally claim to be sovereign and independent, and try to enter into diplomatic relations with genuine states. It is often up to debate whether a micronation really controls its claimed territory, and the 'populations' of micronations are generally vanishingly small.

Bibliography

• Bissio, Roberto Remo, ed. (1995). The World: A Third World Guide : 1995/96. Montevideo: Instituto del Tercer Mundo. ISBN 9780855982911. OCLC 476299738.
• World of Information (Firm), and International Chamber of Commerce (2003). Middle East Review 2003/04: The Economic and Business Report (27th ed.). London: Kogan Page. p. 161. ISBN 9780749440664. OCLC 51992589.

See also

• Constitutive theory of statehood
• Declarative theory of statehood
• Gallery of sovereign-state flags
• Lists of countries
• List of international rankings
• List of micronations
• List of statistically superlative countries

References

• Template:PDFlink (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

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