List of sovereign states in the 1950s

This is a list of sovereign states in the 1950s, giving an overview of states around the world during the period between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 1959. It contains 108 entries, arranged alphabetically, with information on the status and recognition of their sovereignty. It includes 102 widely recognized sovereign states, 5 entities which were de facto sovereign but which were not widely recognized by other states, and 1 state which was initially unrecognized but then gained full recognition later in the decade.

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
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A

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Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇦🇫 Afghanistan – Kingdom of Afghanistan
 * valign=top|🇦🇫 Afghanistan – Kingdom of Afghanistan
 * colspan=2|
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Widely-recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955)
 * valign=top|🇦🇱 Albania – People's Republic of Albania
 * valign=top|🇦🇱 Albania – People's Republic of Albania
 * colspan=2|
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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
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Widely-recognized independent state. The Arab Federation occupied West Bank but these areas were not generally recognized as being part of the Arab Federation.
 * valign=top| Arab Federation – Arab Federation of Iraq and Jordan (from 14 February 1958 to 14 July 1958)
 * valign=top| Arab Federation – Arab Federation of Iraq and Jordan (from 14 February 1958 to 14 July 1958)
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Widely-recognized UN member state. Argentina was a federation of 23 provinces and 10 federal territories. It had a claim over Argentine Antarctica. 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
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Widely-recognized UN member state. Commonwealth realm. Australia was a federation of six states and three territories. It had sovereignty over the following external territories: Australia administered two United Nations Trust Territories:
 * valign=top|🇦🇺 Australia – Commonwealth of Australia
 * valign=top|🇦🇺 Australia – Commonwealth of Australia
 * Australian Antarctic Territory
 * Christmas Island (from 1 October 1958)
 * Cocos (Keeling) Islands (from 23 November 1955)
 * Heard Island and McDonald Islands
 * Norfolk Island
 * Nauru (with New Zealand and the United Kingdom)
 * Papua and New Guinea
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized state under Allied occupation. Independent state (from 27 July 1955). Permanent observer at the UN (from 1952 to 14 December 1955). UN member state (from 14 December 1955). Austria was a federation of nine states.
 * valign=top|🇦🇹 Austria – Republic of Austria
 * valign=top|🇦🇹 Austria – Republic of Austria
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B

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Widely recognized UN member state. EEC member (from 25 March 1957). Belgium had sovereignty over one colony: Belgium administered one United Nations trust territory:
 * valign=top|🇧🇪 Belgium – Kingdom of Belgium
 * valign=top|🇧🇪 Belgium – Kingdom of Belgium
 * Belgian Congo
 * Ruanda-Urundi
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized independent state. Bhutan was officially guided by India in its foreign affairs.
 * valign=top|🇧🇹 → 🇧🇹 Bhutan – Kingdom of Bhutan Capital: Punakha (to 1955), Thimphu (from 1955)
 * valign=top|🇧🇹 → 🇧🇹 Bhutan – Kingdom of Bhutan Capital: Punakha (to 1955), Thimphu (from 1955)
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Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇧🇴 Bolivia Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative)
 * Republic of Bolivia (to 11 April 1952)
 * Republic of Bolivia (from 11 April 1952)
 * Republic of Bolivia (from 11 April 1952)
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized UN member state. Brazil was a federation of 20 states, five territories, and one federal district.
 * valign=top|🇧🇷 Brazil – Republic of the United States of Brazil
 * valign=top|🇧🇷 Brazil – Republic of the United States of Brazil
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Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955).
 * valign=top|🇧🇬 Bulgaria – People's Republic of Bulgaria
 * valign=top|🇧🇬 Bulgaria – People's Republic of Bulgaria
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Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top| Burma – Union of Burma
 * valign=top| Burma – Union of Burma
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C

