List of sovereign states in the 2000s

This is a list of sovereign states in the 2000s, giving an overview of states around the world during the period between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2009. It contains 213 entries, arranged alphabetically, with information on the status and recognition of their sovereignty. It includes 194 widely recognized sovereign states, 2 associated states, and 17 entities which claim an effective sovereignty but are considered de facto dependencies of other powers by the general international community.

Members or observers of the United Nations
{| border="0" cellpadding="0" style="text-align:left; font-size: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border'': 0px solid #AAAAAA" ! width=60% | Name and capital city ! width=40% | Status and recognition of sovereignty


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

A
Widely-recognized UN member state. Claimed to be and was widely recognized as the sole legitimate government of Afghanistan, however in effect it only controlled a small portion of the country until 13 November 2001.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇫 → 🇦🇫 → →  Capital: Taloqan (to 6 September 2000), Fayzabad (from 6 September 2000 to 13 November 2001), Kabul (from 13 November 2001)
 * Islamic State of Afghanistan (to 7 December 2001 in Northern Alliance zone; from 7 December 2001 to 13 June 2002)
 * Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan (from 13 June 2002 to 26 January 2004)
 * Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (from 26 January 2004)
 * Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan (from 13 June 2002 to 26 January 2004)
 * Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (from 26 January 2004)

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇱 → 🇦🇱 Albania – Republic of Albania
 * valign=top | 🇦🇱 → 🇦🇱 Albania – Republic of Albania
 * valign=top | 🇦🇱 → 🇦🇱 Albania – Republic of Albania

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇩🇿 Algeria – People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
 * valign=top | 🇩🇿 Algeria – People's Democratic Republic of Algeria
 * valign=top | 🇩🇿 Algeria – People's Democratic Republic of Algeria

Widely-recognized UN member 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.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇩 Andorra – Principality of Andorra
 * valign=top | 🇦🇩 Andorra – Principality of Andorra
 * valign=top | 🇦🇩 Andorra – Principality of Andorra

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇴 Angola – Republic of Angola
 * valign=top | 🇦🇴 Angola – Republic of Angola
 * valign=top | 🇦🇴 Angola – Republic of Angola

Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. Antigua and Barbuda had two dependencies, Barbuda and Redonda.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda
 * valign=top | 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda
 * valign=top | 🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda

Widely-recognized UN member state. Argentina was a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city. It had a claim over Argentine Antarctica, which was suspended under the Antarctic Treaty. It also claimed the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, both of which were British overseas territories.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇷 → 🇦🇷 Argentina – Argentine Republic
 * valign=top | 🇦🇷 → 🇦🇷 Argentina – Argentine Republic
 * valign=top | 🇦🇷 → 🇦🇷 Argentina – Argentine Republic

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇲 Armenia – Republic of Armenia
 * valign=top | 🇦🇲 Armenia – Republic of Armenia
 * valign=top | 🇦🇲 Armenia – Republic of Armenia

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:
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇺 Australia – Commonwealth of Australia
 * valign=top | 🇦🇺 Australia – Commonwealth of Australia
 * valign=top | 🇦🇺 Australia – Commonwealth of Australia
 * Ashmore and Cartier Islands
 * Australian Antarctic Territory (suspended under the Antarctic Treaty.)
 * 🇨🇽 Christmas Island
 * 🇨🇨 Cocos (Keeling) Islands
 * Coral Sea Islands
 * Heard Island and McDonald Islands
 * 🇳🇫 Norfolk Island

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. Austria was a federation of nine states.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇹 Austria – Republic of Austria
 * valign=top | 🇦🇹 Austria – Republic of Austria
 * valign=top | 🇦🇹 Austria – Republic of Austria

Widely-recognized UN member state. Azerbaijan had one autonomous republic, Nakhchivan. It included the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh, where a partially recognized breakaway republic had declared independence.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇿 → Azerbaijan – Republic of Azerbaijan
 * valign=top | 🇦🇿 → Azerbaijan – Republic of Azerbaijan
 * valign=top | 🇦🇿 → Azerbaijan – Republic of Azerbaijan


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

B
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  The Bahamas – Commonwealth of the Bahamas
 * valign=top |  The Bahamas – Commonwealth of the Bahamas
 * valign=top |  The Bahamas – Commonwealth of the Bahamas

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇭 → 
 * State of Bahrain (to 14 February 2002)
 * Kingdom of Bahrain (from 14 February 2002)
 * State of Bahrain (to 14 February 2002)
 * Kingdom of Bahrain (from 14 February 2002)

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh – People's Republic of Bangladesh
 * valign=top | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh – People's Republic of Bangladesh
 * valign=top | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh – People's Republic of Bangladesh

Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇧 Barbados
 * valign=top | 🇧🇧 Barbados
 * valign=top | 🇧🇧 Barbados

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇾 Belarus – Republic of Belarus
 * valign=top | 🇧🇾 Belarus – Republic of Belarus
 * valign=top | 🇧🇾 Belarus – Republic of Belarus

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. Belgium was a federation of three communities and three regions.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇪 Belgium – Kingdom of Belgium
 * valign=top | 🇧🇪 Belgium – Kingdom of Belgium
 * valign=top | 🇧🇪 Belgium – Kingdom of Belgium

Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Belize
 * valign=top |  Belize
 * valign=top |  Belize

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇯 Benin – Republic of Benin Capital: Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (seat of government)
 * valign=top | 🇧🇯 Benin – Republic of Benin Capital: Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (seat of government)
 * valign=top | 🇧🇯 Benin – Republic of Benin Capital: Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (seat of government)

Widely-recognized UN member state. Bhutan was officially guided by India in its foreign affairs, but effectively pursued an independent foreign policy. The Indo-Bhutanese Friendship Treaty was revised on 8 February 2007, confirming Bhutan's full independence in this area.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇹 Bhutan – Kingdom of Bhutan
 * valign=top | 🇧🇹 Bhutan – Kingdom of Bhutan
 * valign=top | 🇧🇹 Bhutan – Kingdom of Bhutan

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇴 Bolivia Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative)
 * Republic of Bolivia (to 7 February 2009)
 * Plurinational State of Bolivia (from 7 February 2009)
 * Republic of Bolivia (to 7 February 2009)
 * Plurinational State of Bolivia (from 7 February 2009)

Widely-recognized UN member state. Bosnia and Herzegovina was a federation of two constituent entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which was itself a federation of ten cantons, and Republika Srpska. There was also a neutral Brčko District.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
 * valign=top | 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
 * valign=top | 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇼 Botswana – Republic of Botswana
 * valign=top | 🇧🇼 Botswana – Republic of Botswana
 * valign=top | 🇧🇼 Botswana – Republic of Botswana

