As an expert in international relations and global organizations, I can provide a detailed answer to your question about countries that are not part of the United Nations (UN). The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II to promote international cooperation and maintain international order. It currently has 193 member states, which are sovereign states that have joined the organization.
However, there are a few entities that are not members of the UN. It's important to note that the status of these entities can be complex and subject to change due to political developments and international recognition. Here's a breakdown:


1. Observer States: The United Nations has two non-member observer states, which are the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine. These entities have a special status that allows them to participate in certain UN activities without being full members.

2. **Non-Member States with Limited Recognition**: There are several countries that are not members of the UN but are recognized by at least one UN member state. The recognition of these states can vary widely, and their status is often a matter of political debate. The countries you mentioned—Taiwan, Western Sahara, Kosovo, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Northern Cyprus—fall into this category. Each has its unique circumstances:

- Taiwan: Known officially as the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan has been claimed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) as its province. Most countries, under the "One China" policy, do not officially recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state.

- Western Sahara: A disputed territory in North Africa, its status has been in limbo due to a conflict with Morocco, which has administrative control over most of the territory.

- Kosovo: Declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but its recognition as a state is not universal.

- South Ossetia and Abkhazia: Both are breakaway regions from Georgia that have declared independence and are recognized by a handful of countries, primarily Russia.

- Northern Cyprus: A self-declared state consisting of the northern part of Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.


3. Other Entities: There are also other territories that are not sovereign states and therefore not members of the UN. These include dependencies, overseas territories, and other areas that are under the administration of a UN member state.

It's crucial to understand that the question of membership in the UN is tied to the broader issue of state sovereignty and international recognition. The criteria for UN membership are outlined in the UN Charter, which requires that a state seeking membership must be a peace-loving state that accepts the obligations contained in the Charter and be able to carry out these obligations.

The situation regarding non-member states is dynamic, and the political landscape can shift, leading to changes in recognition and status. For the most accurate and current information, it's always best to consult the latest official sources and diplomatic channels.

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The other two are called Observer States. They are Vatican City and Palestine. There are six other countries that are not members of the U.N. but are recognized by at least one country that is a U.N. member. These countries are Taiwan, Western Sahara, Kosovo, South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Northern Cyprus.read more >>