THE NORTH Atlantic Treaty Organization was established in 1949 and has since become one of the strongest international military alliances in the world. As of November 2022, there are 30 independent member countries, and many want to know who they are.
AFPNATO was founded after World War II '/ ' The 30 independent NATO countries include: AlbaniaBelgiumBulgariaCanadaCroatiaCzechiaDenmarkEstoniaFranceGermanyGreece HungaryIcelandItaly LatviaLithuaniaLuxembourgMontenegroNetherlandsNorth MacedoniaNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainTurkeyUnited Kingdom United States In July 2022, NATO invited Finland and Sweden to join, but it is unclear when their applications will be approved. Read More from NATO
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WAR-NING The likelihood of World War 3 explained What does NATO do? The members of NATO swear to back each other if one of them is attacked. NATO was formed in 1949 in the aftermath of World War II, hoping to present a united front against the Soviet Union's growing power. Called a "huge gun club," NATO drew military might from member states' arsenals. Most read in US News 'HE TOOK HER' Casey Anthony breaks silence on daughter's death to blame dad in shock twist DEADLY PLAN UVA 'shooter waited until return to campus before fatal attack killing three' LAST WORDS Eerie post from student shared hours before 4 pals killed in 'crime of passion' DEATH RIDDLE Chilling call linked to deaths of Idaho students killed in 'crime of passion' COPS SLAMMED JonBenét Ramsey's dad breaks silence after major update pageant queen's murder DEVASTATING LOSS Idaho students' heartbreaking last pics before 'crime of passion killing' This includes French, British, and American nuclear weapons but NATO prefers "nuclear deterrence." How does a country join NATO? While joining NATO might seem like an easy task, the application process is actually quite extensive. First, new members must meet five basic requirements and be invited by a consensus of current members.
GettyThere are 30 independent member countries in NATO '/ ' Those requirements include: New members must uphold democracy, including tolerating diversityNew members must be making progress toward a market economyTheir military forces must be under firm civilian controlThey must be good neighbors and respect sovereignty outside their bordersThey must be working toward compatibility with NATO forces After the prospective members are invited, they then have to send a formal letter to NATO's Secretary-General, stating that they accept the responsibilities that come with being a NATO member. It is then up to the other NATO countries to vote upon new members, which could take weeks or even years.
