National Olympic Committees are one of the three constituents of the Olympic Movement, alongside the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Sports Federations.
Their role is to ensure the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games by sending competitors and officials as well as to promote the fundamental principles and values of Olympism in their countries, in particular in the fields of sport and education.
They may also nominate interested hosts as candidates for future Olympic Games.
There are currently 206 NOCs.
Learn more:
National Olympic Committees
Olympic Charter: Chapter 4 (page 59)