The United Nations Organization (UNO) is the world’s largest international body, created to promote peace, security, development, and cooperation among nations. As of today, the United Nations has 193 full member countries and 2 observer states, making it the most influential global platform for diplomacy and international decision-making.
This article provides a complete, easy-to-understand guide to UNO countries, their responsibilities, membership process, and global significance.
What Are UNO Countries?
UNO Countries are simply member states of the United Nations Organization. These are nations that have officially joined the UN and participate in global decisions related to:
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International peace and security
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Human rights
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Economic development
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Climate action
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Humanitarian assistance
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International laws
Every UNO country has a seat in the UN General Assembly, where major global issues are discussed and voted upon.
How Many UNO Countries Are There?
As of 2025, the United Nations has:
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193 Full Member Countries
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2 Observer States (Holy See & Palestine)
Total participating entities: 195
This number has remained stable since 2011 when South Sudan became the 193rd member.
History of UNO and Its Country Membership
The UNO was founded on 24 October 1945 after World War II. The main goal was to prevent future wars and promote peaceful cooperation.
When the UN began, there were only 51 members, including India. Over the decades, membership expanded as more nations gained independence and joined the international system.
Today, the UN includes almost every country in the world — making it the most universal international organization ever created.
List of All UNO Countries (Alphabetical Order)
To help website users find information quickly, here is the full list of 193 UN member states:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe
UN Observer States (Not Full Members)
The UN includes two observer countries:
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Holy See (Vatican City)
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Palestine
These entities can join meetings and contribute to discussions but cannot vote in General Assembly decisions.
How Does a Country Become a UNO Member?
The UN has a strict membership process:
1. The country must apply for membership.
2. The UN Security Council must approve the application.
At least 9 out of 15 members must vote in favor, and no veto from permanent members (USA, UK, France, Russia, China).
3. The UN General Assembly must then pass a majority vote.
If approved, the country becomes a full member state.
Roles and Responsibilities of UNO Countries
Membership comes with both rights and responsibilities.
✔ 1. Maintaining International Peace
Each country must support UN peacekeeping missions and avoid war or aggression.
✔ 2. Respecting Human Rights
UNO countries must follow the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
✔ 3. Supporting Sustainable Development
Countries need to work towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
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Zero hunger
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Clean water
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Climate action
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Quality education
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Gender equality
✔ 4. Contributing to UN Operations
Countries give financial, military, and humanitarian support to UN missions.
✔ 5. Following International Law
Members must respect treaties, borders, and international agreements.
Why Are UNO Countries Important?
UNO countries together represent:
99% of the world’s population
Most global trade & economy
Almost all military power
Their cooperation ensures:
1. Global Peace and Security
UN peacekeepers operate in conflict zones to prevent wars.
Examples: South Sudan, Lebanon, Cyprus.
2. Humanitarian Support
The UN provides emergency aid during natural disasters, wars, and food crises.
3. Climate Action & Environmental Protection
Member countries signed the Paris Climate Agreement.
4. Economic Development
The UN works to reduce poverty, build infrastructure, and support developing nations.
5. International Cooperation
Whether it’s space exploration, health emergencies, or trade — UN countries coordinate globally.
India’s Role Among UNO Countries
India is one of the founding members of the UN and plays a major role in:
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Peacekeeping missions
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Climate leadership
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Global health initiatives
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Humanitarian assistance
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Democracy promotion
India is also pushing for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Challenges Faced by UNO Countries
Despite its global importance, the UN faces several challenges:
❗ Conflicts Between Nations
Example: Russia–Ukraine, Israel–Palestine.
❗ Climate Crisis
Countries struggle to meet emissions targets.
❗ Unequal Power Distribution
The five permanent members hold veto power, which can block important resolutions.
❗ Humanitarian Crises
Millions displaced due to wars and disasters.
Future of UNO Countries
The future focus of the UN includes:
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AI regulation
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Climate change control
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Global health security
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Space governance
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Digital privacy and cyber security
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Poverty elimination
With growing international cooperation, UNO countries will play a major role in shaping global policies.
Conclusion
UNO countries form the foundation of international peace, cooperation, and global development. With 193 member states and 2 observer nations, the UN remains the world’s most powerful and universal international institution.
From maintaining peace to fighting climate change, UNO countries work together to build a safer, stronger, and more unified world.
Editor