Widely-recognized UN member state. Brazil was a federation of 26 states and one federal district.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇷 Brazil – Federative Republic of Brazil
 * valign=top | 🇧🇷 Brazil – Federative Republic of Brazil
 * valign=top | 🇧🇷 Brazil – Federative Republic of Brazil

Widely-recognized UN member state. Brunei claimed part of the Spratly Islands (disputed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Brunei – State of Brunei, Abode of Peace
 * valign=top |  Brunei – State of Brunei, Abode of Peace
 * valign=top |  Brunei – State of Brunei, Abode of Peace

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 January 2007).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria – Republic of Bulgaria
 * valign=top | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria – Republic of Bulgaria
 * valign=top | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria – Republic of Bulgaria

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
 * valign=top | 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso
 * valign=top | 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso


 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Burma Myanmar
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Burma Myanmar
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Burma Myanmar

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇧🇮 Burundi – Republic of Burundi
 * valign=top | 🇧🇮 Burundi – Republic of Burundi
 * valign=top | 🇧🇮 Burundi – Republic of Burundi


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

C
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇰🇭 Cambodia – Kingdom of Cambodia
 * valign=top | 🇰🇭 Cambodia – Kingdom of Cambodia
 * valign=top | 🇰🇭 Cambodia – Kingdom of Cambodia

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇲 Cameroon – Republic of Cameroon
 * valign=top | 🇨🇲 Cameroon – Republic of Cameroon
 * valign=top | 🇨🇲 Cameroon – Republic of Cameroon

Widely-recognized UN member state and Commonwealth realm; Canada was a federation of ten provinces and three territories.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇦 Canada
 * valign=top | 🇨🇦 Canada
 * valign=top | 🇨🇦 Canada

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇻 Cape Verde – Republic of Cape Verde
 * valign=top | 🇨🇻 Cape Verde – Republic of Cape Verde
 * valign=top | 🇨🇻 Cape Verde – Republic of Cape Verde

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇫 Central African Republic
 * valign=top | 🇨🇫 Central African Republic
 * valign=top | 🇨🇫 Central African Republic

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇹🇩 Chad – Republic of Chad
 * valign=top | 🇹🇩 Chad – Republic of Chad
 * valign=top | 🇹🇩 Chad – Republic of Chad

Widely-recognized UN member state. Chile had two special territories after 30 July 2007, Easter Island and the Juan Fernández Islands. It had a claim over Chilean Antarctic Territory, which is suspended under the Antarctic Treaty.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇱 Chile – Republic of Chile
 * valign=top | 🇨🇱 Chile – Republic of Chile
 * valign=top | 🇨🇱 Chile – Republic of Chile

Widely-recognized UN member state. China had five autonomous regions: Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Xinjiang and Tibet. Additionally, it had sovereignty over two special administrative regions: China claimed Taiwan, Kinmen, the Matsu Islands, Pratas Island and the Vereker Banks, and Itu Aba, all of which were governed by Taiwan. It also claimed the Paracel Islands (disputed by the Republic of China and Vietnam), the Spratly Islands (disputed by the Republic of China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei), and South Tibet (controlled by India). The People's Republic of China administered Aksai Chin and the Trans-Karakoram Tract, which were within the disputed region of Kashmir.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇳 China – People's Republic of China
 * People's Republic of China (to 15 November 2002)
 * People's Republic of China (from 15 November 2002)
 * People's Republic of China (to 15 November 2002)
 * People's Republic of China (from 15 November 2002)
 * 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
 * Macau

Widely-recognized UN member state. Colombia administered Serranilla Bank and claimed Bajo Nuevo Bank (disputed by Nicaragua and the United States)
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇴 Colombia – Republic of Colombia
 * valign=top | 🇨🇴 Colombia – Republic of Colombia
 * valign=top | 🇨🇴 Colombia – Republic of Colombia

Widely-recognized UN member state. The Comoros was a federation of three islands (autonomous islands since 23 December 2001): Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan. Anjouan and Mohéli were de facto independent states until 10 March 2002. Comoros also claimed sovereignty over the French overseas territories of Mayotte and the Glorioso Islands. Comoros also claimed Banc du Geyser (disputed by Madagascar and France).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇰🇲 → 🇰🇲 Comoros
 * Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros (to 23 December 2001)
 * Union of the Comoros (from 23 December 2001)
 * Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros (to 23 December 2001)
 * Union of the Comoros (from 23 December 2001)

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  → →  Congo, Democratic Republic of the – Democratic Republic of the Congo
 * valign=top |  → →  Congo, Democratic Republic of the – Democratic Republic of the Congo
 * valign=top |  → →  Congo, Democratic Republic of the – Democratic Republic of the Congo

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Congo, Republic of the – Republic of the Congo
 * valign=top |  Congo, Republic of the – Republic of the Congo
 * valign=top |  Congo, Republic of the – Republic of the Congo

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica – Republic of Costa Rica
 * valign=top | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica – Republic of Costa Rica
 * valign=top | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica – Republic of Costa Rica


 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Côte d'Ivoire Ivory Coast
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Côte d'Ivoire Ivory Coast
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Côte d'Ivoire Ivory Coast

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇭🇷 Croatia – Republic of Croatia
 * valign=top | 🇭🇷 Croatia – Republic of Croatia
 * valign=top | 🇭🇷 Croatia – Republic of Croatia

Widely-recognized UN member state. The Cuban area of Guantánamo Bay was under the control of the United States.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇺 Cuba – Republic of Cuba
 * valign=top | 🇨🇺 Cuba – Republic of Cuba
 * valign=top | 🇨🇺 Cuba – Republic of Cuba

Widely-recognized UN member state. EU member (from 1 May 2004). The northeastern part of the island was the de facto independent state of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇾 → 🇨🇾 Cyprus – Republic of Cyprus
 * valign=top | 🇨🇾 → 🇨🇾 Cyprus – Republic of Cyprus
 * valign=top | 🇨🇾 → 🇨🇾 Cyprus – Republic of Cyprus

Widely-recognized UN member state. EU member (from 1 May 2004).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
 * valign=top | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
 * valign=top | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

D
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. The Danish Realm also included two of its constituent countries:
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇩🇰 Denmark – Kingdom of Denmark
 * valign=top | 🇩🇰 Denmark – Kingdom of Denmark
 * valign=top | 🇩🇰 Denmark – Kingdom of Denmark
 * 🇬🇱 Greenland
 * 🇫🇴 Faroe Islands

