List of sovereign states in the 1940s

This is a list of sovereign states in the 1940s, giving an overview of states around the world during the period between 1 January 1940 and 31 December 1949. It contains 106 entries, arranged alphabetically, with information on the status and recognition of their sovereignty. It includes 99 widely recognized sovereign states, six entities which were de facto sovereign but which were not widely recognized by other states.

Academic datasets differ in terms of the number of states in the 1940s. At the start of the 1940s, the lowest estimate of the number of states is in the mid-50s whereas the highest is in the low-70s. At the end of the 1940s, the lowest estimate is in the mid-70s while the highest is in the mid-80s.

Sovereign states
{|border="0" cellpadding="0" style="text-align:left; font-size: 95%; border-collapse: collapse; border'': 0px solid #AAAAAA;" ! width="60%" |Name and capital city ! width="40%" |Information on status and recognition of sovereignty
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

A

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state (to 20 April 1946). UN member state (from 19 November 1946).
 * valign="top" |🇦🇫 Afghanistan – Kingdom of Afghanistan
 * valign="top" |🇦🇫 Afghanistan – Kingdom of Afghanistan
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state under Italian occupation to 8 September 1943 and German occupation from 8 September 1943 to 29 November 1944.
 * valign="top" |🇦🇱 → 🇦🇱 Albania (from 20 October 1944)
 * Democratic Government of Albania (from 20 October 1944 to 11 January 1946)
 * People's Republic of Albania (from 11 January 1946)
 * People's Republic of Albania (from 11 January 1946)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. The President of France and Bishop of Urgell were ex officio Co-Princes of Andorra. The defense of Andorra was the responsibility of France and Spain.
 * valign="top" |Andorra vlag 1939 2.svg Andorra – Principality of Andorra
 * valign="top" |Andorra vlag 1939 2.svg Andorra – Principality of Andorra
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 27 December 1945. Argentina was a federation of 23 provinces and 10 federal territories. It had a claim over Argentine Antarctica (from 1942). It also claimed the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, both of which were British overseas territories.
 * valign="top" |🇦🇷 Argentina – Argentine Republic
 * valign="top" |🇦🇷 Argentina – Argentine Republic
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. Dominion of the British Empire to 9 October 1942. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 1 November 1945. Commonwealth realm. Australia was a federation of six states and three territories. It had sovereignty over the following external territories: Australia administered one League of Nations mandate/United Nations trust territory: Australia administered two United Nations Trust Territories:
 * valign="top" |🇦🇺 Australia – Commonwealth of Australia
 * valign="top" |🇦🇺 Australia – Commonwealth of Australia
 * Australian Antarctic Territory
 * Heard Island and McDonald Islands (from 26 December 1947)
 * Norfolk Island
 * New Guinea (to 6 November 1949)
 * Nauru (with New Zealand and the United Kingdom)
 * Papua and New Guinea (from 6 November 1949)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

B

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 27 December 1945. Belgium had sovereignty over one colony: Belgium administered one League of Nations mandate / United Nations trust territory:
 * valign="top" |🇧🇪 Belgium – Kingdom of Belgium (to 17 May 1940, from 3 September 1944)
 * valign="top" |🇧🇪 Belgium – Kingdom of Belgium (to 17 May 1940, from 3 September 1944)
 * Belgian Congo
 * 🇧🇪 Ruanda-Urundi (LON mandate became UN trust territory from December 13, 1946)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. Bhutan was officially guided by India in its foreign affairs.
 * valign="top" |🇧🇹 Bhutan – Kingdom of Bhutan (from 8 August 1949)
 * valign="top" |🇧🇹 Bhutan – Kingdom of Bhutan (from 8 August 1949)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 14 November 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇧🇴 Bolivia – Republic of Bolivia Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative)
 * valign="top" |🇧🇴 Bolivia – Republic of Bolivia Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from 24 October 1945. Brazil was a federation of 20 states, five territories, and one federal district.
 * valign="top" |🇧🇷 Brazil
 * Estado Novo (to 31 January 1946)
 * Fourth Brazilian Republic (from 18 September 1946)
 * Fourth Brazilian Republic (from 18 September 1946)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946.
 * valign="top" | → → 🇧🇬 Bulgaria
 * Kingdom of Bulgaria (to 15 September 1946)
 * People's Republic of Bulgaria (from 15 September 1946)
 * People's Republic of Bulgaria (from 15 September 1946)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from 19 April 1948.
 * valign="top" | Burma – Union of Burma (from 4 January 1948)
 * valign="top" | Burma – Union of Burma (from 4 January 1948)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

