List of countries in the 2000s

This is a list of countries 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 effective sovereignty but are considered de facto dependencies of other powers by the general international community.

Members or observers of the United Nations
Name and capital cityInformation on status and recognition of sovereignty A  →  →  →  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 13 June 2002)
 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. 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. →  – Republic of Albania 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – People's Democratic Republic of Algeria 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Principality of Andorra 
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. – Republic of Angola 
Widely-recognized UN member state. 
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. Antigua and Barbuda had two dependencies, Barbuda and Redonda. – Argentine Republic 
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. – Republic of Armenia 
Widely-recognized UN member state.Armenia was not recognized by Pakistan. – Commonwealth of Australia 
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:
 Ashmore and Cartier Islands
 Australian Antarctic Territory (suspended under the Antarctic Treaty.)


 Coral Sea Islands
 Heard Island and McDonald Islands
  – Republic of Austria 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. Austria was a federation of nine states. – Republic of Azerbaijan 
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. B  – Commonwealth of the Bahamas 
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. →  
 State of Bahrain (to 14 February 2002)
 Kingdom of Bahrain (from 14 February 2002)
Widely-recognized UN member state. – People's Republic of Bangladesh 
Widely-recognized UN member state. 
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. – Republic of Belarus 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Kingdom of Belgium 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. Belgium was a federation of three communities and three regions. Belize 
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. – Republic of Benin Capital: Porto-Novo (official), Cotonou (seat of government)
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Kingdom of Bhutan 
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. Capital: Sucre (official), La Paz (administrative)
 Republic of Bolivia (to 7 February 2009)Bolivia enacted a new constitution on 7 February 2009, changing the official name of the state.  
 Plurinational State of Bolivia (from 7 February 2009)
Widely-recognized UN member state. 
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. – Republic of Botswana 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Federative Republic of Brazil 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Brazil was a federation of 26 states and one federal district. – State of Brunei, Abode of Peace 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Brunei claimed part of the Spratly Islands (disputed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia). – Republic of Bulgaria 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 January 2007). 
Widely-recognized UN member state.Burma  Myanmar – Republic of Burundi 
Widely-recognized UN member state. C  – Kingdom of Cambodia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Cameroon 
Widely-recognized UN member state. 
Widely-recognized UN member state and Commonwealth realm; Canada was a federation of ten provinces and three territories. – Republic of Cape Verde 
Widely-recognized UN member state. 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Chad 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Chile 
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. – People's Republic of China 
Widely-recognized UN member state.The People's Republic of China and the Republic of China did not recognize each other, as both states claimed to be the sole legitimate government of China. The following states recognized the ROC instead of the PRC: Belize, Burkina Faso, Chad (to 6 August 2006), Costa Rica (to 1 June 2007), Dominica (to 31 March 2004), Dominican Republic, El Salvador, the Gambia, Guatemala, Grenada (to 20 January 2005), Haiti, Honduras, Kiribati (from 29 November 2003), Malawi (to 28 December 2007), Marshall Islands, Nauru (to 21 July 2002 and then again from 31 May 2005), Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia (5 May 2007), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal (to 25 October 2005), Solomon Islands, Swaziland, Tuvalu, and Vatican City. Until 11 October 2003, Liberia recognized both the ROC and the PRC, which led to the PRC severing diplomatic relations. After 11 October 2003, Liberia only recognized the PRC. 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. – Republic of Colombia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Colombia administered Serranilla Bank and claimed Bajo Nuevo Bank (disputed by Nicaragua and the United States) →  
 Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros (to 23 December 2001)
 Union of the Comoros (from 23 December 2001)
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). →  →  – Democratic Republic of the Congo 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of the Congo 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Costa Rica 
Widely-recognized UN member state.Côte d'Ivoire  Ivory Coast – Republic of Croatia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Cuba 
Widely-recognized UN member state. The Cuban area of Guantánamo Bay was under the control of the United States. →  – Republic of Cyprus 
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. 
Widely-recognized UN member state.Owing to a dispute over lands seized during World War II, Liechtenstein did not recognize the Czech Republic or Slovakia, and neither country recognized Liechtenstein. Liechtenstein established diplomatic relations with the Czech Republic on 13 July 2009 and with Slovakia on 9 December 2009. EU member (from 1 May 2004). D  – Kingdom of Denmark 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. The Danish Realm also included two of its constituent countries:

  – Republic of Djibouti 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Commonwealth of Dominica 
Widely-recognized UN member state. 
Widely-recognized UN member state. E  (from 20 May 2002)Timor-Leste declared independence from United Nations administration on 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)
Widely recognized independent state; UN member state (from 27 September 2002). →  – Republic of Ecuador 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Arab Republic of Egypt 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of El Salvador 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Equatorial Guinea 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – State of Eritrea 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Estonia 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004). →  – Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Ethiopia was a federation of nine regions and two chartered cities. F  – Republic of the Fiji Islands 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Fiji had an autonomous dependency, Rotuma. – Republic of Finland 
Widely-recognized UN member state.  EU member. Finland had a neutral and demilitarised region:
  – French Republic 
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:
 Clipperton Island (from 22 February 2007)
 , with one dependency
 Clipperton Island (to 22 February 2007)
  (including a claim to Adélie Land which was suspended under the Antarctic Treaty.)

 New Caledonia
  (from 21 February 2007)
 Saint Martin (from 21 February 2007)

 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)

France also claimed Banc du Geyser (disputed by Madagascar and the Comoros). G  – Gabonese Republic 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of the Gambia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. →  
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. – Federal Republic of Germany 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. Germany was a federation of sixteen states. – Republic of Ghana 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Hellenic Republic 
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. 
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. Grenada had one autonomous dependency, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. – Republic of Guatemala 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Guinea 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Guinea-Bissau 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Co-operative Republic of Guyana 
Widely-recognized UN member state. H  – Republic of Haiti 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Haiti claimed the uninhabited United States possession of Navassa Island.Holy See  Vatican City – Republic of Honduras 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Hungary 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004). I  – Republic of Iceland 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of India 
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. – Republic of Indonesia 
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 – Islamic Republic of Iran 
Widely-recognized UN member state. →  →  – Republic of Iraq 
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. 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. – State of Israel 
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. →  →  – Italian Republic 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. – Republic of Côte d'IvoireCapital: Yamoussoukro (official), Abidjan (seat of government)
Widely-recognized UN member state. J  
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Japan claimed the Liancourt Rocks, which were controlled by South Korea. – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 
Widely-recognized UN member state. K  – Republic of Kazakhstan 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Kenya 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Kiribati 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Democratic People's Republic of Korea 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Claimed to be the sole legitimate government of Korea. – 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. – State of Kuwait 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Kyrgyz Republic 
Widely-recognized UN member state. L  – Lao People's Democratic Republic 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Latvia 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004). – Lebanese Republic 
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). →  – Kingdom of Lesotho 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Liberia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Libya – Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Principality of Liechtenstein 
Widely-recognized UN member state. The defense of Liechtenstein was the responsibility of Switzerland. →  – Republic of Lithuania 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004). – Grand Duchy of Luxembourg 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. M  – Republic of Macedonia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Madagascar – Republic of Madagascar 
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) – Republic of Malawi 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Capital: Kuala Lumpur (official), Putrajaya (administrative)
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). – Republic of Maldives 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Mali 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Malta 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004). – Republic of the Marshall Islands 
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. – Islamic Republic of Mauritania 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Mauritius 
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. – United Mexican States 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Mexico was a federation of 31 states and one federal district. – Federated States of Micronesia 
Widely-recognized UN member state under Compact of Free Association with the United States; the FSM was a federation of four states. – Republic of Moldova 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Moldova had two autonomous territorial units: Gagauzia and Transnistria. The latter was home to a de facto independent state. – Principality of Monaco 
Widely-recognized UN member state. The defense of Monaco was the responsibility of France. 
Widely-recognized UN member state. 
 Republic of Montenegro (from 3 June 2006 to 22 October 2007)
 Montenegro (from 22 October 2007)
Widely recognized independent state from 3 June 2006; UN member state from 28 June 2006. – Kingdom of Morocco 
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. – Republic of Mozambique 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Myanmar – Union of MyanmarCapital: Yangon (to 6 November 2005), Naypyidaw (from 6 November 2005)
Widely-recognized UN member state. N  – Republic of Namibia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Nauru Capital: Yaren (unofficial)
Widely-recognized UN member state. The defense of Nauru was the responsibility of Australia. 
 Kingdom of Nepal (to 15 January 2007)Nepal adopted an interim constitution on 15 January 2007, changing its official name to "State of Nepal" 
 State of Nepal (from 15 January 2007 to 28 May 2008)The Nepalese monarchy was formally abolished on 28 May 2008
 Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (from 28 May 2008)
Widely-recognized UN member state. Nepal was designated as a federation after 28 May 2008, but its federal units had not yet been created. – Kingdom of the Netherlands Capital: Amsterdam (official), The Hague (seat of government)
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. 
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:
 Ross Dependency (suspended under the Antarctic Treaty)