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇩🇯 Djibouti – Republic of Djibouti
 * valign=top | 🇩🇯 Djibouti – Republic of Djibouti
 * valign=top | 🇩🇯 Djibouti – Republic of Djibouti

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇩🇲 Dominica – Commonwealth of Dominica
 * valign=top | 🇩🇲 Dominica – Commonwealth of Dominica
 * valign=top | 🇩🇲 Dominica – Commonwealth of Dominica

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic
 * valign=top | 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic
 * valign=top | 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

E
Widely recognized independent state; UN member state (from 27 September 2002).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  East Timor (from 20 May 2002)
 * Democratic Republic of East Timor (from 20 May 2002 to 27 September 2002)
 * Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (from 27 September 2002)
 * Democratic Republic of East Timor (from 20 May 2002 to 27 September 2002)
 * Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (from 27 September 2002)

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  → 🇪🇨 Ecuador – Republic of Ecuador
 * valign=top |  → 🇪🇨 Ecuador – Republic of Ecuador
 * valign=top |  → 🇪🇨 Ecuador – Republic of Ecuador

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇪🇬 Egypt – Arab Republic of Egypt
 * valign=top | 🇪🇬 Egypt – Arab Republic of Egypt
 * valign=top | 🇪🇬 Egypt – Arab Republic of Egypt

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇻 El Salvador – Republic of El Salvador
 * valign=top | 🇸🇻 El Salvador – Republic of El Salvador
 * valign=top | 🇸🇻 El Salvador – Republic of El Salvador

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea – Republic of Equatorial Guinea
 * valign=top | 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea – Republic of Equatorial Guinea
 * valign=top | 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea – Republic of Equatorial Guinea

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇪🇷 Eritrea – State of Eritrea
 * valign=top | 🇪🇷 Eritrea – State of Eritrea
 * valign=top | 🇪🇷 Eritrea – State of Eritrea

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇪🇪 Estonia – Republic of Estonia
 * valign=top | 🇪🇪 Estonia – Republic of Estonia
 * valign=top | 🇪🇪 Estonia – Republic of Estonia

Widely-recognized UN member state; Ethiopia was a federation of nine regions and two chartered cities.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  → 🇪🇹 Ethiopia – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
 * valign=top |  → 🇪🇹 Ethiopia – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
 * valign=top |  → 🇪🇹 Ethiopia – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

F
Widely-recognized UN member state. Fiji had an autonomous dependency, Rotuma.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇫🇯 Fiji – Republic of the Fiji Islands
 * valign=top | 🇫🇯 Fiji – Republic of the Fiji Islands
 * valign=top | 🇫🇯 Fiji – Republic of the Fiji Islands

Widely-recognized UN member state. EU member. Finland had a neutral and demilitarised region:
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇫🇮 Finland – Republic of Finland
 * valign=top | 🇫🇮 Finland – Republic of Finland
 * valign=top | 🇫🇮 Finland – Republic of Finland
 * Åland

Widely-recognized UN member state. EU member. France included four overseas departments: French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion. It also had sovereignty over the following overseas territories: France also claimed Banc du Geyser (disputed by Madagascar and the Comoros).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇫🇷 France – French Republic
 * valign=top | 🇫🇷 France – French Republic
 * valign=top | 🇫🇷 France – French Republic
 * Clipperton Island (from 22 February 2007)
 * 🇵🇫 French Polynesia, with one dependency
 * Clipperton Island (to 22 February 2007)
 * French Southern and Antarctic Lands (including a claim to Adélie Land which was suspended under the Antarctic Treaty.)
 * 🇾🇹 Mayotte
 * New Caledonia
 * Saint-Barthélemy (from 21 February 2007)
 * Saint Martin (from 21 February 2007)
 * 🇵🇲 Saint Pierre and Miquelon
 * The Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean, consisting of five uninhabited possessions, all of which were incorporated into the French Southern and Antarctic Lands on 21 February 2007:
 * Bassas da India (disputed by Madagascar)
 * Europa Island (disputed by Madagascar)
 * Glorioso Islands (disputed by Madagascar, Comoros, and the Seychelles)
 * Juan de Nova Island (disputed by Madagascar)
 * Tromelin Island (disputed by Mauritius and the Seychelles)
 * 🇼🇫 Wallis and Futuna


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

G
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇦 Gabon – Gabonese Republic
 * valign=top | 🇬🇦 Gabon – Gabonese Republic
 * valign=top | 🇬🇦 Gabon – Gabonese Republic

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  The Gambia – Republic of the Gambia
 * valign=top |  The Gambia – Republic of the Gambia
 * valign=top |  The Gambia – Republic of the Gambia

Widely-recognized UN member state. Georgia had two autonomous republics: Adjara and Abkhazia. The latter republic was home to a de facto independent state. Georgia also included the disputed region of South Ossetia, where a partially recognized breakaway republic had declared independence.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  → Georgia (country)
 * valign=top |  → Georgia (country)
 * valign=top |  → Georgia (country)

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. Germany was a federation of sixteen states.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇩🇪 Germany – Federal Republic of Germany
 * valign=top | 🇩🇪 Germany – Federal Republic of Germany
 * valign=top | 🇩🇪 Germany – Federal Republic of Germany

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇭 Ghana – Republic of Ghana
 * valign=top | 🇬🇭 Ghana – Republic of Ghana
 * valign=top | 🇬🇭 Ghana – Republic of Ghana

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. 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.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇷 Greece – Hellenic Republic
 * valign=top | 🇬🇷 Greece – Hellenic Republic
 * valign=top | 🇬🇷 Greece – Hellenic Republic

Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. Grenada had one autonomous dependency, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇩 Grenada
 * valign=top | 🇬🇩 Grenada
 * valign=top | 🇬🇩 Grenada

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇹 Guatemala – Republic of Guatemala
 * valign=top | 🇬🇹 Guatemala – Republic of Guatemala
 * valign=top | 🇬🇹 Guatemala – Republic of Guatemala

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇳 Guinea – Republic of Guinea
 * valign=top | 🇬🇳 Guinea – Republic of Guinea
 * valign=top | 🇬🇳 Guinea – Republic of Guinea

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau – Republic of Guinea-Bissau
 * valign=top | 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau – Republic of Guinea-Bissau
 * valign=top | 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau – Republic of Guinea-Bissau

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇾 Guyana – Co-operative Republic of Guyana
 * valign=top | 🇬🇾 Guyana – Co-operative Republic of Guyana
 * valign=top | 🇬🇾 Guyana – Co-operative Republic of Guyana


