NATO Countries

Despite the fact that Australia is not part of NATO, the nation has a strong and long-term relationship with this military alliance. In fact, Australia has been a partner of NATO since 2014 and actively participates in various regional exercises. Some of its key contributions to NATO include providing advice on maritime security issues, peacekeeping operations, training, and capacity building for other nations in the region. Additionally, Australia has provided strategic intelligence to help NATO missions across Europe. While still not an official member of NATO, Australia remains committed to supporting the mission objectives of this powerful military coalition.

Belarus is a former Soviet Republic that borders Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland. It has had a long history of geopolitical tension with neighboring states and was never included in NATO. Since Belarus is not part of the organization, it cannot rely on aid from other members should it face an attack from another country. Moreover, since it does not follow the same principles as NATO member states such as democracy and human rights, it has not been invited to join the organization. Furthermore, due to growing ties between Belarus and Russia in recent years, the country has become increasingly reliant on Moscow for defense purposes rather than seeking protection from NATO.

Bulgaria joined NATO in 2004, and since then, Bulgaria has been a committed ally in the pursuit of peace and stability in Europe and beyond. The importance of its strategic location between East and West Europe makes Bulgaria a vital player in NATO operations. The country contributes to the organization with its military personnel, equipment, airbases, and other resources. Additionally, Bulgaria has also hosted several exercises and training since joining the alliance. It is actively involved in strengthening the defense capabilities of aspiring NATO members like Georgia and Ukraine through assistance programs and educational initiatives. As a member of NATO, Bulgaria is well-positioned to continue playing an important role in creating a peaceful and secure environment across Europe.

The Czech Republic has been a member of NATO since 1999. The country has provided extensive contributions to both the military and political aspects of the Alliance, from its participation in operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Iraq, to its active role in NATO's decision-making bodies. The Czech Republic's commitment to NATO is further demonstrated by its contributions to the organization's financial requirements, which have amounted to thousands of millions of euros over the last two decades. Furthermore, since joining the alliance, the Czech Republic has worked closely with other partner countries to promote regional security through joint exercises and initiatives. This commitment strengthens NATO ties in Central Europe and beyond while also reinforcing a sense of collective security as part of a larger international community.

Denmark is a founding member of NATO. As part of its obligations to NATO, Denmark contributes to the collective defense of its members through joint military exercises, commitments in international operations, and deployments of combat forces. Denmark also plays an important role in NATO's efforts to strengthen global security through close cooperation with other countries and organizations. For example, Danish forces have been involved in several international missions such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to this, Denmark has taken an active role in promoting democracy and security by supporting the development of civil society organizations across the world. Through its commitment to NATO, Denmark continues to demonstrate its leadership in fostering peace and stability in Europe and beyond.

The Dominican Republic is not a NATO member. Despite its close proximity to the United States and its strong ties to U.S. political and military personnel, the Dominican Republic has never been invited to join NATO. The country receives much of its military aid from the United States, which remains a prominent power within NATO. Therefore, due to a variety of factors such as historical ties and current alliances, it appears unlikely that the Dominican Republic will join NATO anytime in the near future.

El Salvador has never been a member of NATO. This is due to its geographical location and the political stance it has taken over the years regarding its alliances. El Salvador is located in Central America and the country is not a member of any form of military alliance or organization, not even those that are strictly regional. It should be noted that this policy has been upheld by successive governments since the end of their civil war in 1992. The current president Nayib Bukele has made it clear that his government does not intend to change this policy and will continue to pursue an independent path rather than joining any military alliance.

France is one of the founding members of NATO, having joined the alliance in 1949. The strong ties between France and NATO have been reinforced by France's participation in a range of alliance activities over the years, including collective defense measures, peacekeeping operations, and arms control and disarmament initiatives. Furthermore, France contributes significantly to NATO's common funding budget as well as providing military personnel to coalition operations, taking part in NATO crisis management operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Afghanistan for instance. This demonstrates the firm commitment of France to NATO's collective security goals and mission.