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Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955).
 * valign=top| undefined – Kingdom of Cambodia (from 9 November 1953)
 * valign=top| undefined – Kingdom of Cambodia (from 9 November 1953)
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Widely recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. Canada was a federation of ten provinces and two territories.
 * valign=top|🇨🇦 → 🇨🇦 Canada – Dominion of Canada
 * valign=top|🇨🇦 → 🇨🇦 Canada – Dominion of Canada
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Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955). Commonwealth realm.
 * valign=top| → Ceylon – Dominion of Ceylon
 * valign=top| → Ceylon – Dominion of Ceylon
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Widely recognized UN member state. It had a claim over Chilean Antarctic Territory.
 * valign=top|🇨🇱 Chile – Republic of Chile
 * valign=top|🇨🇱 Chile – Republic of Chile
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Partially recognized de facto independent state. The People's Republic of China had four autonomous regions: Guangxi (from 5 March 1958), Inner Mongolia, Ningxia (from 25 October 1958), Xinjiang (from 1 October 1955). The People's Republic of China claimed Taiwan, Kinmen, the Matsu Islands, Pratas Island and the Vereker Banks, and Itu Aba, all of which were governed by the Republic of China. 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|🇨🇳 People's Republic of China
 * valign=top|🇨🇳 People's Republic of China
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized UN member state. The Republic of China claimed to be the sole legitimate government of China, but only administered Taiwan, 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 – Republic of China Capital: Taipei (seat of government), Nanking (claimed)
 * valign=top| China, Republic of – Republic of China Capital: Taipei (seat of government), Nanking (claimed)
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Widely recognized UN member state. 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
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Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇨🇷 Costa Rica – Republic of Costa Rica
 * valign=top|🇨🇷 Costa Rica – Republic of Costa Rica
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Widely recognized UN member state. The Cuban area of Guantánamo Bay was under the permanent control of the United States.
 * valign=top|🇨🇺 → 🇨🇺 Cuba
 * Cuban First Republic (to 1 January 1959)
 * Cuban Second Republic (from 1 January 1959)
 * Cuban Second Republic (from 1 January 1959)
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 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top| Czechoslovakia – Czechoslovak Republic
 * valign=top| Czechoslovakia – Czechoslovak Republic
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 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
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D

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De facto independent state. Claimed by Portugal.
 * valign=top|🇮🇳 Dadra / Dadra and Nagar Haveli (from 22 July 1954) Capital: Dadra (to 2 August 1954), Silvassa (from 2 August 1954)
 * Free Dadra (from 22 July 1954 to 15 August 1954)
 * Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli (from 15 August 1954)
 * Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli (from 15 August 1954)
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Widely recognized UN member state. The Danish Realm also included one autonomous region: Denmark had one colony:
 * valign=top|🇩🇰 Denmark – Kingdom of Denmark
 * valign=top|🇩🇰 Denmark – Kingdom of Denmark
 * 🇫🇴 Faroe Islands
 * Greenland (from 1950 to 5 June 1953)
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Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇩🇴 Dominican Republic – Third Dominican Republic
 * valign=top|🇩🇴 Dominican Republic – Third Dominican Republic
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E

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Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|Flag of Ecuador (1900-2009).svg Ecuador – Republic of Ecuador
 * valign=top|Flag of Ecuador (1900-2009).svg Ecuador – Republic of Ecuador
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Widely recognized UN member state. Egypt occupied Gaza Strip. Egypt administered one condominium:
 * valign=top|🇪🇬 → 🇪🇬 Egypt (to 1 February 1958)
 * Kingdom of Egypt (to 19 June 1953)
 * Republic of Egypt (from 19 June 1953 to 1 February 1958)
 * Republic of Egypt (from 19 June 1953 to 1 February 1958)
 * Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (to 31 December 1955, with the United Kingdom)
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Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇸🇻 El Salvador – Republic of El Salvador
 * valign=top|🇸🇻 El Salvador – Republic of El Salvador
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Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇪🇹 Ethiopia – Ethiopian Empire
 * valign=top|🇪🇹 Ethiopia – Ethiopian Empire
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 * colspan=3|
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F