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

H
Widely-recognized UN member state. Haiti claimed the uninhabited United States possession of Navassa Island.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇭🇹 Haiti – Republic of Haiti
 * valign=top | 🇭🇹 Haiti – Republic of Haiti
 * valign=top | 🇭🇹 Haiti – Republic of Haiti


 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Holy See Vatican City
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Holy See Vatican City
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Holy See Vatican City

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇭🇳 Honduras – Republic of Honduras
 * valign=top | 🇭🇳 Honduras – Republic of Honduras
 * valign=top | 🇭🇳 Honduras – Republic of Honduras

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇭🇺 Hungary – Republic of Hungary
 * valign=top | 🇭🇺 Hungary – Republic of Hungary
 * valign=top | 🇭🇺 Hungary – Republic of Hungary


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

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

Widely-recognized UN member state. India was a federation of twenty-eight states and seven union territories. Indian sovereignty over South Tibet 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.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇮🇳 India – Republic of India
 * valign=top | 🇮🇳 India – Republic of India
 * valign=top | 🇮🇳 India – Republic of India

Widely-recognized UN member state. Indonesia had five special provinces: Aceh, Jakarta, Papua (from 21 November 2001), West Papua (from 14 November 2003), and Yogyakarta
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇮🇩 Indonesia – Republic of Indonesia
 * valign=top | 🇮🇩 Indonesia – Republic of Indonesia
 * valign=top | 🇮🇩 Indonesia – Republic of Indonesia

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇮🇷 Iran – Islamic Republic of Iran
 * valign=top | 🇮🇷 Iran – Islamic Republic of Iran
 * valign=top | 🇮🇷 Iran – Islamic Republic of Iran

Widely-recognized UN member state. After 15 October 2005, Iraq was constitutionally designated as a federation of autonomous regions, but only one region (i.e. Iraqi Kurdistan) had been established.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  → 🇮🇶 → 🇮🇶 Iraq
 * Republic of Iraq (to 21 April 2003)
 * Coalition Provisional Authority (from 21 April 2003 to 28 June 2004)
 * Republic of Iraq (from 28 June 2004)
 * Coalition Provisional Authority (from 21 April 2003 to 28 June 2004)
 * Republic of Iraq (from 28 June 2004)

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇮🇪 Ireland
 * valign=top | 🇮🇪 Ireland
 * valign=top | 🇮🇪 Ireland

Widely-recognized UN member state. Israel occupied East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, the Israeli Security Zone in Southern Lebanon (to 22 May 2000), and the West Bank. These areas were not generally recognized as being part of Israel.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇮🇱 Israel – State of Israel
 * valign=top | 🇮🇱 Israel – State of Israel
 * valign=top | 🇮🇱 Israel – State of Israel

Widely-recognized UN member state; EEC member. Italy had 5 autonomous regions and they were the Aosta Valley, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Sardinia, Sicily, and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | → 🇮🇹 → 🇮🇹 Italy – Italian Republic
 * valign=top | → 🇮🇹 → 🇮🇹 Italy – Italian Republic
 * valign=top | → 🇮🇹 → 🇮🇹 Italy – Italian Republic

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Ivory Coast – Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Capital: Yamoussoukro (official), Abidjan (seat of government)
 * valign=top |  Ivory Coast – Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Capital: Yamoussoukro (official), Abidjan (seat of government)
 * valign=top |  Ivory Coast – Republic of Côte d'Ivoire Capital: Yamoussoukro (official), Abidjan (seat of government)


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

J
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇯🇲 Jamaica
 * valign=top | 🇯🇲 Jamaica
 * valign=top | 🇯🇲 Jamaica

Widely-recognized UN member state. Japan claimed the Liancourt Rocks, which were controlled by South Korea.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇯🇵 Japan
 * valign=top | 🇯🇵 Japan
 * valign=top | 🇯🇵 Japan

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇯🇴 Jordan – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
 * valign=top | 🇯🇴 Jordan – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
 * valign=top | 🇯🇴 Jordan – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

K
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan – Republic of Kazakhstan
 * valign=top | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan – Republic of Kazakhstan
 * valign=top | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan – Republic of Kazakhstan

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇰🇪 Kenya – Republic of Kenya
 * valign=top | 🇰🇪 Kenya – Republic of Kenya
 * valign=top | 🇰🇪 Kenya – Republic of Kenya

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇰🇮 Kiribati – Republic of Kiribati
 * valign=top | 🇰🇮 Kiribati – Republic of Kiribati
 * valign=top | 🇰🇮 Kiribati – Republic of Kiribati

Widely-recognized UN member state. Claimed to be the sole legitimate government of Korea.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Korea, North – Democratic People's Republic of Korea
 * valign=top |  Korea, North – Democratic People's Republic of Korea
 * valign=top |  Korea, North – Democratic People's Republic of Korea

Widely-recognized UN member state. South Korea had one autonomous region and it was Jeju Island from 1 July 2006; claimed to be the sole legitimate government of Korea. South Korea controlled the Liancourt Rocks, which were claimed by Japan.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Korea, South – Republic of Korea
 * valign=top |  Korea, South – Republic of Korea
 * valign=top |  Korea, South – Republic of Korea

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇰🇼 Kuwait – State of Kuwait
 * valign=top | 🇰🇼 Kuwait – State of Kuwait
 * valign=top | 🇰🇼 Kuwait – State of Kuwait

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz Republic
 * valign=top | 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz Republic
 * valign=top | 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyz Republic


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

L
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Laos – Lao People's Democratic Republic
 * valign=top |  Laos – Lao People's Democratic Republic
 * valign=top |  Laos – Lao People's Democratic Republic

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇱🇻 Latvia – Republic of Latvia
 * valign=top | 🇱🇻 Latvia – Republic of Latvia
 * valign=top | 🇱🇻 Latvia – Republic of Latvia

Widely-recognized UN member state. Lebanon was occupied by Syria (to 25 April 2005). Some of Southern Lebanon was occupied by Israel (to 22 May 2000).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇱🇧 Lebanon – Lebanese Republic
 * valign=top | 🇱🇧 Lebanon – Lebanese Republic
 * valign=top | 🇱🇧 Lebanon – Lebanese Republic

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇱🇸 → 🇱🇸 Lesotho – Kingdom of Lesotho
 * valign=top | 🇱🇸 → 🇱🇸 Lesotho – Kingdom of Lesotho
 * valign=top | 🇱🇸 → 🇱🇸 Lesotho – Kingdom of Lesotho

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

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇱🇾 Libya – Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
 * valign=top | 🇱🇾 Libya – Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
 * valign=top | 🇱🇾 Libya – Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Widely-recognized UN member state. The defense of Liechtenstein was the responsibility of Switzerland.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein – Principality of Liechtenstein
 * valign=top | 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein – Principality of Liechtenstein
 * valign=top | 🇱🇮 Liechtenstein – Principality of Liechtenstein

