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The United Nations Security Council was formed in 1945 and charged
with maintaining global peace and security. It is considered the
most powerful arm of the United Nations. At the time of its birth,
the council consisted of 11 members -- five permanent members
and six elected nations. In 1965, the council grew to 15 members
as more democratic countries began emerging around the world.
U.N. member states must elect the non-permanent members. Those
countries are elected for two-year terms and do not, unlike permanent
members, have the power to veto proposals put forth by the wider
Security Council.
Non-permanent members are elected based on the following: five
must come from Africa and Asia combined, one from Eastern Europe,
two from Latin America and two from Western Europe and other regions.
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China |
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France |
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Russia |
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United Kingdom |
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United States |
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Algeria |
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Benin |
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Brazil |
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Philippines |
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Romania |
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Argentina |
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Denmark |
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Greece |
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Japan |
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Tanzania |
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-- Source: United Nations and U.S. State
Department, Sept. 2005
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