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Widely recognized independent state. Permanent observer at the UN (from 1952 to 14 December 1955). UN member state (from 14 December 1955). Finland had a neutral and demilitarised region:
 * valign=top|🇫🇮 Finland – Republic of Finland
 * valign=top|🇫🇮 Finland – Republic of Finland
 * Åland
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized UN member state. EEC member (from 25 March 1957). France included 21 overseas departments: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, and multiple departments in French Algeria (three departments to 1955, four departments from 1955 to 1957, fourteen departments from 1957 to 1958, and seventeen departments from 1958 on.) The French Union contained the following autonomous associated states: The French Community consisted of the following autonomous republics: France administered the foreign affairs of the following protectorates: France also had sovereignty over the following overseas territories: It also co-administered one condominium: France administered two United Nations Trust Territories: France administered one occupied territory:
 * valign=top| France 
 * Fourth Republic (to 4 October 1958)
 * Fifth Republic (from 4 October 1958)
 * Fifth Republic (from 4 October 1958)
 * 🇰🇭 Cambodia (to 9 November 1953)
 * Laos (to 22 October 1953)
 * Vietnam (to 21 July 1954)
 * 🇨🇫 Central African Republic (from 1 December 1958)
 * 🇹🇩 Chad (from 28 November 1958)
 * 🇨🇩 Congo (from 28 November 1958)
 * Dahomey (from 4 December 1958)
 * 🇬🇦 Gabon (from 28 November 1958)
 * Ivory Coast (from 4 December 1958)
 * 🇲🇬 Malagasy Republic (from 14 October 1958)
 * 🇲🇱 Mali Federation (from 4 April 1959)
 * 🇲🇷 Mauritania (from 28 November 1958)
 * 🇳🇪 Niger (from 19 December 1958)
 * Senegal (from 25 November 1958 to 4 April 1959)
 * Sudanese Republic (from 24 November 1958 to 4 April 1959)
 * Upper Volta (from 11 December 1958)
 * Morocco
 * Tunisia
 * Saar (to 1 January 1957)
 * Adélie Land (to 6 August 1955)
 * Comoros
 * French Equatorial Africa, consisting of four territories:
 * Chad (to 28 November 1958)
 * Gabon (to 28 November 1958)
 * Middle Congo (to 28 November 1958)
 * Ubangi-Shari (to 1 December 1958)
 * French India (to 21 July 1954)
 * French Oceania (renamed French Polynesia on 22 July 1957), with one dependency:
 * Clipperton Island
 * French Somaliland
 * French Southern and Antarctic Lands (from 6 August 1955)
 * French West Africa, consisting of eight territories:
 * Dahomey (to 4 December 1958)
 * French Guinea (to 1 October 1958)
 * French Sudan (to 24 November 1958)
 * Ivory Coast (to 4 December 1958)
 * Mauritania (to 28 November 1958)
 * Niger (to 19 December 1958)
 * Senegal (to 25 November 1958)
 * Upper Volta (to 11 December 1958)
 * Madagascar (to 14 October 1958), with three dependencies
 * Crozet Islands (to 6 August 1955)
 * Kerguelen Islands (to 6 August 1955)
 * Saint-Paul and Amsterdam Islands (to 6 August 1955)
 * New Caledonia, with one dependency
 * Wallis and Futuna
 * Saint Pierre and Miquelon
 * New Hebrides (with the United Kingdom)
 * French Cameroons (to 31 December 1959)
 * 🇹🇬 Togo (renamed Togo on 22 February 1958)
 * Fezzan (to 23 December 1951, under UN supervision)
 * colspan=2|
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 * colspan=3|
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G

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Widely recognized state under Soviet occupation. Independent state (from 26 March 1954).
 * valign=top| → East Germany – German Democratic Republic Capital: East Berlin (disputed)
 * valign=top| → East Germany – German Democratic Republic Capital: East Berlin (disputed)
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Widely-recognized state under Allied occupation until 5 May 1955; independent state from 5 May 1955. Permanent observer at the UN (from 1952). EEC member (from 25 March 1957). West Germany was a federation of thirteen states.
 * valign=top| West Germany – Federal Republic of Germany
 * valign=top| West Germany – Federal Republic of Germany
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 8 March 1957). Commonwealth realm.
 * valign=top|🇬🇭 Ghana (from 6 March 1957)
 * valign=top|🇬🇭 Ghana (from 6 March 1957)
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized UN member state. Greece had sovereignty over Mount Athos, an autonomous monastic state that was 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 came under the direct jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
 * valign=top|🇬🇷 Greece – Kingdom of Greece
 * valign=top|🇬🇷 Greece – Kingdom of Greece
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇬🇹 Guatemala – Republic of Guatemala
 * valign=top|🇬🇹 Guatemala – Republic of Guatemala
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 12 December 1958).
 * valign=top|🇬🇳 Guinea – People's Revolutionary Republic of Guinea (from 2 October 1958)
 * valign=top|🇬🇳 Guinea – People's Revolutionary Republic of Guinea (from 2 October 1958)
 * colspan=2|
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 * colspan=3|
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H

 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized UN member state. Haiti claimed the uninhabited United States possession of Navassa Island.
 * valign=top|🇭🇹 Haiti
 * Second Haitian Republic (to 22 October 1957)
 * Duvalier dynasty (from 22 October 1957)
 * Duvalier dynasty (from 22 October 1957)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * valign=top colspan=2 style="font-size: 90%;"|Holy See Vatican City
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Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇭🇳 Honduras – Republic of Honduras
 * valign=top|🇭🇳 Honduras – Republic of Honduras
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955).
 * valign=top|🇭🇺 → →  Hungary – People's Republic of Hungary
 * valign=top|🇭🇺 → →  Hungary – People's Republic of Hungary
 * colspan=2|
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 * colspan=3|
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I