C

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 9 November 1945. Commonwealth realm. Canada was a federation of ten provinces and two territories.
 * valign="top" |🇨🇦 Canada – Dominion of Canada
 * valign="top" |🇨🇦 Canada – Dominion of Canada
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. Commonwealth realm.
 * valign="top" | Ceylon – Dominion of Ceylon (from 4 February 1948)
 * valign="top" | Ceylon – Dominion of Ceylon (from 4 February 1948)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇨🇱 Chile – Republic of Chile
 * valign="top" |🇨🇱 Chile – Republic of Chile
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Partially recognized de facto independent state. The Republic of China claimed to be the sole legitimate government of China (from 1 October 1949), but only administered the mainland. It also claimed the Paracel Islands (disputed by the Republic of China and South Vietnam), the Spratly Islands (disputed by the Republic of China, South Vietnam, and the Philippines), and South Tibet (controlled by India's North-East Frontier Agency).
 * valign="top" |🇨🇳 China (from 1 October 1949)
 * People's Republic of China (from 1 October 1949)
 * People's Republic of China (from 1 October 1949)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 24 October 1945. The Republic of China claimed to be the sole legitimate government of China (from 1 October 1949), but only administered Taiwan, Hainan, Kinmen, the Matsu Islands, Pratas Island, Itu Aba, and portions of Yunnan Province. The Republic of China had territorial claims over Mongolia; the Tuvan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic; the Sixty-Four Villages East of the River (administered by the Soviet Union); The majority of Gorno-Badakhshan (administered by the Soviet Union); The eastern tip of the Wakhan Corridor (administered by Afghanistan); part of the disputed Kashmir region; eastern Bhutan; South Tibet (controlled by India's North-East Frontier Agency); and Kachin State (administered by Burma).
 * valign="top" | China, Republic of Capital: Nanking (to 2 September 1945), Chunking (from 2 September 1945 to 7 December 1949), Taipei (from 7 Dec 1949)
 * Republic of China (mainland) (to 1 October 1949)
 * Republic of China (Taiwan) (from 1 October 1949)
 * Republic of China (Taiwan) (from 1 October 1949)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 5 November 1945. Colombia claimed Quita Sueño Bank, Roncador Bank, and Serrana Bank (disputed by the United States); Bajo Nuevo Bank (disputed by Jamaica, Nicaragua and the United States); and Serranilla Bank (disputed by Nicaragua and the United States)
 * valign="top" |🇨🇴 Colombia – Republic of Colombia
 * valign="top" |🇨🇴 Colombia – Republic of Colombia
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from 2 November 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇨🇷 Costa Rica
 * First Republic of Costa Rica (to 24 April 1948)
 * Second Republic of Costa Rica (from 24 April 1948)
 * Second Republic of Costa Rica (from 24 April 1948)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state; LON member state to 20 April 1946 and UN member state from 2 November 1945. The Cuban area of Guantánamo Bay was under the total control of the United States.
 * valign="top" | undefined – Republic of Cuba
 * valign="top" | undefined – Republic of Cuba
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state under German occupation to 8 May 1945. UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign=top| Czechoslovakia (from April 3, 1945)
 * Third Czechoslovak Republic (from April 3, 1945 to February 25, 1948)
 * Fourth Czechoslovak Republic (from February 25, 1948)
 * Fourth Czechoslovak Republic (from February 25, 1948)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

D

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1940. UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇩🇰 Denmark – Kingdom of Denmark (to 9 April 1940, from 5 May 1945)
 * valign="top" |🇩🇰 Denmark – Kingdom of Denmark (to 9 April 1940, from 5 May 1945)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 9 April 1946. UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇩🇴 Dominican Republic – Third Dominican Republic
 * valign="top" |🇩🇴 Dominican Republic – Third Dominican Republic
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

E

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state; LON member state to 9 April 1946 and UN member state from 21 December 1945.
 * valign="top" |Flag of Ecuador (1900-2009).svg Ecuador
 * Republic of Ecuador (to 1 June 1944)
 * Republic of Ecuador (from 1 June 1944)
 * Republic of Ecuador (from 1 June 1944)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state; LON member state to 9 April 1946 and UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign="top" | Egypt – Kingdom of Egypt
 * valign="top" | Egypt – Kingdom of Egypt
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state; UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇸🇻 El Salvador – Republic of El Salvador
 * valign="top" |🇸🇻 El Salvador – Republic of El Salvador
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state and LON member state to June 17, 1940. Conquered by a Soviet offensive but maintained a government in exile.
 * valign="top" |🇪🇪 Estonia – Republic of Estonia (to June 17, 1940)
 * valign="top" |🇪🇪 Estonia – Republic of Estonia (to June 17, 1940)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state and LON member state to 24 October 1945; UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign="top" | undefined – Ethiopian Empire (from 5 May, 1941)
 * valign="top" | undefined – Ethiopian Empire (from 5 May, 1941)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