Germany is an important member of NATO, having joined the alliance in 1955. As one of the three major powers in NATO, Germany plays a significant role in the organization's activities and aims to ensure peace and stability in the region. Since its accession, Germany has contributed significantly to NATO's military operations and continues to be at the forefront of efforts to strengthen the alliance. In recent years, Germany has also been active in promoting humanitarian initiatives under the auspices of NATO, demonstrating their commitment to international cooperation and security. Along with providing troops for various operations abroad, Germany also spends more on defense than many other NATO members, highlighting its importance as a contributor within the Alliance.

Greece joined NATO in 1952 and has played an important role in the organization ever since. Greece has contributed to NATO operations such as peacekeeping, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid. Additionally, Greece works closely with NATO allies on issues related to counterterrorism and defense modernization. Lately, Greece is playing a major role in addressing the migration crisis in Europe as well as regional security issues in the Balkans, Eastern Mediterranean, and the Black Sea region. By reinforcing its commitment to NATO, Greece has succeeded in fostering stability throughout the region by supporting key initiatives of its allies.

As a NATO member since 1999, Hungary has played an important role in the organization by contributing to its collective defense policy. This includes providing troops for missions abroad; so far, Hungarian soldiers have served in operations such as Kosovo and Afghanistan. Additionally, Hungary has provided logistics support, training capabilities, and security assistance. Furthermore, Hungary also contributes financially to NATO operations through the payment of various fees and dues associated with membership.

India is not a member of NATO. Even though India has historically participated in NATO peacekeeping missions, it does not benefit from the collective defense clause of the treaty. As such, India does not have access to advanced technologies, access to financial resources, or the political influence of being a NATO member, leaving it vulnerable in geopolitical contexts. Additionally, while India shares strong diplomatic ties with many NATO countries, these relationships are based on bilateral agreements rather than a multilateral framework, making them less comprehensive than they could be if India were a part of the Alliance.

Iran is not a member of NATO. This is due to the fact that NATO's founding members are all nations located in Europe and North America, whereas Iran is located in the Middle East region. Additionally, Iran's affiliation with several other Middle Eastern countries and its adherence to the policies of the Non-Aligned Movement further separate it from NATO's membership requirements. Furthermore, due to some of the foreign policies espoused by Iran in terms of its nuclear program and relations with particular countries, there has been increased scrutiny on its application for admission into NATO. As such, despite its strong military presence in the region and significant contributions to international security operations, Iran is not yet part of NATO and does not seem likely to become an official member any time soon.

Israel is not a member of NATO, although it has close ties with the organization. One of the main reasons Israel is not a NATO member is that its regional security environment has traditionally been different from that of other nations in Europe and North America. Additionally, while Israel has sought to join NATO in the past, efforts have been blocked by certain countries, namely Turkey, due to ongoing political tensions between them and Israel. Since Israel does not fit within the traditional framework of NATO membership, its status as an associate partner allows for the nation to participate in select activities alongside NATO partners without full integration into the organization. As such, Israel plays an important role in ensuring stability and security along its shared borders with NATO members, even though it is not officially a part of the alliance.

Italy joined NATO in 1949 and is one of the founding members of the alliance. As a NATO member, Italy contributes troops and resources to help promote international peace and security in Europe by providing collective defense for its allies. Italy has also taken an active role in NATO military operations, including in Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq. They are also actively involved in promoting cooperation between NATO countries through development initiatives such as scientific research programs, joint military exercises, and collaborative intelligence sharing.

Japan is a key ally of the United States but is not a NATO member. Japan’s location in Asia and its lack of a standing military force prevent it from being able to join the alliance. However, since the early 1990s, NATO and Japan have collaborated closely, and Japan is often referred to as a NATO partner. With China’s rising military influence, NATO has sought to expand its partnerships with Japan in the areas of maritime security, cyber defense, and non-proliferation. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine accelerated NATO’s development of partnerships in Asia out of heightened concerns that the next military flash point could involve China in the Indo-Pacific. As a result, in 2022, Japan’s Prime Minister joined the NATO summit for the first time and is expected to be a major player moving forward.