The government of Tokelau claimed Swains Island, part of American Samoa (a U.S. dependence). New Zealand did not recognize this claim. – Republic of Nicaragua 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Nicaragua had two autonomous regions: Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte and Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur. – Republic of Niger 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Federal Republic of Nigeria 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Nigeria was a federation of 36 states and one federal territory. – Kingdom of Norway 
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:
 Bouvet Island
 Peter I Island (suspended under the Antarctic Treaty)
 Queen Maud Land (suspended under the Antarctic Treaty) O  – Sultanate of Oman 
Widely-recognized UN member state. P  – Islamic Republic of Pakistan 
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. – Republic of Palau  Capital: Koror (to 7 October 2006), Ngerulmud (from 7 October 2006)
Widely-recognized UN member state  under Compact of Free Association with the United States. 
  – Republic of Panama 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Independent State of Papua New Guinea 
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. After 15 June 2005, Papua New Guinea had one autonomous region: Bougainville. – Republic of Paraguay 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Peru 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of the Philippines 
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. – Republic of Poland 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004). – Portuguese Republic 
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. Q  – State of Qatar 
Widely-recognized UN member state. R  
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 January 2007). – Russian Federation 
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. →  
 Rwandese Republic (to 26 May 2003)
 Republic of Rwanda (from 26 May 2003)
Widely-recognized UN member state. S  – Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis 
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.  →  
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. 
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. – Independent State of Samoa 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of San Marino 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe 
Widely-recognized UN member state. São Tomé and Príncipe had one autonomous province: Príncipe. – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Senegal 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Serbia (from 5 June 2006) 
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. (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)
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. – Republic of Seychelles 
Widely-recognized UN member state. The Seychelles claimed the British Indian Ocean Territory and the French territories of Tromelin Island and the Glorioso Islands. – Republic of Sierra Leone 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Singapore 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Slovak Republic 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004). – Republic of Slovenia 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member (from 1 May 2004). 
Widely-recognized UN member state; Commonwealth realm. Somalia (to 16 July 2000)
 Somali Republic (from 16 July 2000)
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:
  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)
  →  (from 1 July 2001)
  Southwestern Somalia (from 1 April 2002 to 10 February 2006)
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. – Republic of South Africa Capital: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Kingdom of Spain 
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. – Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of the Sudan 
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. – Republic of Suriname 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Kingdom of Swaziland Capital: Mbabane (administrative), Lobamba (royal and legislative)
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Kingdom of Sweden 
Widely-recognized UN member state; EU member. – Swiss Confederation 
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. – Syrian Arab Republic 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Syria included the Golan Heights, which were occupied by Israel. It disputed the Turkish sovereignty over Hatay Province. T  – Republic of Tajikistan 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Tajikistan had one autonomous province: Gorno-Badakhshan. – United Republic of Tanzania Capital: Dodoma (official), Dar es Salaam (seat of government)
Widely-recognized UN member state. Tanzania had one autonomous region: Zanzibar. Thailand – Kingdom of Thailand 
Widely-recognized UN member state.Timor-Leste  East Timor – Togolese Republic 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Kingdom of Tonga 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Trinidad and Tobago had one autonomous island: Tobago. – Tunisian Republic 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Turkey 
Widely-recognized UN member state. →  
Widely-recognized UN member state. 
Widely recognized independent state and UN member state from 5 September 2000; Commonwealth realm. U  – Republic of Uganda 
Widely-recognized UN member state. 
Widely-recognized UN member state; Ukraine had one autonomous republic and it was Crimea. 
Widely-recognized UN member state; the United Arab Emirates was a federation of seven emirates. – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 
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):


  (suspended under the Antarctic Treaty)
  (disputed by Mauritius and the Seychelles)


  (disputed by Argentina)



  (to 1 September 2009), with two dependencies
 Ascension Island (to 1 September 2009)
  (to 1 September 2009)
  (from 1 September 2009)
  (disputed by Argentina)
 Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia

In addition, the British Monarch had direct sovereignty over three self-governing Crown dependencies:
 , with two dependencies:



  – United States of America 
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:
  (including Swains Island, disputed by Tokelau)



  – Eastern Republic of Uruguay 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Uzbekistan 
Widely-recognized UN member state. Uzbekistan had one autonomous republic: Karakalpakstan. V  – Republic of Vanuatu 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Vatican City State 
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. →  
 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)
Widely-recognized UN member state. Venezuela was a federation of 23 states, one federal dependency, and one federal district. – Socialist Republic of Vietnam 
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). Y  – Republic of Yemen 
Widely-recognized UN member state.Yugoslavia  Serbia and Montenegro Z  – Republic of Zambia 
Widely-recognized UN member state. – Republic of Zimbabwe 
Widely-recognized UN member state.