F

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 9 April 1946.
 * valign="top" |🇫🇮 Finland – Republic of Finland
 * valign="top" |🇫🇮 Finland – Republic of Finland
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Capital: Paris (de jure), Vichy (de facto from 22 June 1940 to 20 August 1944) Algiers (de facto from 3 June to 31 August 1944) Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 18 April 1941 and from 20 August 1944 to 9 April 1946. UN member state from 24 October 1945. France administered the foreign affairs of the following protectorate:
 * valign="top" |🇫🇷 France
 * valign="top" |🇫🇷 France
 * French Republic (to 22 June 1940)
 * French State (from 22 June 1940 to 20 August 1944)
 * Provisional Government of the French Republic (from 20 August 1944 to 14 October 1946)
 * French Republic (from 14 October 1946)
 * Saar (from 15 December 1947)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

G

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state to 8 May 1945.
 * valign="top" | undefined (to 8 May 1945)
 * German Reich (to 26 June 1943)
 * Greater German Reich (from 26 June 1943 to 8 May 1945)
 * Greater German Reich (from 26 June 1943 to 8 May 1945)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized state under Soviet occupation.
 * valign=top| East Germany – German Democratic Republic (from 7 October 1949) Capital: East Berlin (disputed)
 * valign=top| East Germany – German Democratic Republic (from 7 October 1949) Capital: East Berlin (disputed)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely-recognized state under Allied occupation. West Germany was a federation of twelve states.
 * valign=top| West Germany – Federal Republic of Germany (from 23 May 1949)
 * valign=top| West Germany – Federal Republic of Germany (from 23 May 1949)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to April 1941, from Oct 13 1944 to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 25 October 1945.
 * valign="top" | Greece – Kingdom of Greece (to 23 April 1941, From October 13, 1944)
 * valign="top" | Greece – Kingdom of Greece (to 23 April 1941, From October 13, 1944)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 21 November 1945)
 * valign="top" |🇬🇹 Guatemala – Republic of Guatemala
 * valign="top" |🇬🇹 Guatemala – Republic of Guatemala
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

H

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to April 1942. UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇭🇹 Haiti – Republic of Haiti
 * valign="top" |🇭🇹 Haiti – Republic of Haiti
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from 17 December 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇭🇳 → 🇭🇳 Honduras – Republic of Honduras
 * valign="top" |🇭🇳 → 🇭🇳 Honduras – Republic of Honduras
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" | → →  Hungary
 * Kingdom of Hungary (to 1 February 1946)
 * Hungarian Republic (from 1 February 1946 to 20 August 1949)
 * Hungarian People's Republic (from 20 August 1949)
 * Hungarian People's Republic (from 20 August 1949)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * valign="top"| Hyderabad – State of Hyderabad (from 15 August 1947 to 17 December 1948)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

I

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. In personal union with Denmark to 17 June 1944. UN member state from 19 November 1946.
 * valign="top" | Iceland
 * Kingdom of Iceland (to 17 June 1944)
 * Iceland (from 17 June 1944)
 * Iceland (from 17 June 1944)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state. Commonwealth realm.
 * valign="top" |🇮🇳 India – Union of India (from 15 August 1947)
 * valign="top" |🇮🇳 India – Union of India (from 15 August 1947)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" |🇮🇩 Indonesia (from 17 August 1945)
 * Republic of Indonesia (from 17 August 1945 to 27 December 1949)
 * United States of Indonesia (from 27 December 1949)
 * United States of Indonesia (from 27 December 1949)