Kenya is not a member of NATO. NATO’s membership is limited to nations with strong economic and political ties to the United States, making it difficult for African states to join. This has been the case since its founding in 1949 when African nations were still under colonial rule. As a result, Kenya – along with other African countries – has not been able to access the advantages of full NATO membership including joint military exercises and intelligence sharing. Furthermore, despite its geopolitical importance in East Africa and close security cooperation with countries that are NATO members, it is still not eligible for membership due to lacking financial resources and political clout as compared to other potential applicants.

Kuwait is not a member of NATO. This is due to a number of reasons, including its small size and lack of military capabilities. Additionally, Kuwait has traditionally pursued an independent foreign policy that has been largely divergent from the policies and objectives of NATO. Therefore, it is not seen as a viable candidate for membership. Currently, Kuwait relies heavily on its partnership with the United States and other Gulf Cooperation Council nations for security assistance and protection against regional threats. As such, it does not feel the need to become part of NATO in order to ensure its safety and security. Moreover, joining the alliance would undoubtedly be seen as controversial by many in the region since most Middle Eastern countries remain generally suspicious or hostile to what they view as Western interference in their affairs.

Latvia joined NATO in 2004, becoming one of the first Baltic states to do so, along with Estonia. This decision was a major step for Latvia in terms of security, as it gained access to NATO's collective defense capabilities, which is particularly beneficial due to its proximity to Russia. Through its membership, Latvia also participates in international operations led by NATO and has contributed personnel to several missions in Afghanistan and elsewhere. In addition to these military benefits, joining the Alliance has also helped Latvia to maintain political stability and develop economically. By being a part of the world's most powerful military alliance, Latvia provides itself with an additional layer of protection on top of its own national security efforts.

Mexico is not a member of NATO. Mexico has long been an advocate of international law, non-intervention, and peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue. It has chosen to stay relatively neutral when it comes to military alliances but does maintain close ties with NATO members such as France, Spain, and Germany for economic and diplomatic purposes. Mexico also works alongside NATO countries to address global challenges such as climate change, human trafficking, illegal immigration, and drug cartels. Despite not being a member of the alliance itself, Mexico still plays an important role in supporting NATO's goals while retaining its own values and objectives on a global scale.

Moldova is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) due to its ongoing political and economic challenges, including a longstanding territorial dispute with the breakaway region of Transnistria. The country has expressed its interest in joining NATO and has taken steps to increase its cooperation with the alliance. However, Moldova's political instability and the conflict in Transnistria have made it difficult for the country to meet the membership criteria. The issue of NATO membership remains a contentious topic in Moldova's domestic politics, with some groups advocating for closer ties with the alliance while others favor a more neutral foreign policy approach.

The Netherlands is an active member of NATO, having joined in 1949 when the organization was founded. Since then, the Netherlands has contributed to NATO’s mission and history including through military forces and equipment, financial contributions, and participation in operations. Indeed, Dutch soldiers have played a crucial role in NATO-led crisis response operations such as in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and more recently Libya. The Netherlands has also provided significant funding for NATO missions over the years and currently contributes around 1 percent of its gross domestic product to defense spending.

Nigeria is not a member of NATO due to a number of reasons. NATO members have to meet certain criteria in order to join the alliance, such as having civilian control over any armed forces, but Nigeria's security sector remains largely untransformed and continues to rely significantly on non-state actors. Furthermore, foreign policy experts also suggest that Nigeria's history of military dictatorship and its current political system are further deterrents to joining NATO. Nigeria has also held relations with nations that tend to be viewed as hostile by NATO; one such example being Iran, with whom Nigeria signed a nuclear energy agreement in 2010.

