Office of the Historian

Countries

This section provides historical reference information on aspects of the United States’ relations with the countries of the world. The central component is a guide to matters of diplomatic recognition and the establishment and maintenance of diplomatic relations between the United States and states of the world, from 1776 to the present.

An asterisk indicates former countries, previously recognized by the United States, that have been dissolved or superseded by other states.

This guide brings together information on these subjects from among diverse and widely scattered documentary and archival sources. The most significant categories of information provided for each individual country include:

  1. the date and circumstances under which the United States recognized, or was recognized by, each state;
  2. the date and mode by which the United States established diplomatic relations with each state;
  3. the date the United States established a physical diplomatic presence through a legation, embassy, or other mission in each country;
  4. and the dates and circumstances of any interruption or resumption of diplomatic relations.

Over time, additional details will be added for each country, such as information on the United States consular presence.

Finally, this section also provides historical information on some territorial entities that the United States has not recognized or with which it does not have diplomatic relations.

Select an article from the list of all countries.