 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 12 November 1945)
 * valign="top" | Iran – Imperial State of Iran
 * valign="top" | Iran – Imperial State of Iran
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state and LON member state to 20 April 1946; UN member state from 21 December 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇮🇶 Iraq – Kingdom of Iraq
 * valign="top" |🇮🇶 Iraq – Kingdom of Iraq
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state and LON member state to 20 April 1946.
 * valign="top" |🇮🇪 Ireland
 * valign="top" |🇮🇪 Ireland
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely-recognized UN member state from 11 May 1949.
 * valign=top|🇮🇱 Israel – State of Israel (from 14 May 1948)
 * valign=top|🇮🇱 Israel – State of Israel (from 14 May 1948)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Puppet state of Germany, independent to the Kingdom of Italy.
 * valign="top" | Italian Social Republic (from September 1943 to May 1945)
 * valign="top" | Italian Social Republic (from September 1943 to May 1945)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state under fascism to 3 September 1943.
 * valign="top" | → Italy  Capital: Rome (to September 1943, from February 1944), Brindisi (from September 1943 to February 1944)
 * Kingdom of Italy (to 2 June 1946)
 * Italian Republic (from 2 June 1946)
 * Italian Republic (from 2 June 1946)
 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

J

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state under Allied occupation from 2 September 1945.
 * valign="top" | undefined
 * Empire of Japan (to 2 May 1947)
 * Japan (from 2 May 1947)
 * Japan (from 2 May 1947)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

K

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Kalat – Khanate of Kalat from (15 August 1947 until 27 March 1948)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Korea – People's Republic of Korea (from 12 September 1945 to 1948)


 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. Claimed to be the sole legitimate government of Korea.
 * valign="top" |🇰🇵 North Korea – Democratic People's Republic of Korea (from 9 September 1948)
 * valign="top" |🇰🇵 North Korea – Democratic People's Republic of Korea (from 9 September 1948)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

Widely recognized independent state. Permanent observer at the UN. Claimed to be the sole legitimate government of Korea.
 * colspan="2" |
 * valign="top" |🇰🇷 → →  undefined – Republic of Korea (from 17 August 1948)
 * valign="top" |🇰🇷 → →  undefined – Republic of Korea (from 17 August 1948)
 * valign="top" |🇰🇷 → →  undefined – Republic of Korea (from 17 August 1948)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

L

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 5 August 1940 and in exile to 20 April 1946. Conquered by a Soviet offensive but maintained a government in exile.
 * valign="top" |🇱🇻 Latvia – Republic of Latvia (to 17 August 1940)
 * valign="top" |🇱🇻 Latvia – Republic of Latvia (to 17 August 1940)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from October 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇱🇧 Lebanon – Lebanese Republic (from 22 November 1943)
 * valign="top" |🇱🇧 Lebanon – Lebanese Republic (from 22 November 1943)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 2 November 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇱🇷 Liberia – Republic of Liberia
 * valign="top" |🇱🇷 Liberia – Republic of Liberia
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" | Liechtenstein – Principality of Liechtenstein
 * valign="top" | Liechtenstein – Principality of Liechtenstein
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.LON member state to 5 August 1940 and in exile to 20 April 1946. Conquered by a Soviet offensive but maintained a government in exile.
 * valign="top" |🇱🇹 Lithuania – Republic of Lithuania (to 15 June 1940)
 * valign="top" |🇱🇹 Lithuania – Republic of Lithuania (to 15 June 1940)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state; LON member state to 10 May 1940, from 11 Sept 1944 to 20 April 1946 and in exile from 10 May 1940 to 11 Sept 1944. Conquered by a German offensive but maintained a government in exile based in London and a UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇱🇺 Luxembourg – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (to 10 May 1940, from 11 September 1944)
 * valign="top" |🇱🇺 Luxembourg – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (to 10 May 1940, from 11 September 1944)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

M

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 17 November 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇲🇽 Mexico – United Mexican States
 * valign="top" |🇲🇽 Mexico – United Mexican States
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" |🇲🇨 Monaco – Principality of Monaco
 * valign="top" |🇲🇨 Monaco – Principality of Monaco
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state from January 5, 1946.
 * valign="top" |🇲🇳 → 🇲🇳 → 🇲🇳 Mongolia – Mongolian People's Republic
 * valign="top" |🇲🇳 → 🇲🇳 → 🇲🇳 Mongolia – Mongolian People's Republic
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