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇮🇸 Iceland – Republic of Iceland
 * valign=top|🇮🇸 Iceland – Republic of Iceland
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. Commonwealth realm (to 26 January 1950). From 26 January 1950 to 1 November 1956, India was a federation of ten Part A states, eight Part B states, nine Part C states, and four Part D Territories. After 1 November 1956, India was a federation of fourteen states and seven union territories. India had partial sovereignty over one protectorate: Indian sovereignty over South Tibet, administered as part of its North-East Frontier Agency, was disputed by the People's Republic of China. India administered part of the disputed region of Kashmir as the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
 * valign=top|🇮🇳 India
 * Dominion of India (to 26 January 1950)
 * Republic of India (from 26 January 1950)
 * Republic of India (from 26 January 1950)
 * Sikkim (from 5 December 1950)
 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 28 September 1950). Until 17 August 1950, Indonesia was a federation of fourteen states. Indonesia had two special provinces: Aceh (from 26 May 1959) and Yogyakarta (from 3 August 1950).
 * valign=top|🇮🇩 Indonesia
 * Republic of the United States of Indonesia (to 17 August 1950)
 * Republic of Indonesia (from 17 August 1950)
 * Republic of Indonesia (from 17 August 1950)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇮🇷 Iran – Imperial State of Iran
 * valign=top|🇮🇷 Iran – Imperial State of Iran
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇮🇶 → Iraq
 * Kingdom of Iraq (to 14 February 1958)
 * Iraqi Republic (from 14 July 1958)
 * Iraqi Republic (from 14 July 1958)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955).
 * valign=top|🇮🇪 Ireland
 * valign=top|🇮🇪 Ireland
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇮🇱 Israel – State of Israel
 * valign=top|🇮🇱 Israel – State of Israel
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955). Italy had 5 autonomous regions: Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia, Sicily, and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol. EEC member (from 25 March 1957). Italy administered one United Nations Trust Territory:
 * valign=top| Italy – Italian Republic
 * valign=top| Italy – Italian Republic
 * 🇸🇴 Somalia (from 1 April 1950)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

J

 * colspan=2|
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Widely recognized state under United States occupation until 28 April 1952. Full sovereignty restored on 28 April 1952. Permanent observer at the UN (from 1952 to 18 December 1956). UN member state (from 18 December 1956). Japan had residual sovereignty over the Ryukyu Islands and the Bonin-Volcano Islands, which were occupied and administered by the United States.
 * valign=top|🇯🇵 Japan
 * valign=top|🇯🇵 Japan
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955). Jordan occupied West Bank but these areas were not generally recognized as being part of Jordan.
 * valign=top|🇯🇴 Jordan – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (to 14 February 1958, from 14 July 1958)
 * valign=top|🇯🇴 Jordan – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (to 14 February 1958, from 14 July 1958)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
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K

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. Claimed to be the sole legitimate government of Korea.
 * valign=top| Korea, North – Democratic People's Republic of Korea Capital: Seoul (de jure, claimed), Pyongyang (de facto)
 * valign=top| Korea, North – Democratic People's Republic of Korea Capital: Seoul (de jure, claimed), Pyongyang (de facto)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. Permanent observer at the UN. Claimed to be the sole legitimate government of Korea.
 * valign=top| Korea, South – Republic of Korea
 * valign=top| Korea, South – Republic of Korea
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

L

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955).
 * valign=top| Laos – Kingdom of Laos (from 22 October 1953)
 * valign=top| Laos – Kingdom of Laos (from 22 October 1953)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇱🇧 Lebanon – Lebanese Republic
 * valign=top|🇱🇧 Lebanon – Lebanese Republic
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇱🇷 Liberia – Republic of Liberia
 * valign=top|🇱🇷 Liberia – Republic of Liberia
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955). Libya was a federation of three provinces.
 * valign=top|🇱🇾 Libya – United Kingdom of Libya (from 24 December 1951)
 * valign=top|🇱🇾 Libya – United Kingdom of Libya (from 24 December 1951)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. The defense of Liechtenstein was the responsibility of Switzerland.
 * valign="top" | Liechtenstein
 * valign="top" | Liechtenstein
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. EEC member (from 25 March 1957).
 * valign=top|🇱🇺 Luxembourg – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
 * valign=top|🇱🇺 Luxembourg – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

