Question map
Which one of the following countries is not a UN member country?
Explanation
The United Nations currently consists of 193 member states [1][t1]. While Greece, Portugal, and Australia are recognized member states—with Australia specifically listed as a member contributing to the UN budget [c2][t4]—Taiwan is not a member. Historically, the Republic of China (Taiwan) was a founding member and held a permanent seat on the Security Council from 1945 until 1971 [t2][t3]. However, following the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in 1971, the People's Republic of China was recognized as the only legitimate representative of China to the UN, effectively expelling the representatives of Taiwan [t2][t6]. Since then, Taiwan has remained a non-member and is not officially recognized as an independent state by the UN [t2]. Currently, only the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine maintain permanent observer status as non-member states [t2].
Sources
- [1] Contemporary World Politics, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: International Organisations > Chapter 4 International Organisations > p. 50