N

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" | Nepal – Kingdom of Nepal
 * valign="top" | Nepal – Kingdom of Nepal
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 10 December 1945. Under occupation by Germany from 10 May 1940 to 5 May 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇳🇱 Netherlands – Kingdom of the Netherlands (to 15 May 1940, from 5 May 1945)
 * valign="top" |🇳🇱 Netherlands – Kingdom of the Netherlands (to 15 May 1940, from 5 May 1945)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 24 October 1945. Dominion of the British Empire until 25 Nov 1947. Commonwealth realm.
 * valign="top" |🇳🇿 New Zealand
 * Dominion of New Zealand (to 25 November 1947)
 * Dominion of New Zealand (from 25 November 1947)
 * Dominion of New Zealand (from 25 November 1947)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 24 Oct 1945).
 * valign="top" |🇳🇮 Nicaragua – Republic of Nicaragua
 * valign="top" |🇳🇮 Nicaragua – Republic of Nicaragua
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 24 October 1945. Under occupation by Germany from 9 April 1940 to 8 May 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇳🇴 Norway – Kingdom of Norway
 * valign="top" |🇳🇴 Norway – Kingdom of Norway
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

P

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 30 September 1947). Commonwealth realm.
 * valign="top" |🇵🇰 Pakistan – Dominion of Pakistan (from 14 Aug 1947)
 * valign="top" |🇵🇰 Pakistan – Dominion of Pakistan (from 14 Aug 1947)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 13 November 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇵🇦 Panama – Republic of Panama
 * valign="top" |🇵🇦 Panama – Republic of Panama
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from 24 Oct 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇵🇾 Paraguay – Republic of Paraguay
 * valign="top" |🇵🇾 Paraguay – Republic of Paraguay
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from 31 Oct 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇵🇪 Peru – Peruvian Republic
 * valign="top" |🇵🇪 Peru – Peruvian Republic
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state from 4 Jul 1946. UN member state from 24 Oct 1945.
 * valign="top" | Philippine Commonwealth
 * Republic of the Philippines (from 4 Jul 1946)
 * Republic of the Philippines (from 4 Jul 1946)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

De facto independent state; considered to be a puppet state of Japan.
 * valign="top" | Second Philippine Republic (from 14 October 1943 to 17 August 1945) (from 14 October 1943 to 3 March 1945) Baguio (from 3 March 1945)
 * valign="top" | Second Philippine Republic (from 14 October 1943 to 17 August 1945) (from 14 October 1943 to 3 March 1945) Baguio (from 3 March 1945)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946. UN member state from 24 October 1945. Poland's government was still in exile.
 * valign="top" | Poland
 * Provisional Government of the Republic of Poland (from 31 December 1944 to 28 June 1945)
 * Provisional Government of National Unity (from 28 June 1945 to 19 January 1947)
 * Polish People's Republic (from 19 January 1947)
 * Polish People's Republic (from 19 January 1947)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to 20 April 1946.
 * valign="top" | Portugal – Portuguese Republic
 * valign="top" | Portugal – Portuguese Republic
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

R

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" | → Romania
 * Kingdom of Romania (to 30 Dec 1947)
 * Romanian People's Republic (from 30 Dec 1947)
 * Romanian People's Republic (from 30 Dec 1947)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

S

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" |🇸🇲 San Marino – Most Serene Republic of San Marino
 * valign="top" |🇸🇲 San Marino – Most Serene Republic of San Marino
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state; UN member state from 24 October 1945.
 * valign="top" | Saudi Arabia – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 * valign="top" | Saudi Arabia – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" | Sikkim – Kingdom of Sikkim (from 15 August 1947)
 * valign="top" | Sikkim – Kingdom of Sikkim (from 15 August 1947)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from 17 November 1945. Commonwealth realm.
 * valign="top" | undefined – Union of South Africa Capital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
 * valign="top" | undefined – Union of South Africa Capital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from 24 October 1945. The Soviet Union was a federation of 11 (later 15) republics.
 * valign="top" | Soviet Union – Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
 * valign="top" | Soviet Union – Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. Spain had sovereignty over the following overseas provinces:
 * valign="top" | →  Spain – Spanish State
 * valign="top" | →  Spain – Spanish State
 * 🇪🇸 → 🇪🇸 Ifni (Colony)
 * 🇪🇸 → 🇪🇸 Spanish Guinea (Colony)
 * 🇪🇸 → 🇪🇸 Spanish Sahara (Colony)
 * 🇪🇸 → 🇪🇸 Spanish West Africa (Colony from July 20, 1946)
 * 🇲🇦 Spanish Morocco (Protectorate)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state.
 * valign="top" |🇸🇪 Sweden – Kingdom of Sweden
 * valign="top" |🇸🇪 Sweden – Kingdom of Sweden
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state. Permanent observer at the UN.
 * valign="top" |🇨🇭 Switzerland – Swiss Confederation
 * valign="top" |🇨🇭 Switzerland – Swiss Confederation
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" | Syria – Syrian Republic (from January 1 1944)
 * valign="top" | Syria – Syrian Republic (from January 1 1944)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