Non-UN members or observers

Name and capital cityInformation on status and recognition of sovereignty – Republic of Abkhazia 
Partially recognized de facto self-governing entity. Claimed by Georgia as the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia. Afghanistan, Islamic Emirate of (to 7 December 2001)Capital: Kabul (to 13 November 2001), Kandahar (from 13 November 2001)
Partially recognized de facto independent state.The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was recognized by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Claimed to be the sole legitimate government of Afghanistan but only controlled a small portion of the country after 13 November 2001. Anjouan – State of Anjouan (to 10 March 2002)Anjouan and Moheli became autonomous islands of the Comoros after a referendum on 10 March 2002.  
De facto self-governing entity. Not recognized by any other state. Claimed by the Comoros. 
A state in free association with New Zealand, recognized by China. The Cook Islands is a member of multiple UN agencies with full treaty making capacity. It shares a head of state with New Zealand as well as having shared citizenship. – Chechen Republic of Ichkeria (to 6 February 2000)Grozny fell to the Russians on 6 February 2000, ending the de facto independence of Chechnya.  
Partially recognized de facto self-governing entity.Chechnya was recognized by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Claimed by Russia as the Republic of Chechnya. Kosova – Republic of Kosova (until 1 February 2000) 
Partially-recognized de facto independent state.Only recognized by Albania. – Republic of Kosovo (from 17 February 2008)Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008.  
Partially recognized de facto self-governing entity.Kosovo was recognized by Afghanistan (from 18 February 2008), Albania (from 18 February 2008), Australia (from 19 February 2008), Austria (from 28 February 2008), Bahrain (from 19 May 2009), Belgium (from 24 February 2008), Belize (from 7 August 2008), Bulgaria (from 20 March 2008), Burkina Faso (from 24 April 2008), Canada (from 18 March 2008), Colombia (from 6 August 2008), Comoros (from 14 May 2009), Costa Rica (from 18 February 2008), Croatia (from 19 March 2008), the Czech Republic (from 21 May 2008), Denmark (from 21 February 2008), Dominican Republic (from 10 July 2009), Estonia (from 21 February 2008), Finland (from 7 March 2008), France (from 18 February 2008), the Gambia (from 7 April 2009), Germany (from 20 February 2008), Hungary (from 19 March 2008), Iceland (from 5 March 2008), Ireland (from 29 February 2008), Italy (from 21 February 2008), Japan (from 18 March 2008), Jordan (from 7 July 2009), Latvia (from 20 February 2008), Liberia (from 30 May 2008), Liechtenstein (from 25 March 2008), Lithuania (from 6 May 2008), Luxembourg (from 21 February 2008), Macedonia (from 9 October 2008), Malawi (from 14 December 2009), Malaysia (from 31 October 2008), Maldives (from 19 February 2009), Malta (from 21 August 2008), Marshall Islands (from 17 April 2008), Federated States of Micronesia (from 5 December 2008), Monaco (from 19 March 2008), Montenegro (from 9 October 2008), Nauru (from 23 April 2008), Netherlands (from 4 March 2008), New Zealand (from 9 November 2009), Norway (from 28 March 2008), Palau (from 6 March 2009), Panama (from 16 January 2009), Peru (from 22 February 2008), Poland (from 26 February 2008), Portugal (from 7 October 2008), the Republic of China (from 18 February 2008), Samoa (from 15 September 2008), San Marino (from 11 May 2008), Saudi Arabia (from 20 April 2000), Senegal (from 19 February 2008), Sierra Leone (from 13 June 2008), Slovenia (from 5 March 2008), South Korea (from 28 March 2008), Sweden (from 4 March 2008), Switzerland (from 27 February 2008), Turkey (from 18 February 2008), the United Arab Emirates (from 14 October 2008), the United Kingdom (from 18 February 2008), and the United States (from 18 February 2008). Claimed by Serbia as the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija under UN administration Mohéli – Democratic Republic of Mohéli (to 10 March 2002) 
De facto self-governing entity. Not recognized by any other state. Claimed by the Comoros. – Nagorno-Karabakh Republic 
De facto self-governing entity. Not recognized by any other state. Claimed by Azerbaijan. 
A state in free association with New Zealand, recognized by China (from 12 December 2007). Niue is a member of multiple UN agencies with full treaty making capacity. It had shared citizenship with New Zealand. – Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus 
Partially recognized de facto self-governing entity.Northern Cyprus was recognized only by Turkey. Claimed by the Republic of Cyprus. – State of PalestineCapital: Ramallah (administrative), Gaza City (administrative), Jerusalem (claimed)
