As an expert in international relations, I would like to provide a comprehensive overview of the members of the Organization of American States (OAS). The OAS is a regional organization that brings together all the countries of the Americas, except for Cuba, which was suspended from the organization in 1962 due to its policies and actions that were deemed incompatible with the democratic principles of the OAS.

The OAS was established in 1948 with the signing of the Charter of the Organization of American States in Bogotá, Colombia. The organization's main goals are to promote democracy, human rights, security, development, and cooperation among its member states. It serves as a forum for dialogue, negotiation, and collective action on various issues that affect the region.

The OAS has a total of 35 member states, which include all the countries in North, Central, and South America, with the notable exception of Cuba. The original 21 members that joined in 1948 were Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Over the years, the OAS has expanded to include additional member states. These include:


1. Antigua and Barbuda - joined in 1981

2. Bahamas - joined in 1982

3. Barbados - joined in 1969

4. Belize - joined in 1991

5. Canada - joined in 1990

6. Dominica - joined in 1979
7.
Grenada - joined in 1974
8.
Guyana - joined in 1991
9.
Jamaica - joined in 1969
10.
Saint Kitts and Nevis - joined in 1983
1
1. Saint Lucia - joined in 1979
1
2. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - joined in 1981
1
3. Suriname - joined in 1977
1
4. Trinidad and Tobago - joined in 1967

The OAS operates through various bodies and mechanisms to fulfill its mandate. These include the General Assembly, which is the supreme governing body and meets annually; the Permanent Council, which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization; and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which promotes and protects human rights in the region.

The OAS also has several specialized agencies and programs that focus on specific areas such as education, health, culture, and science. These include the Inter-American Development Bank, the Pan American Health Organization, and the Organization of American States General Secretariat.

In addition to its regular activities, the OAS plays a crucial role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping efforts within the Americas. It has been involved in various missions to monitor elections, mediate disputes, and support democratic processes in member states.

The OAS is funded by its member states through contributions based on their economic capacity. The United States, being the largest economy in the region, contributes the most to the organization's budget.

In summary, the OAS is a vital regional organization that brings together the countries of the Americas to work towards common goals and address shared challenges. Its membership is diverse, reflecting the wide range of political, economic, and social systems found across the continent. The OAS plays a significant role in promoting peace, democracy, and development in the Western Hemisphere.

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Organization of American States (OAS) Twenty-one original OAS members (1948): Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela.Jan 31, 2018read more >>