T
Widely recognized independent state. LON member state. UN member state from 16 December 1946.
 * valign="top" |🇹🇭 Thailand / Siam
 * Kingdom of Thailand (to 7 September 1945, from 11 May 1949)
 * Kingdom of Siam (from 7 September 1945 to 11 May 1949)
 * Kingdom of Siam (from 7 September 1945 to 11 May 1949)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

De facto independent state. Claimed by the Republic of China and by the People's Republic of China.
 * valign=top| Tibet
 * valign=top| Tibet
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely-recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" |🇯🇴 Transjordan / Jordan (from 25 May 1946)
 * Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan (from 25 May 1946 to April 1949)
 * Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (from 3 April 1949)
 * Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (from 3 April 1949)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" | Trieste – Free Territory of Trieste (from May 25, 1946)
 * valign="top" | Trieste – Free Territory of Trieste (from May 25, 1946)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" | Tripura – Kingdom of Tripura (to September 9, 1949)
 * valign="top" | Tripura – Kingdom of Tripura (to September 9, 1949)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to October 4, 1945. UN member state from October 4, 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇹🇷 Turkey – Republic of Turkey
 * valign="top" |🇹🇷 Turkey – Republic of Turkey
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

U

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to October 4, 1945. UN member state from October 4, 1945. The United Kingdom was composed of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The United Kingdom had sovereignty over:
 * valign="top" |🇬🇧 United Kingdom – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
 * valign="top" |🇬🇧 United Kingdom – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
 * Aden – Aden Colony and Protectorate (Crown colony and protectorate)
 * Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (Condominium of the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Egypt)
 * 🇧🇸 Bahamas (Crown colony)
 * Bahrain – State of Bahrain (Protectorate)
 * 🇧🇧 Barbados (Crown colony)
 * Basutoland – Territory of Basutoland (Crown colony)
 * Bechuanaland – Bechuanaland Protectorate (Protectorate)
 * 🇧🇲 Bermuda (Crown colony)
 * Bhutan – Kingdom of Bhutan (Independent state under Treaty of Punakha)
 * British Guiana (Crown colony)
 * British Honduras (Crown colony)
 * British Leeward Islands – Federal Colony of the Leeward Islands (Crown colony)
 * British Somaliland – British Somaliland Protectorate (Protectorate)
 * British Western Pacific Territories (Crown colony)
 * British Windward Islands – Federal Colony of the Windward Islands (Crown colony)
 * Brunei – State of Brunei (Protectorate, from June 14, 1945)
 * Burma (Crown colony to 1942, from March 27, 1945)
 * Ceylon (Crown colony)
 * Cyprus (Crown colony)
 * Cyrenaica (Occupied territory)
 * Eritrea (Occupied territory)
 * Falkland Islands (Crown colony)
 * 🇫🇴 Faroe Islands (Occupied territory, from April 12, 1940 to September 16, 1945)
 * Federated Malay States (Protectorate, from September 12, 1945)
 * Gambia – Gambia Colony and Protectorate (Crown colony and protectorate)
 * 🇬🇮 Gibraltar (Crown colony)
 * Gold Coast (Crown colony)
 * 🇬🇬 Guernsey – Bailiwick of Guernsey (Crown dependency, from March 20, 1945)
 * Heard Island and McDonald Islands (uninhabited possession)
 * 🇭🇰 Hong Kong (Crown colony to December 28, 1941, from August 28, 1945)
 * undefined – Indian Empire (Crown colony) [UN from October 30, 1945]
 * 🇮🇲 Isle of Man (Crown dependency)
 * Italian Somaliland (Occupied territory from February 26, 1941)
 * 🇯🇲 Jamaica (Crown colony)
 * 🇯🇪 Jersey – Bailiwick of Jersey (Crown dependency, from March 20, 1945)
 * Johor – State of Johor Darul Ta'zim (Protectorate to February 16, 1942, from September 12, 1945)
 * Kedah – State of Kedah Darul Aman (Protectorate to February 16, 1942, from September 8, 1945)
 * Kelantan – State of Kelantan Darul Naim (Protectorate to February 16, 1942, from September 8, 1945)
 * 🇰🇪 Kenya – Kenya Colony and Protectorate (Crown colony and protectorate)
 * Flag of Kuwait 1940-1961.png Kuwait – State of Kuwait (Protectorate)
 * Labuan (Crown colony from April 1, 1946 to July 15, 1946)
 * Maldive Islands – Sultanate of the Maldive Islands (Protectorate)
 * Malta (Crown colony)
 * 🇲🇺 Mauritius (Crown colony)
 * Muscat and Oman – Sultanate of Muscat and Oman (State under the informal protection)
 * Newfoundland – Dominion of Newfoundland (Crown colony, to 31 March, 1949)
 * 🇳🇬 Nigeria – Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria (Crown colony and protectorate)