M

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 17 September 1957). Malaya was a federation of eleven states.
 * valign=top| Malaya – Federation of Malaya (from 31 August 1957)
 * valign=top| Malaya – Federation of Malaya (from 31 August 1957)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. Mexico was a federation of 29 states, three territories, and one federal district.
 * valign=top|🇲🇽 Mexico – United Mexican States
 * valign=top|🇲🇽 Mexico – United Mexican States
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. Permanent observer at the UN (from 1956). The defense of Monaco was the responsibility of France.
 * valign=top|🇲🇨 Monaco – Principality of Monaco
 * valign=top|🇲🇨 Monaco – Principality of Monaco
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state.
 * valign=top|🇲🇳 Mongolia – Mongolian People's Republic
 * valign=top|🇲🇳 Mongolia – Mongolian People's Republic
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 12 November 1956). Morocco disputed the Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta, Isla de Alborán, Isla Perejil, Islas Chafarinas, Melilla and Peñón de Alhucemas. To 1 March 1956, de jure sovereign state under French protectorate Moroccan rule restored over the Spanish zone of Northern Morocco on 7 April 1956. Moroccan rule restored over the Tangier International Zone on 29 October 1956. Moroccan rule restored over Cape Juby on 2 April 1958.
 * valign=top|🇲🇦 Morocco (from 7 April 1956)
 * Sherifian Empire (from 7 April 1956 to 14 August 1957)
 * Kingdom of Morocco (from 14 August 1957)
 * Kingdom of Morocco (from 14 August 1957)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state under the informal protection of the United Kingdom. Muscat and Oman contained one self-governing territory, The Imamate of Oman (to 11 August 1957).
 * valign=top| Muscat and Oman – Sultanate of Muscat and Oman
 * valign=top| Muscat and Oman – Sultanate of Muscat and Oman
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

N

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955).
 * valign=top| Nepal – Kingdom of Nepal
 * valign=top| Nepal – Kingdom of Nepal
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. The Kingdom of the Netherlands consisted of three autonomous countries: The Kingdom of the Netherlands as a whole was a member of the EEC (from 25 March 1957), but Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles were not. The Kingdom of the Netherlands had sovereignty over the following colonies:
 * valign=top| Kingdom of the Netherlands – Kingdom of the Netherlands Capital: Amsterdam (official), The Hague (seat of government)
 * valign=top| Kingdom of the Netherlands – Kingdom of the Netherlands Capital: Amsterdam (official), The Hague (seat of government)
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands (from 15 December 1954)
 * Netherlands Antilles (from 15 December 1954)
 * undefined (from 15 December 1954)
 * Netherlands Antilles (to 15 December 1954)
 * Netherlands New Guinea
 * Suriname (to 15 December 1954)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. Commonwealth realm. New Zealand had sovereignty over four dependent territories: The government of Tokelau Islands claimed Swains Island, part of American Samoa (a U.S. dependence).
 * valign=top|🇳🇿 New Zealand – Dominion of New Zealand
 * valign=top|🇳🇿 New Zealand – Dominion of New Zealand
 * Cook Islands
 * Niue
 * Ross Dependency
 * Tokelau Islands

New Zealand administered two United Nations Trust Territories:
 * Nauru (with Australia and the United Kingdom)
 * Western Samoa Trust Territory
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇳🇮 Nicaragua – Republic of Nicaragua
 * valign=top|🇳🇮 Nicaragua – Republic of Nicaragua
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. Norway had two integral overseas areas: Jan Mayen and Svalbard. The latter area had a special status due to the Spitsbergen Treaty. Norway had sovereignty over the following dependencies:
 * valign=top|🇳🇴 Norway – Kingdom of Norway
 * valign=top|🇳🇴 Norway – Kingdom of Norway
 * Bouvet Island
 * Peter I Island
 * Queen Maud Land
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

P

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. Commonwealth realm (to 23 March 1956). Pakistan was a federation of eight provinces, thirteen princely states, and one territory. It administered part of the disputed region of Kashmir.
 * valign=top|🇵🇰 Pakistan
 * Dominion of Pakistan (to 23 March 1956)
 * Islamic Republic of Pakistan (from 23 March 1956)
 * Islamic Republic of Pakistan (from 23 March 1956)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇵🇦 Panama – Republic of Panama
 * valign=top|🇵🇦 Panama – Republic of Panama
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇵🇾 → 🇵🇾 Paraguay – Republic of Paraguay
 * valign=top|🇵🇾 → 🇵🇾 Paraguay – Republic of Paraguay
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇵🇪 → 🇵🇪 Peru – Peruvian Republic
 * valign=top|🇵🇪 → 🇵🇪 Peru – Peruvian Republic
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇵🇭 Philippines – Republic of the Philippines Capital: Quezon City (official), Baguio (summer)
 * valign=top|🇵🇭 Philippines – Republic of the Philippines Capital: Quezon City (official), Baguio (summer)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. Poland's government was still in exile.
 * valign=top| Poland
 * Republic of Poland (to 22 July 1952)
 * Polish People's Republic (from 22 July 1952)
 * Polish People's Republic (from 22 July 1952)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955). Portugal had sovereignty over the following colonies (overseas province from 11 June 1951): It also had sovereignty over one possession: Portugal claimed the Spanish municipalities of Olivenza and Táliga.
 * valign=top|🇵🇹 Portugal – Portuguese Republic
 * valign=top|🇵🇹 Portugal – Portuguese Republic
 * Cape Verde Islands
 * Macau
 * Portuguese East Africa (renamed Mozambique on 11 June 1951)
 * Portuguese Guinea
 * Portuguese India
 * Portuguese Timor
 * Portuguese West Africa (renamed Angola on 11 June 1951)
 * São Tomé and Príncipe
 * São João Baptista de Ajudá
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