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇱🇹 → 🇱🇹 Lithuania – Republic of Lithuania
 * valign=top | 🇱🇹 → 🇱🇹 Lithuania – Republic of Lithuania
 * valign=top | 🇱🇹 → 🇱🇹 Lithuania – Republic of Lithuania

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇱🇺 Luxembourg – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
 * valign=top | 🇱🇺 Luxembourg – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
 * valign=top | 🇱🇺 Luxembourg – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

M
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  North Macedonia – Republic of Macedonia
 * valign=top |  North Macedonia – Republic of Macedonia
 * valign=top |  North Macedonia – Republic of Macedonia

Widely-recognized UN member state. Madagascar claimed the French possessions of Bassas da India, Europa Island, Glorioso Islands and Juan de Nova Island. It also claimed Banc du Geyser (disputed by Comoros and France)
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇬 Madagascar – Republic of Madagascar
 * valign=top | 🇲🇬 Madagascar – Republic of Madagascar
 * valign=top | 🇲🇬 Madagascar – Republic of Madagascar

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇼 Malawi – Republic of Malawi
 * valign=top | 🇲🇼 Malawi – Republic of Malawi
 * valign=top | 🇲🇼 Malawi – Republic of Malawi

Widely-recognized UN member state. Malaysia was a federation of thirteen states and three federal territories. Malaysia claimed part of the Spratly Islands (disputed by the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇾 Malaysia Capital: Kuala Lumpur (official), Putrajaya (administrative)
 * valign=top | 🇲🇾 Malaysia Capital: Kuala Lumpur (official), Putrajaya (administrative)
 * valign=top | 🇲🇾 Malaysia Capital: Kuala Lumpur (official), Putrajaya (administrative)

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇻 Maldives – Republic of Maldives
 * valign=top | 🇲🇻 Maldives – Republic of Maldives
 * valign=top | 🇲🇻 Maldives – Republic of Maldives

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇱 Mali – Republic of Mali
 * valign=top | 🇲🇱 Mali – Republic of Mali
 * valign=top | 🇲🇱 Mali – Republic of Mali

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇹 Malta – Republic of Malta
 * valign=top | 🇲🇹 Malta – Republic of Malta
 * valign=top | 🇲🇹 Malta – Republic of Malta

Widely-recognized UN member state under Compact of Free Association with the United States. The Marshall Islands claimed the United States territory of Wake Island.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands – Republic of the Marshall Islands
 * valign=top | 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands – Republic of the Marshall Islands
 * valign=top | 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands – Republic of the Marshall Islands

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇷 Mauritania – Islamic Republic of Mauritania
 * valign=top | 🇲🇷 Mauritania – Islamic Republic of Mauritania
 * valign=top | 🇲🇷 Mauritania – Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Widely-recognized UN member state. Mauritius had one autonomous dependency: Rodrigues (from 12 October 2002). Mauritius also had three (later two) other dependencies: Agalega Islands, Cargados Carajos and Rodrigues (to 12 October 2002). It claimed the British Indian Ocean Territory and the French territory of Tromelin Island.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇺 Mauritius – Republic of Mauritius
 * valign=top | 🇲🇺 Mauritius – Republic of Mauritius
 * valign=top | 🇲🇺 Mauritius – Republic of Mauritius

Widely-recognized UN member state. Mexico was a federation of 31 states and one federal district.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇽 Mexico – United Mexican States
 * valign=top | 🇲🇽 Mexico – United Mexican States
 * valign=top | 🇲🇽 Mexico – United Mexican States

Widely-recognized UN member state under Compact of Free Association with the United States; the FSM was a federation of four states.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Federated States of Micronesia – Federated States of Micronesia
 * valign=top |  Federated States of Micronesia – Federated States of Micronesia
 * valign=top |  Federated States of Micronesia – Federated States of Micronesia

Widely-recognized UN member state. Moldova had two autonomous territorial units: Gagauzia and Transnistria. The latter was home to a de facto independent state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Moldova – Republic of Moldova
 * valign=top |  Moldova – Republic of Moldova
 * valign=top |  Moldova – Republic of Moldova

Widely-recognized UN member state. The defense of Monaco was the responsibility of France.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇨 Monaco – Principality of Monaco
 * valign=top | 🇲🇨 Monaco – Principality of Monaco
 * valign=top | 🇲🇨 Monaco – Principality of Monaco

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇳 Mongolia
 * valign=top | 🇲🇳 Mongolia
 * valign=top | 🇲🇳 Mongolia

Widely recognized independent state from 3 June 2006; UN member state from 28 June 2006.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇪 Montenegro (from 3 June 2006)
 * Republic of Montenegro (from 3 June 2006 to 22 October 2007)
 * Montenegro (from 22 October 2007)
 * Republic of Montenegro (from 3 June 2006 to 22 October 2007)
 * Montenegro (from 22 October 2007)

Widely-recognized UN member state. Morocco claimed sovereignty over and controlled most of the disputed Western Sahara, which was home to the de facto independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Morocco disputed the Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta, Isla de Alborán, Isla Perejil, Islas Chafarinas, Melilla, and Peñón de Alhucemas.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇦 Morocco – Kingdom of Morocco
 * valign=top | 🇲🇦 Morocco – Kingdom of Morocco
 * valign=top | 🇲🇦 Morocco – Kingdom of Morocco

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇿 Mozambique – Republic of Mozambique
 * valign=top | 🇲🇿 Mozambique – Republic of Mozambique
 * valign=top | 🇲🇿 Mozambique – Republic of Mozambique

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇲🇲 Myanmar – Union of Myanmar Capital: Yangon (to 6 November 2005), Naypyidaw (from 6 November 2005)
 * valign=top | 🇲🇲 Myanmar – Union of Myanmar Capital: Yangon (to 6 November 2005), Naypyidaw (from 6 November 2005)
 * valign=top | 🇲🇲 Myanmar – Union of Myanmar Capital: Yangon (to 6 November 2005), Naypyidaw (from 6 November 2005)


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

N
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇳🇦 Namibia – Republic of Namibia
 * valign=top | 🇳🇦 Namibia – Republic of Namibia
 * valign=top | 🇳🇦 Namibia – Republic of Namibia

Widely-recognized UN member state. The defense of Nauru was the responsibility of Australia.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇳🇷 Nauru – Republic of Nauru Capital: Yaren (unofficial)
 * valign=top | 🇳🇷 Nauru – Republic of Nauru Capital: Yaren (unofficial)
 * valign=top | 🇳🇷 Nauru – Republic of Nauru Capital: Yaren (unofficial)