Norway is one of the 30 member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As a founding member of NATO, Norway has been an active participant in the alliance since its establishment in 1949. Norway has also contributed to NATO's military operations, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian interventions, and counterterrorism efforts. The country's strategic location in the North Atlantic has made it a key contributor to NATO's defense capabilities and maritime security.

Despite Panama's strong relationship with the United States, it is not a NATO member. Panama's geographic location plays a role. The country's focus on non-alignment – a policy that establishes neutrality in international relations and refrains from forming alliances with any superpower – and Panama's geographic location explain why the country is not part of the alliance.

China is not a part of NATO and does not officially recognize its objectives or commitment to collective defense. Despite this, the country has played an important role in facilitating communication between NATO and Russia. In addition, China has been highly critical of NATO's expansion into Eastern Europe and its military activities in Afghanistan. As an alternative to NATO, China has proposed a new security framework called the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This organization includes members from Central Asia, Russia, and other countries, including India. It focuses on economic cooperation and security issues rather than the military presence or collective defense. The SCO has been an effective platform for regional dialogue on security issues and other disputes.

Poland is a NATO member. It joined the alliance in 1999 and since then has actively engaged in numerous operations. In addition to military contributions, Poland also provides leadership within the organization through hosting conferences and meetings such as the Warsaw Summit in 2016. The summit was a landmark occasion as it focused on strategies to counter both traditional and hybrid threats to regional stability. At this meeting, it was agreed that more resources would be devoted to strengthening defense capabilities in Central and Eastern Europe. Since then, Poland continues to play an important role in NATO operations due to its strategic location close to Russia's borders.

Portugal joined NATO in 1949 and has been a member ever since, providing a wide range of benefits to both Portugal and the other members of NATO. Portugal has a long history of contributing to international security efforts through their military contributions and by sharing their technological and defense expertise with other nations. Portugal has participated in numerous peacekeeping operations and exercises, as well as providing diplomatic support for other allied nations. In addition to these commitments, Portugal has provided economic assistance to many of its fellow member states through various programs such as the Global Security Fund. As a result, Portugal is viewed as an important partner for the security and stability of Europe, which contributes significantly to global security and prosperity.

In 2004, Romania became an official member of NATO, joining the ranks of other European countries. As part of its NATO membership, Romania has contributed forces to international missions, such as the Kosovo Force, and has actively participated in NATO-led initiatives in the Black Sea region. Romania also contributes financially toward NATO by funding joint military exercises and supporting its allies' military modernization efforts. Furthermore, Romania plays an important role within the Alliance with its strategic geographic position, which gives it easy access to both Europe and Asia. As part of its mission to promote global security, Romania continues to uphold its commitment to NATO's goals and objectives.

Russia has had a complex relationship with NATO since the alliance was established in 1949. Over the years, tensions between Russia and NATO have increased due to political and military disagreements. Currently, there is no cooperation between Russia and NATO on security issues and the two sides are often in conflict on topics such as military expansionism or international sanctions. Historians have acknowledged that despite diplomatic efforts to bridge differences, tensions between Russia and NATO remain high due to underlying ideological differences and power politics. Recently, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 worsened the relationship between Russia and NATO to the lowest point since the end of the Cold War.

Despite the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and NATO countries, the nation is not a member of NATO. This is due to several factors, including its geopolitical position in the Middle East, its desire to maintain independence from Western nations, and protect its regional interests, which may make it more suitable for observer status in NATO rather than full membership. Yet, Saudi Arabia cooperates with NATO on various operations and exercises both within the region and beyond. For example, in 2012 Saudi Arabia contributed funds towards training Libyan forces as part of a NATO mission.

Serbia is not a member of NATO. As a result of its complex political history, Serbia has chosen to remain neutral in international affairs. While this neutrality helps to maintain peace and security within the region, it also means that Serbia does not benefit from the collective defense and mutual military assistance provided by NATO. Additionally, Serbia is excluded from the many projects and initiatives launched by NATO, such as the science and technology programs that aim to strengthen global security. Despite this, Serbia continues to uphold its policy of non-alignment and neutrality within international affairs, prioritizing peace and stability over membership in any alliance.

