This site is not updated. Fact Sheet released by the Bureau of African Affairs, March 27, 1998. The OAU was founded in 1963 to promote self-government, respect for territorial boundaries and social progress throughout the African Continent.
Membership is open to all independent African countries.
Nine OAU members also belong to the Arab League. There are 52 members. Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.