R

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 14 December 1955).
 * valign=top|🇷🇴 → Romania – Romanian People's Republic
 * valign=top|🇷🇴 → Romania – Romanian People's Republic
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

S

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

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

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 * valign=top|🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely-recognized independent state under the informal protection of India.
 * valign=top| Sikkim – Kingdom of Sikkim (to 5 December 1950)
 * valign=top| Sikkim – Kingdom of Sikkim (to 5 December 1950)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. Commonwealth realm. South Africa administered one League of Nations mandate:
 * valign=top|🇿🇦 South Africa – Union of South Africa Capital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
 * valign=top|🇿🇦 South Africa – Union of South Africa Capital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
 * South-West Africa
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

De facto independent state. Not recognized by any other state. Claimed by Indonesia.
 * valign=top| South Maluku – Republic of South Maluku (from 25 April 1950 to 17 October 1952)
 * valign=top| South Maluku – Republic of South Maluku (from 25 April 1950 to 17 October 1952)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. The Soviet Union was a federation of 16 (later 15) republics, two of which (Byelorussia and Ukraine) were UN members in their own right.
 * 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. Permanent observer at the UN (from 1955 to 14 December 1955). UN member state (from 14 December 1955). Spain had sovereignty over the following overseas provinces: Spain administered the foreign affairs of one protectorate: Its sovereignty over Ceuta, Isla de Alborán, Isla Perejil, Islas Chafarinas, Melilla and Peñón de Alhucemas was disputed by Morocco. Its sovereignty over Olivenza and Táliga was disputed by Portugal. It claimed the British overseas territory of Gibraltar.
 * valign=top| Spain – Spanish State
 * valign=top| Spain – Spanish State
 * Fernando Pó (from 30 June 1959)
 * Ifni (from 10 April 1958)
 * Río Muni (from 30 June 1959)
 * Spanish Sahara (from 10 April 1958)
 * Spanish Guinea (to 30 June 1959)
 * Spanish West Africa (to 10 April 1958)
 * Spanish Morocco, de jure the Spanish sphere of influence in Morocco (to 7 April 1956)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. UN member state (from 12 November 1956).
 * valign=top|🇸🇩 Sudan – Republic of the Sudan (from 1 January 1956)
 * valign=top|🇸🇩 Sudan – Republic of the Sudan (from 1 January 1956)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

De facto independent state. Not recognized by any other state. Claimed by the United Kingdom.
 * valign=top| United Suvadive Republic – United Suvadive Republic (from 3 January 1959)
 * valign=top| United Suvadive Republic – United Suvadive Republic (from 3 January 1959)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

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

Widely recognized independent state. Permanent observer at the UN. Switzerland was a federation of 25 cantons.
 * valign=top|🇨🇭 Switzerland – Swiss Confederation
 * valign=top|🇨🇭 Switzerland – Swiss Confederation
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top| Syria (to 1 February 1958)
 * First Syrian Republic (to 5 September 1950)
 * Second Syrian Republic (from 5 September 1950 to 1 February 1958)
 * Second Syrian Republic (from 5 September 1950 to 1 February 1958)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

T

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top| Thailand – Kingdom of Thailand
 * valign=top| Thailand – Kingdom of Thailand
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