Slovakia officially became a member of NATO in 2004, joining the alliance as one of seven Eastern European countries to join within that year. The accession process began in 2002 when Slovakia declared its intention to join the alliance. It has since become an active participant in NATO's mission and has consistently contributed to the organization's efforts, including taking part in NATO-led operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Furthermore, Slovakia has increased its defense spending every year since joining NATO, now reaching over 1% of its GDP. In recent years, Slovakia has also taken on a greater role within the alliance through its participation in multinational exercises and various strategic initiatives.

Slovenia has been a member of NATO since 2004, after joining the alliance with seven other Eastern European countries. Since then, the small country has made important contributions to the alliance, dedicating resources and personnel to its defense efforts. Slovenia currently hosts more than 500 soldiers in its territory, most of whom are deployed in NATO-led missions throughout the world. Slovenia also provides training and logistical support for certain units stationed within its borders and the nation regularly participates in large-scale military drills and exercises with partner nations in order to maintain interoperability and readiness.

Spain has been a member of NATO since 1982 and has been committed to the collective defense of its fellow members and worked with other countries to promote global security and prosperity. The nation contributes financially and militarily, including providing troops for a variety of peacekeeping missions and participating in joint training exercises. Spain is also involved in various NATO initiatives such as the Mediterranean Dialogue, which promotes regional stability in the Mediterranean region through dialogue and collaboration. With its long history of involvement in international relations, Spain remains a key player in NATO operations today.

Syria is not a member of NATO. Due to Syria's relationship with Russia, a geopolitical rival of NATO states, and the military operations conducted by the US-led coalition in Syria since 2014, the country has seen its relationships with the Western world deteriorate significantly which makes Syria unlikely to become a member of NATO anytime soon.

Taiwan is a self-governed state located in East Asia and it is not a member of NATO. This is due to the fact that NATO membership requires mutual recognition between two states, and Taiwan's current status as an independent state is not recognized by any other country. As such, Taiwan does not meet the criteria for NATO membership. Taiwan also does not have a diplomatic mission to NATO headquarters in Brussels or participate in any of the organization's activities. The lack of diplomatic relations with other countries also prevents China from potentially invoking its right to veto Taiwan's accession to the organization through an Article 10 request. Additionally, Taiwan has no military alliance with any nation-state affiliated with NATO, further limiting its chances of joining the alliance. As a result, Taiwan is unable to access NATO resources or take part in joint military operations and exercises with its member states.

Ukraine is not a member of NATO but has expressed interest in joining the alliance. However, this has been met with opposition from some NATO countries, notably Hungary. This opposition stems from complicated regional tensions between Ukraine and Russia over territorial disputes, particularly in Crimea which Russia annexed in 2014. As a result, the NATO-Ukraine Commission was created to provide an avenue for dialogue and cooperation between the two sides. Russia’s recent invasion of the nation in 2022 however, pushed Ukraine to formally apply to join the organization in September 2022. In the meantime, the nation remains outside of the organization as a non-member partner.

The United States has been a member of NATO since its founding in 1949, along with 11 other original members. As one of NATO's key members, the United States plays a critical role in providing diplomatic, economic, and military support to ensure the security and stability of Europe and North America. The U.S. contributes millions of dollars annually to fund various NATO missions and exercises around the world. As part of its commitment to NATO, the U.S. has provided troops to support allied operations as well as leading initiatives. The strong ties between the United States and other NATO countries have fostered a sense of trust and cooperation that is essential for maintaining peace and stability both within the alliance and beyond.

Venezuela is not a part of NATO and likely will not become one. This decision largely stems from Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez's anti-U.S. stance, which he had held since assuming office in 1999. Since then, the country has seen an uptick in anti-American sentiment, with the current President Nicolás Maduro continuing the Bolivarian Revolution. Recently, Venezuela has even held anti-NATO summits and encourages regional nations to avoid engaging with the United States in economic and security treaties.