 * North Borneo (Protectorate to January 2, 1942, from September 10, 1945 until July 15, 1946 when the protectorate became a crown colony)
 * Northern Rhodesia – Protectorate of Northern Rhodesia (Protectorate)
 * Nyasaland – Nyasaland Protectorate (Protectorate)
 * Perlis – State of Perlis Indera Kayangan (Protectorate, from September 8, 1945)
 * Qatar – State of Qatar (Protectorate)
 * Saint Helena (Crown colony)
 * → Sarawak – Kingdom of Sarawak (Protectorate, from September 10, 1945 to April 1, 1946 when the protectorate became a crown colony)
 * Seychelles (Crown colony)
 * Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone Colony and Protectorate (Crown colony and protectorate)
 * Sikkim (Independent state under the Treaty of Tumlong until August 15, 1947)
 * 🇸🇬 Singapore (Crown colony from April 1, 1946)
 * South Orkney Islands (Uninhabited possession)
 * Southern Rhodesia – Colony of Southern Rhodesia (Crown colony)
 * South Shetland Islands (Uninhabited possession)
 * Straits Settlements (Crown colony, from September 12, 1945 to April 1, 1946)
 * Suez Canal Zone (Crown colony)
 * Swaziland – Swaziland Protectorate (Protectorate)
 * Terengganu – State of Terengganu Darul Iman (Protectorate to 1942, from September 8, 1945)
 * Tientsin (Concession until 1945)
 * 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago (Crown colony)
 * Tripolitania (Occupied territory from October 23, 1942)
 * Trucial States (Protectorate)
 * 🇺🇬 Uganda (Protectorate)
 * Zanzibar – Sultanate of Zanzibar (Protectorate)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from October 4, 1945. The United States had sovereignty over:
 * valign="top" |🇺🇸 United States – United States of America
 * valign="top" |🇺🇸 United States – United States of America
 * Alaska – Alaska Territory (Territory)
 * 🇺🇸 American Samoa – Territory of American Samoa (Territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Baker Island (uninhabited territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Bonin Islands (Occupied territory, from September 3, 1945)
 * 🇺🇸 Clipperton Island (Occupied territory, to 1945)
 * 🇺🇸 → Guam – Territory of Guam (unincorporated territory)
 * Hawaii – Territory of Hawaii (unincorporated territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Howland Island (uninhabited territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Jarvis Island (uninhabited territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Johnston Atoll (uninhabited territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Kingman Reef (uninhabited territory)
 * 🇰🇷 Southern Korea (occupied territory, from 1945 to 17 August 1948)
 * 🇺🇸 Midway Atoll (uninhabited territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Navassa Island (uninhabited territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Palmyra Atoll (unincorporated organized territory)
 * Panama Canal Zone (Territory)
 * Philippine Commonwealth (unincorporated organized commonwealth, to July 4, 1946)
 * 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico (Territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Ryukyu Islands – United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands (Occupied territory, from April 3)
 * United States Virgin Islands (Territory)
 * 🇺🇸 Volcano Islands (Occupied territory, from September 3, 1945)
 * 🇺🇸 Wake Island (uninhabited territory, from September 4, 1945)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. LON member state to December 18, 1945. UN member state from December 18, 1945.
 * valign="top" |🇺🇾 Uruguay – Oriental Republic of Uruguay
 * valign="top" |🇺🇾 Uruguay – Oriental Republic of Uruguay
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

V

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" |🇻🇦 Vatican City – Vatican City State
 * valign="top" |🇻🇦 Vatican City – Vatican City State
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" |🇻🇪 Venezuela – United States of Venezuela
 * valign="top" |🇻🇪 Venezuela – United States of Venezuela
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * colspan="3" |
 * colspan="3" |

Y

 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign="top" |🇾🇪 Yemen – Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen
 * valign="top" |🇾🇪 Yemen – Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state from October 24, 1945. Under occupation by Nazi Germany from April 6, 1941 to May 25, 1945. A government in exile was regarded as the legitimate government by the Allies.
 * valign="top" | → →  Yugoslavia (to April 6, 1941, from November 29, 1943)
 * Kingdom of Yugoslavia (to April 6, 1941)
 * Democratic Federal Yugoslavia (from November 29, 1943 to November 29, 1945)
 * Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia (from November 29, 1945)
 * Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia (from November 29, 1945)
 * colspan="2" |
 * colspan="2" |