De facto independent state. Recognized by no other sovereign state. Claimed by the Republic of China and by the People's Republic of China.
 * valign=top| Tibet (to 23 May 1951)
 * valign=top| Tibet (to 23 May 1951)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely-recognized independent state. UN member state from 12 November 1956.
 * valign=top|🇹🇳 Tunisia (from 20 March 1956)
 * Kingdom of Tunisia (from 20 March 1956 to 25 July 1957)
 * Tunisian Republic (from 25 July 1957)
 * Tunisian Republic (from 25 July 1957)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized state under occupation of the United Kingdom, United States, and Yugoslavia.
 * valign=top| Trieste – Free Territory of Trieste (to 26 October 1954)
 * valign=top| Trieste – Free Territory of Trieste (to 26 October 1954)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * 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 UN member state. United Arab States member (from 1958). The United Arab Republic consisted of two states: Syria and Egypt. The United Arab Republic occupied the Gaza Strip, but this area was not generally recognized as being part of the UAR.
 * valign=top| United Arab Republic (from 1 February 1958)
 * valign=top| United Arab Republic (from 1 February 1958)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely-recognized UN member state. The United Arab States consisted of two states (later three): The United Arab Republic (Egypt and Syria, later, just Egypt),  North Yemen, and later Syria.
 * valign=top|United Arab States (from 8 March 1958)
 * valign=top|United Arab States (from 8 March 1958)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely-recognized UN member state. The United Kingdom was composed of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The United Kingdom administered the foreign affairs of the following protected states: The United Kingdom co-administered the following condominiums: It also had sovereignty over the following crown colonies and protectorates: In addition, the British Monarch had direct sovereignty over three self-governing Crown dependencies: The United Kingdom administered four United Nations Trust Territories: The United Kingdom administered four occupied territories:
 * valign=top|🇬🇧 United Kingdom – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
 * valign=top|🇬🇧 United Kingdom – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
 * 🇧🇭 Bahrain
 * Brunei
 * Flag of Kuwait 1940-1961.png Kuwait
 * → Malaya (to 30 August 1957)
 * → Maldives Islands
 * Qatar
 * 🇹🇴 Tonga (from 3 July 1952)
 * Trucial States, consisting of eight protected states:
 * → Abu Dhabi
 * Ajman
 * Dubai
 * Fujairah
 * Kalba (to 30 July 1952)
 * Ras al-Khaimah
 * Sharjah
 * Umm al-Quwain
 * Anglo-Egyptian Sudan (to 31 December 1955, with Egypt)
 * Canton and Enderbury Islands (with the United States)
 * → New Hebrides (with France)
 * Aden, with one dependency:
 * Kamaran
 * 🇧🇸 → 🇧🇸 Bahamas
 * 🇧🇧 Barbados (to 3 January 1958)
 * Basutoland
 * Bechuanaland
 * 🇧🇲 Bermuda
 * British Guiana
 * British Honduras
 * British Leeward Islands (to 3 January 1958)
 * → →  British Somaliland
 * British Western Pacific Territories, consisting of five territories
 * → British Solomon Islands
 * 🇫🇯 Fiji (to 3 July 1952)
 * Gilbert and Ellice Islands
 * Pitcairn Islands (to 3 July 1952)
 * 🇹🇴 Tonga (to 3 July 1952)
 * British Windward Islands (to 3 January 1958)
 * Christmas Island (from 1 January 1958 to 1 October 1958)
 * 🇨🇾 Cyprus
 * Falkland Islands (disputed by Argentina), with one dependency
 * Falkland Islands Dependencies
 * 🇫🇯 Fiji (from 3 July 1952), with one dependency
 * Rotuma
 * Gambia
 * 🇬🇮 Gibraltar
 * Gold Coast (to 5 March 1957)
 * 🇭🇰 → 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
 * 🇯🇲 → 🇯🇲 Jamaica (to 3 January 1958)
 * 🇰🇪 Kenya
 * 🇲🇹 Malta
 * 🇲🇺 Mauritius
 * 🇳🇬 Nigeria (also a federation from 1 October 1954)
 * North Borneo
 * Northern Rhodesia (to 1 August 1953)
 * Nyasaland (to 1 August 1953)
 * Pitcairn Islands (from 3 July 1952)
 * Rhodesia and Nyasaland (from 1 August 1953)
 * Saint Helena, with two dependencies
 * Ascension Island
 * Tristan da Cunha
 * Sarawak
 * Seychelles
 * Sierra Leone
 * 🇸🇬 → 🇸🇬 Singapore, with two dependencies
 * Christmas Island (to 1 January 1958)
 * Cocos (Keeling) Islands (to 23 November 1955)
 * South Orkney Islands
 * Southern Rhodesia (to 1 August 1953)
 * South Shetland Islands
 * Swaziland
 * 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago (to 3 January 1958)
 * 🇺🇬 Uganda
 * West Indies Federation (from 3 January 1958)
 * Zanzibar
 * 🇬🇬 Guernsey, with two dependencies:
 * Alderney
 * Sark
 * 🇮🇲 Isle of Man
 * 🇯🇪 Jersey
 * British Togoland (to 13 December 1956)
 * British Cameroons
 * Nauru (with Australia and New Zealand)
 * Tanganyika
 * Cyrenaica (to 23 December 1951, under UN supervision)
 * Eritrea (to 15 September 1952, under UN supervision from 19 February 1951)
 * Italian Somaliland (to 1 April 1950)
 * Tripolitania (to 23 December 1951, under UN supervision)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. The United States was a federation of 48 (later 50) states, one federal district, and two (later one) incorporated territories. It asserted sovereignty over the following inhabited unincorporated territories: It also asserted sovereignty over fifteen uninhabited unincorporated territories: The United States co-administered the following condominium: After 28 April 1952, the United States administered two territories under the residual sovereignty of Japan: In addition, the United States administered one United Nations Trust Territory:
 * valign=top|🇺🇸 → 🇺🇸 United States – United States of America
 * valign=top|🇺🇸 → 🇺🇸 United States – United States of America
 * 🇦🇸 American Samoa (including Swains Island, disputed by Tokelau)
 * Guam
 * Panama Canal Zone
 * 🇺🇸 → 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico
 * United States Virgin Islands
 * Bajo Nuevo Bank (claimed by Colombia and Nicaragua)
 * Baker Island
 * Birnie Island (claimed by United Kingdom)
 * Caroline Island (claimed by United Kingdom)
 * Christmas Island (claimed by United Kingdom)
 * Corn Islands
 * Howland Island
 * Jarvis Island
 * Johnston Atoll
 * Kingman Reef
 * Midway Atoll
 * Navassa Island (claimed by Haiti)
 * Quita Sueño Bank (claimed by Colombia)
 * Roncador Bank (claimed by Colombia)
 * Serrana Bank (claimed by Colombia)
 * Serranilla Bank (claimed by Colombia, Jamaica, and Nicaragua)
 * Swan Islands
 * Wake Island
 * Canton and Enderbury Islands (with the United Kingdom)
 * Bonin-Volcano Islands
 * Ryukyu Islands
 * Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state.
 * valign=top|🇺🇾 Uruguay – Eastern Republic of Uruguay
 * valign=top|🇺🇾 Uruguay – Eastern Republic of Uruguay
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