Widely-recognized UN member state. Nepal was designated as a federation after 28 May 2008, but its federal units had not yet been created.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇳🇵 Nepal
 * Kingdom of Nepal (to 15 January 2007)
 * State of Nepal (from 15 January 2007 to 28 May 2008)
 * Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (from 28 May 2008)
 * State of Nepal (from 15 January 2007 to 28 May 2008)
 * Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (from 28 May 2008)

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 EU, but Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles were not.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇳🇱 Netherlands – Kingdom of the Netherlands Capital: Amsterdam (official), The Hague (seat of government)
 * valign=top | 🇳🇱 Netherlands – Kingdom of the Netherlands Capital: Amsterdam (official), The Hague (seat of government)
 * valign=top | 🇳🇱 Netherlands – Kingdom of the Netherlands Capital: Amsterdam (official), The Hague (seat of government)
 * 🇦🇼 Aruba
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * Netherlands Antilles

Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. New Zealand had responsibilities for the two free associated states of: It also had sovereignty over two dependent territories: The government of Tokelau claimed Swains Island, part of American Samoa (a U.S. dependence). New Zealand did not recognize this claim.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇳🇿 New Zealand
 * valign=top | 🇳🇿 New Zealand
 * valign=top | 🇳🇿 New Zealand
 * 🇨🇰 Cook Islands
 * 🇳🇺 Niue
 * Ross Dependency (suspended under the Antarctic Treaty)
 * 🇹🇰 Tokelau

Widely-recognized UN member state. Nicaragua had two autonomous regions: Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte and Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇳🇮 Nicaragua – Republic of Nicaragua
 * valign=top | 🇳🇮 Nicaragua – Republic of Nicaragua
 * valign=top | 🇳🇮 Nicaragua – Republic of Nicaragua

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇳🇪 Niger – Republic of Niger
 * valign=top | 🇳🇪 Niger – Republic of Niger
 * valign=top | 🇳🇪 Niger – Republic of Niger

Widely-recognized UN member state. Nigeria was a federation of 36 states and one federal territory.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇳🇬 Nigeria – Federal Republic of Nigeria
 * valign=top | 🇳🇬 Nigeria – Federal Republic of Nigeria
 * valign=top | 🇳🇬 Nigeria – Federal Republic of Nigeria

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


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

O
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇴🇲 Oman – Sultanate of Oman
 * valign=top | 🇴🇲 Oman – Sultanate of Oman
 * valign=top | 🇴🇲 Oman – Sultanate of Oman


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

P
Widely-recognized UN member state. Pakistan was a federation of four provinces and four territories. It administered part of the disputed region of Kashmir as the territories of Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas. The latter territory was autonomous under the name Gilgit-Baltistan after 29 August 2009.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇵🇰 Pakistan – Islamic Republic of Pakistan
 * valign=top | 🇵🇰 Pakistan – Islamic Republic of Pakistan
 * valign=top | 🇵🇰 Pakistan – Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Widely-recognized UN member state under Compact of Free Association with the United States. Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇵🇼 Palau – Republic of Palau Capital: Koror (to 7 October 2006), Ngerulmud (from 7 October 2006)
 * valign=top | 🇵🇼 Palau – Republic of Palau Capital: Koror (to 7 October 2006), Ngerulmud (from 7 October 2006)
 * valign=top | 🇵🇼 Palau – Republic of Palau Capital: Koror (to 7 October 2006), Ngerulmud (from 7 October 2006)
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇵🇦 Panama – Republic of Panama
 * valign=top | 🇵🇦 Panama – Republic of Panama
 * valign=top | 🇵🇦 Panama – Republic of Panama

Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. After 15 June 2005, Papua New Guinea had one autonomous region: Bougainville.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea – Independent State of Papua New Guinea
 * valign=top | 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea – Independent State of Papua New Guinea
 * valign=top | 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea – Independent State of Papua New Guinea

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

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

Widely-recognized UN member state. The Philippines had one autonomous region: Muslim Mindanao. The Philippines administered Scarborough Shoal and Macclesfield Bank, disputed by the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China. It also claimed sovereignty over the Spratly Islands (disputed by the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia) and the Malaysian territory of Sabah.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇵🇭 Philippines – Republic of the Philippines
 * valign=top | 🇵🇭 Philippines – Republic of the Philippines
 * valign=top | 🇵🇭 Philippines – Republic of the Philippines

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇵🇱 Poland – Republic of Poland
 * valign=top | 🇵🇱 Poland – Republic of Poland
 * valign=top | 🇵🇱 Poland – Republic of Poland

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. Portugal had two autonomous regions: the Azores and Madeira. Portugal claimed the Spanish municipalities of Olivenza and Táliga.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇵🇹 Portugal – Portuguese Republic
 * valign=top | 🇵🇹 Portugal – Portuguese Republic
 * valign=top | 🇵🇹 Portugal – Portuguese Republic


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

Q
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇶🇦 Qatar – State of Qatar
 * valign=top | 🇶🇦 Qatar – State of Qatar
 * valign=top | 🇶🇦 Qatar – State of Qatar


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

R
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 January 2007).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇷🇴 Romania
 * valign=top | 🇷🇴 Romania
 * valign=top | 🇷🇴 Romania

Widely-recognized UN member state. Russia was a federation of 21 republics, 49 oblasts, 9 krais, 2 federal cities, 1 autonomous oblast, and 10 autonomous okrugs.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇷🇺 Russia – Russian Federation
 * valign=top | 🇷🇺 Russia – Russian Federation
 * valign=top | 🇷🇺 Russia – Russian Federation

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇷🇼 → 🇷🇼 Rwanda
 * Rwandese Republic (to 26 May 2003)
 * Republic of Rwanda (from 26 May 2003)
 * Rwandese Republic (to 26 May 2003)
 * Republic of Rwanda (from 26 May 2003)


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

S
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. Saint Kitts and Nevis was a federation of fourteen parishes within two islands. Nevis (which was one of the islands) had autonomy.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis – Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
 * valign=top | 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis – Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis
 * valign=top | 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis – Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis

Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇱🇨 → 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia
 * valign=top | 🇱🇨 → 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia
 * valign=top | 🇱🇨 → 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia

Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
 * valign=top | 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
 * valign=top | 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇼🇸 Samoa – Independent State of Samoa
 * valign=top | 🇼🇸 Samoa – Independent State of Samoa
 * valign=top | 🇼🇸 Samoa – Independent State of Samoa