Disputed region consisting of three occupied territories: the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. The declared State of Palestine, which claimed independence for all the Palestinian territories, was recognized by a large number of countries. In foreign relations, Palestine was represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization, which was a permanent observer at the United Nations. The Palestinian National Authority was an interim administrative body that exercised limited control over parts of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. From 12 September 2005 to 15 June 2007, the PNA controlled all of Gaza. After 15 June 2007, Gaza was under the control of Hamas.  – Puntland State of Somalia (to 1 July 2001)Puntland's "temporary independence" came to an end on 1 July 2001, when it adopted a new constitution and declared itself to be an integral part of Somalia.  
De facto self-governing entity. Not recognized by any other state. Claimed by Somalia. Capital: Bir Lehlou (official), Rabouni (seat of government-in-exile), El Aaiún (claimed)
Partially recognized de facto self-governing entity.the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic was recognized by Afghanistan (to 12 July 2002), Albania (to 11 November 2004), Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Botswana, Burundi (to 5 May 2006 and then again from 17 June 2008), Cambodia, Cape Verde (to 30 July 2007), Chad (from 17 July 2007), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador (to 19 June 2004 and then again from 8 February 2006), Ethiopia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea-Bissau (from 30 May 2009), Guyana, Haiti (from 23 November 2006), Honduras, India (to 26 June 2000), Iran, Jamaica, Kenya (to 22 October 2006), Kiribati (to 15 September 2000), Laos, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Malawi (to 16 September 2008), Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru (to 15 September 2000), Nicaragua (to 21 July 2000 then again 12 January 2007), Nigeria, North Korea, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay (from 9 February 2000), Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (from 14 February 2002), Seychelles (to 17 April 2008), Sierra Leone, South Africa (from 15 September 2004), Suriname, Syria, Tanzania, Timor-Leste (from 20 May 2002), Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu (to 15 September 2000), Uganda, Uruguay (from 28 December 2005), Vanuatu (to November 2000 and then again from August 2008), Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe. The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic claimed the disputed territory of Western Sahara, most of which was under control of Morocco.  The territories under its control, the so-called Free Zone, were claimed by Morocco. Its government resided in exile in Tindouf, Algeria. – Republic of Somaliland 
De facto self-governing entity. Not recognized by any other state. Claimed by Somalia. – Republic of South Ossetia 
Partially recognized de facto independent state. Claimed by Georgia (as the Provisional Administrative Entity of South Ossetia from April 2007). – Republic of China Capital: Taipei (seat of government)
Partially recognized de facto independent state. The Republic of China claimed to be the sole legitimate government of China, but only administered Taiwan, Kinmen, the Matsu Islands, Pratas Island and Itu Aba. The Republic of China had territorial claims over Mongolia (to 2002Mongolia–Taiwan relations); the Russian republic of Tuva; the Sixty-Four Villages East of the River (administered by Russia); The majority of Gorno-Badakhshan (administered by Tajikistan); The eastern tip of the Wakhan Corridor (administered by Afghanistan); a small portion of Gilgit-Baltistan (administered by Pakistan and part of the disputed Kashmir region); Aksai Chin (administered by the People's Republic of China and part of the disputed Kashmir region); eastern Bhutan; South Tibet (controlled by India); and Kachin State (administered by Myanmar) (to mid 2000s"Maps and list of administrative divisions covering above places were published until 2005." History of the administrative divisions of China (1912–49)). (to 18 May 2009)Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam defeated in the Sri Lankan Civil War 
Unrecognized de facto self-governing entity. Claimed by Sri Lanka. – Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic 
Partially recognized de facto self-governing entity. Claimed by Moldova.

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 recognized one another's claims. "Australia, New Zealand, France, Norway and the United Kingdom reciprocally recognize the validity of each other's claims." These claims, which were regulated by the Antarctic Treaty System, were neither recognized nor disputed by any other signatory state.CIA – the World Factbook – Antarctica – accessed 19 January 2008
  The European Union was a sui generis supranational organization 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.Bilateral relations with countries , Retrieved 2009-12-22 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.

Notes

References

Category:2000s
Category:Lists of countries in the 21st century