V

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. Vatican City was administered by the Holy See, a sovereign entity recognized by a large number of countries. The Holy See also administered a number of extraterritorial properties in Italy. The Pope was the ex officio head of state of Vatican City.
 * valign=top|🇻🇦 Vatican City – Vatican City State
 * valign=top|🇻🇦 Vatican City – Vatican City State
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. Venezuela was a federation of 20 states, two territories, one federal dependency, and one federal district.
 * valign=top|🇻🇪 → 🇻🇪 Venezuela
 * United States of Venezuela (to 15 April 1953)
 * Republic of Venezuela (from 15 April 1953)
 * Republic of Venezuela (from 15 April 1953)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

De facto independent state. Claimed by France (to 21 July 1954). Widely recognized (from 21 July 1954).
 * valign=top| → North Vietnam – Democratic Republic of Vietnam
 * valign=top| → North Vietnam – Democratic Republic of Vietnam
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized independent state. Permanent observer at the UN (from 1952). South Vietnam claimed sovereignty over the Paracel Islands (disputed by the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China) and Spratly Islands (disputed by the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China, and the Philippines).
 * valign=top| South Vietnam
 * State of Vietnam (from 21 July 1954 to 26 October 1955)
 * Republic of Vietnam (from 26 October 1955)
 * Republic of Vietnam (from 26 October 1955)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|


 * colspan=3|
 * colspan=3|

Y

 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. United Arab States member (from 1958).
 * valign=top|🇾🇪 Yemen – Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen (to 8 March 1958)
 * valign=top|🇾🇪 Yemen – Mutawakkilite Kingdom of Yemen (to 8 March 1958)
 * colspan=2|
 * colspan=2|

Widely recognized UN member state. Yugoslavia was a federation of six republics.
 * valign=top| Yugoslavia – Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia
 * valign=top| Yugoslavia – Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia
 * 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:
 * 🇪🇪 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.
 * 🇱🇻 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.
 * The Saudi–Iraqi neutral zone was a strip of neutral territory between Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
 * The Saudi–Kuwaiti neutral zone was a strip of neutral territory between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
 * 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. It was reintegrated into Morocco on 29 October 1956.
 * → West Berlin 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.