 * }

Other entities
Excluded from the list above are the following noteworthy entities which either were not fully sovereign or did not claim to be independent:
 * 🇦🇹 Allied-occupied Austria (from 27 April 1945) was divided into four zones of occupation by France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union.
 *  Allied-occupied Germany (1945–1949) was divided into four zones of occupation by France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union.
 *  Burma – State of Burma (from 1 August 1943 to 19 August 1945) was organized and recognized by Japanese military during the Japanese occupation. Recognized by Axis powers member states.
 *  China, Provisional Government of – Provisional Government of the Republic of China (to 30 March 1940) was organized and recognized by Japan military authority during Second Sino-Japanese War.
 *  China, Reformed Government of – Reformed Government of the Republic of China (to 30 March 1940) was organized and recognized by Japan military authority during Second Sino-Japanese War.
 *  Croatia – Independent State of Croatia (from 10 April 1941 to 25 May 1945) was organized and recognized by German military authority during the invasion of Yugoslavia. Recognized by Axis powers member states.
 *  undefined, officially the East Turkestan Republic, existed from November 12, 1944 to December 22, 1949, when it was conquered by China.
 * 🇪🇪 Estonia was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940, but the legality of the annexation was not widely recognized. The Baltic diplomatic services in the West continued to be recognised as representing the de jure state.
 *  Kampuchea – Kingdom of Kampuchea (from March 9, 1945 to August 15, 1945) was organized and recognized by Japan military authority during the Japanese coup d'etat in French Indochina. Recognized by Axis powers member states.
 * 🇱🇻 Latvia was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940, but the legality of the annexation was not widely recognized. The Baltic diplomatic services in the West continued to be recognised as representing the de jure state.
 * 🇱🇹 Lithuania was incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940, but the legality of the annexation was not widely recognized. The Baltic diplomatic services in the West continued to be recognised as representing the de jure state.
 *  Luang Prabang – Kingdom of Luang Prabang (from March 9, 1945 to October 12, 1945) was organized and recognized by Japan military authority during the Japanese coup d'etat in French Indochina. Recognized by Axis powers member states.
 *  Manchukuo – Empire of Manchuria (to August, 1945) was organized and recognized by Japan military authority after Mukden Incident. Recognized by Axis powers member states.
 *  Mengjiang – Mongol Military Government (to August, 1945) was organized and recognized by Japan military authority during Second Sino-Japanese War. Recognized by Axis powers member states.
 *  National Government of the Republic of China – National Government of the Republic of China (from 30 March 1940 to August 16, 1945) was organized and recognized by Japanese military, combined Reformed Government and Provisional Government together. Recognized by Axis powers member states.
 *  Provisional Government of Free India (from October 21, 1943 to August 18, 1945) was organized and recognized by Indian nationalists in-exile during the Japanese occupation of Singapore. Recognized by Axis powers member states.
 * The Saudi Arabian–Iraqi neutral zone was a strip of neutral territory between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
 * The Saudi Arabian–Kuwaiti neutral zone was a strip of neutral territory between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
 * 🇸🇰 Slovakia – Slovak Republic (to April 4, 1945) was organized and recognized by German military after Munich Agreement. Recognized by Axis powers member states. Recognized by Axis powers member states and several neutral states.
 * The Sovereign Military Order of Malta was an entity claiming sovereignty. The order had bi-lateral diplomatic relations with a large number of states, but had no territory other than extraterritorial areas within Rome. Although the order frequently asserted its sovereignty, it did not claim to be a sovereign state. It lacked a defined territory. Since all its members were citizens of other states, almost all of them lived in their native countries, and those who resided in the order's extraterritorial properties in Rome did so only in connection with their official duties, the order lacked the characteristic of having a permanent population.
 * Tangier was an international zone under the joint administration of France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Portugal and Belgium.
 *  → Vietnam – Empire of Vietnam (from March 11, 1945 to August 25, 1945) was organized and recognized by Japan military authority during the Japanese coup d'etat in French Indochina. Recognized by Axis powers member states.
 * West Berlin from 23 May 1949 was a political enclave that was closely aligned with – but not actually a part of – West Germany. It consisted of three occupied sectors administered by the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.