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

Widely-recognized UN member state. São Tomé and Príncipe had one autonomous province: Príncipe.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  São Tomé and Príncipe – Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
 * valign=top |  São Tomé and Príncipe – Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe
 * valign=top |  São Tomé and Príncipe – Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

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

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇳 Senegal – Republic of Senegal
 * valign=top | 🇸🇳 Senegal – Republic of Senegal
 * valign=top | 🇸🇳 Senegal – Republic of Senegal

Widely-recognized UN member state from 5 June 2006. Serbia had two autonomous provinces: Vojvodina and Kosovo and Metohija. The latter province was governed by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo. After 17 February 2008, it was home to a partially-recognized de facto independent state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇷🇸 Serbia – Republic of Serbia (from 5 June 2006)
 * valign=top | 🇷🇸 Serbia – Republic of Serbia (from 5 June 2006)
 * valign=top | 🇷🇸 Serbia – Republic of Serbia (from 5 June 2006)

Widely recognized independent state; UN member state from 1 November 2000. Serbia and Montenegro was a federation of two republics, Montenegro and Serbia, until 3 June 2006 after which it only consisted of the latter. It also included two autonomous provinces within Serbia, Vojvodina and Kosovo and Metohija. The latter province was under the administration of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Serbia and Montenegro (to 5 June 2006) Capital: Belgrade (administrative/legislative), Podgorica (judicial, from 4 February 2003 to 3 June 2006)
 * Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (to 4 February 2003)
 * State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (from 4 February 2003 to 5 June 2006)
 * Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (to 4 February 2003)
 * State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (from 4 February 2003 to 5 June 2006)

Widely-recognized UN member state. The Seychelles claimed the British Indian Ocean Territory and the French territories of Tromelin Island and the Glorioso Islands.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇨 Seychelles – Republic of Seychelles
 * valign=top | 🇸🇨 Seychelles – Republic of Seychelles
 * valign=top | 🇸🇨 Seychelles – Republic of Seychelles

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone – Republic of Sierra Leone
 * valign=top | 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone – Republic of Sierra Leone
 * valign=top | 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone – Republic of Sierra Leone

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇬 Singapore – Republic of Singapore
 * valign=top | 🇸🇬 Singapore – Republic of Singapore
 * valign=top | 🇸🇬 Singapore – Republic of Singapore

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇰 Slovakia – Slovak Republic
 * valign=top | 🇸🇰 Slovakia – Slovak Republic
 * valign=top | 🇸🇰 Slovakia – Slovak Republic

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇮 Slovenia – Republic of Slovenia
 * valign=top | 🇸🇮 Slovenia – Republic of Slovenia
 * valign=top | 🇸🇮 Slovenia – Republic of Slovenia

Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands
 * valign=top | 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands
 * valign=top | 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands

Widely-recognized UN member state. Somalia did not have a recognized central government until April 2000, when the Transitional National Government (after November 2004, the Transitional Federal Government) was established. Over the course of the Somali Civil War, several autonomous regional governments were established in the de jure territory of Somalia. Although these states did not claim independence from Somalia, they were de facto self-governing: There were also areas of the country which at various times had no effective government at all or which were ruled by local clans. In addition, there were two states which had declared and established de facto independence from Somalia: Puntland (to 1 July 2001) and Somaliland.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇴 Somalia
 * Somalia (to 16 July 2000)
 * Somali Republic (from 16 July 2000)
 * Somalia (to 16 July 2000)
 * Somali Republic (from 16 July 2000)
 * Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a (from 2009)
 * al-Shabaab (from 19 January 2007)
 * 🇸🇴 Galmudug (from 14 August 2006)
 * 🇸🇴 Himan and Heeb (from June 2008)
 * Hizbul Islam (from January 2009)
 * Islamic Courts Union (from 6 June 2006 to 1 January 2007)
 * → Maakhir (from 1 July 2007 to 11 January 2009)
 * 🇸🇴 → Puntland (from 1 July 2001)
 * Southwestern Somalia (from 1 April 2002 to 10 February 2006)

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇿🇦 South Africa – Republic of South Africa Capital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
 * valign=top | 🇿🇦 South Africa – Republic of South Africa Capital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
 * valign=top | 🇿🇦 South Africa – Republic of South Africa Capital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. Spain was divided into seventeen autonomous communities and two autonomous cities. 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.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇪🇸 Spain – Kingdom of Spain
 * valign=top | 🇪🇸 Spain – Kingdom of Spain
 * valign=top | 🇪🇸 Spain – Kingdom of Spain

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
 * valign=top | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
 * valign=top | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

Widely-recognized UN member state. Sudan was a federation of 26 states, ten of which formed the autonomous region of Southern Sudan after 9 January 2005.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇩 Sudan – Republic of the Sudan
 * valign=top | 🇸🇩 Sudan – Republic of the Sudan
 * valign=top | 🇸🇩 Sudan – Republic of the Sudan

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇷 Suriname – Republic of Suriname
 * valign=top | 🇸🇷 Suriname – Republic of Suriname
 * valign=top | 🇸🇷 Suriname – Republic of Suriname

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇸🇿 Swaziland – Kingdom of Swaziland Capital: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal and legislative)
 * valign=top | 🇸🇿 Swaziland – Kingdom of Swaziland Capital: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal and legislative)
 * valign=top | 🇸🇿 Swaziland – Kingdom of Swaziland Capital: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal and legislative)

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

Widely recognized independent state. Permanent observer at the UN (to 10 September 2002). UN member state (from 10 September 2002). Switzerland was a federation of 26 cantons.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇨🇭 Switzerland – Swiss Confederation
 * valign=top | 🇨🇭 Switzerland – Swiss Confederation
 * valign=top | 🇨🇭 Switzerland – Swiss Confederation

Widely-recognized UN member state. Syria included the Golan Heights, which were occupied by Israel. It disputed the Turkish sovereignty over Hatay Province.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Syria – Syrian Arab Republic
 * valign=top |  Syria – Syrian Arab Republic
 * valign=top |  Syria – Syrian Arab Republic


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

T
Widely-recognized UN member state. Tajikistan had one autonomous province: Gorno-Badakhshan.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇹🇯 Tajikistan – Republic of Tajikistan
 * valign=top | 🇹🇯 Tajikistan – Republic of Tajikistan
 * valign=top | 🇹🇯 Tajikistan – Republic of Tajikistan

Widely-recognized UN member state. Tanzania had one autonomous region: Zanzibar.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇹🇿 Tanzania – United Republic of Tanzania Capital: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (seat of government)
 * valign=top | 🇹🇿 Tanzania – United Republic of Tanzania Capital: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (seat of government)
 * valign=top | 🇹🇿 Tanzania – United Republic of Tanzania Capital: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (seat of government)

