Member States of the United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organisation that was established in 1945 with the primary objective of maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations, and promoting social progress, better living standards, and human rights. The UN is currently composed of 193 member states, with its headquarters located in New York City, United States.

Membership

Membership in the United Nations is open to all peace-loving states that accept the obligations contained in the UN Charter and, in the judgment of the organisation, are able and willing to carry out these obligations. The admission of new member states requires a decision by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.

As of April 2024, the UN has 193 member states. Some of them are Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe etc.

Observers

In addition to the 193 member states, the UN also has two non-member observer states:

• The Holy See (Vatican City)
• The State of Palestine

These observer states can participate in the work of the United Nations General Assembly but do not have voting rights.

Regional Groups

For electoral purposes, the member states of the UN are divided into five regional groups:

• African Group (54 members)
• Asia-Pacific Group (53 members)
• Eastern European Group (23 members)
• Latin American and Caribbean Group (33 members)
• Western European and Others Group (28 members)

These regional groups play a crucial role in the distribution of seats on UN bodies, such as the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council, as well as in the selection of the President of the General Assembly.

Contributions and Responsibilities

Member states are expected to contribute financially to the UN budget based on their capacity to pay, which is determined by their relative economic strength. The contributions are assessed by the General Assembly and are based on a formula that takes into account factors such as gross national income, population, and external debt.

In addition to financial contributions, member states are also expected to participate in the various organs and agencies of the UN, such as the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and the International Court of Justice. They are also responsible for implementing the decisions and resolutions adopted by these bodies.

The United Nations, with its 193 member states, represents a global platform for international cooperation and dialogue. Through their membership and active participation, nations work together to address global challenges, promote peace and security, and advance human rights and sustainable development. The diverse membership of the UN reflects the organisation’s commitment to inclusivity and its goal of serving as a forum for all nations to have a voice in shaping the future of our world.