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


 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Timor-Leste East Timor
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Timor-Leste East Timor
 * valign=top colspan=2 | Timor-Leste East Timor

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇹🇬 Togo
 * Second Togolese Republic (to 5 February 2005)
 * Third Togolese Republic (from 5 February 2005)
 * Second Togolese Republic (to 5 February 2005)
 * Third Togolese Republic (from 5 February 2005)

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

Widely-recognized UN member state. Trinidad and Tobago had one autonomous island: Tobago.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago – Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
 * valign=top | 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago – Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
 * valign=top | 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago – Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇹🇳 Tunisia – Tunisian Republic
 * valign=top | 🇹🇳 Tunisia – Tunisian Republic
 * valign=top | 🇹🇳 Tunisia – Tunisian Republic

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇹🇷 Turkey – Republic of Turkey
 * valign=top | 🇹🇷 Turkey – Republic of Turkey
 * valign=top | 🇹🇷 Turkey – Republic of Turkey

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇹🇲 → 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
 * valign=top | 🇹🇲 → 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan
 * valign=top | 🇹🇲 → 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan

Widely recognized independent state and UN member state from 5 September 2000; Commonwealth realm.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇹🇻 Tuvalu
 * valign=top | 🇹🇻 Tuvalu
 * valign=top | 🇹🇻 Tuvalu


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

U
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇺🇬 Uganda – Republic of Uganda
 * valign=top | 🇺🇬 Uganda – Republic of Uganda
 * valign=top | 🇺🇬 Uganda – Republic of Uganda

Widely-recognized UN member state; Ukraine had one autonomous republic and it was Crimea.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇺🇦 Ukraine
 * valign=top | 🇺🇦 Ukraine
 * valign=top | 🇺🇦 Ukraine

Widely-recognized UN member state; the United Arab Emirates was a federation of seven emirates.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
 * valign=top | 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
 * valign=top | 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates

Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. The United Kingdom was composed of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It had sovereignty over the following dependent territories (referred to as "overseas territories" after 26 February 2002): In addition, the British Monarch had direct sovereignty over three self-governing Crown dependencies:
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
 * valign=top | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
 * valign=top | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
 * 🇦🇮 Anguilla
 * 🇧🇲 Bermuda
 * British Antarctic Territory (suspended under the Antarctic Treaty)
 * 🇮🇴 British Indian Ocean Territory (disputed by Mauritius and the Seychelles)
 * British Virgin Islands
 * 🇰🇾 Cayman Islands
 * Falkland Islands (disputed by Argentina)
 * 🇬🇮 Gibraltar
 * 🇲🇸 Montserrat
 * Pitcairn Islands
 * Saint Helena (to 1 September 2009), with two dependencies
 * Ascension Island (to 1 September 2009)
 * Tristan da Cunha (to 1 September 2009)
 * 🇸🇭 Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha (from 1 September 2009)
 * South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (disputed by Argentina)
 * Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia
 * 🇹🇨 Turks and Caicos Islands
 * 🇬🇬 Guernsey, with two dependencies:
 * Alderney
 * Sark
 * 🇮🇲 Isle of Man
 * 🇯🇪 Jersey

Widely-recognized UN member state. The United States was a federation of 50 states, one federal district, and one incorporated territory. It asserted sovereignty over the following inhabited insular areas:
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇺🇸 United States – United States of America
 * 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
 * 🇲🇵 Northern Mariana Islands
 * 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico
 * United States Virgin Islands

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

Widely-recognized UN member state. Uzbekistan had one autonomous republic: Karakalpakstan.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan – Republic of Uzbekistan
 * valign=top | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan – Republic of Uzbekistan
 * valign=top | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan – Republic of Uzbekistan


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

V
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇻🇺 Vanuatu – Republic of Vanuatu
 * valign=top | 🇻🇺 Vanuatu – Republic of Vanuatu
 * valign=top | 🇻🇺 Vanuatu – Republic of Vanuatu

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

Widely-recognized UN member state. Venezuela was a federation of 23 states, one federal dependency, and one federal district.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇻🇪 → 🇻🇪 Venezuela
 * Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (to 12 April 2002)
 * Republic of Venezuela (from 12 April 2002 to 13 April 2002)
 * Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (from 13 April 2002)
 * Republic of Venezuela (from 12 April 2002 to 13 April 2002)
 * Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (from 13 April 2002)

Widely-recognized UN member state. 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, Brunei, the Philippines, and Malaysia).
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top |  Vietnam – Socialist Republic of Vietnam
 * valign=top |  Vietnam – Socialist Republic of Vietnam
 * valign=top |  Vietnam – Socialist Republic of Vietnam


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

Y
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇾🇪 Yemen – Republic of Yemen
 * valign=top | 🇾🇪 Yemen – Republic of Yemen
 * valign=top | 🇾🇪 Yemen – Republic of Yemen


 * colspan=2 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |
 * colspan=3 |

Z
Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇿🇲 Zambia – Republic of Zambia
 * valign=top | 🇿🇲 Zambia – Republic of Zambia
 * valign=top | 🇿🇲 Zambia – Republic of Zambia

Widely-recognized UN member state.
 * colspan=2 |
 * valign=top | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – Republic of Zimbabwe
 * valign=top | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – Republic of Zimbabwe
 * valign=top | 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – Republic of Zimbabwe


 * 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:
 * Antarctica as a whole had no government and no permanent population. Seven states claimed portions of Antarctica and five of these had reciprocally recognised one another's claims. These claims, which were regulated by the Antarctic Treaty System, were neither recognised nor disputed by any other signatory state.
 * 🇪🇺 The European Union was a sui generis supranational organisation which had 15 (later 28) member states. The member states had transferred a measure of their legislative, executive, and judicial powers to the institutions of the EU, and as such the EU had some elements of sovereignty, without generally being considered a sovereign state. The European Union did not claim to be a sovereign state and had only limited capacity for relations with other states.
 * 🇺🇳 Kosovo was a territory that was nominally part of Serbia and Montenegro (until 2006) and then Serbia (from 2006 to 2008), but was under United Nations administration as part of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
 * The Sovereign Military Order of Malta was a United Nations observer. The order had bi-lateral diplomatic relations with a large number of states, but has no territory other than extraterritorial areas within Rome. The order's Constitution stated: "The Order is a subject of international law and exercises sovereign functions." 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.
 * 🇺🇳 The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor was a transitional non-independent territory governed by the United Nations. It was neither sovereign nor under the sovereignty of any other state. It became the independent state of East Timor on 20 May 2002.