10/27/2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) has 194 Member States, but not every sovereign state or internationally recognized entity is a WHO Member State. WHO membership is therefore not exactly identical to membership in the United Nations.
A particularly important distinction is that Liechtenstein and the Holy See are not WHO Member States, although both are parties to the International Health Regulations. WHO itself has identified these two entities in this context.
WHO currently has 194 Member States. WHO describes these Member States as being organized into six regions.
This number should not be confused with the United Nations, which currently has 193 Member States.
The clearest examples are:
Liechtenstein
Holy See
The Holy See is distinct from Vatican City in international diplomatic terminology, and the two should not simply be treated as interchangeable entities when discussing international organization membership.
WHO membership follows its own constitutional framework.
A country does not automatically become a WHO Member State simply because it is a UN member.
WHO's Constitution establishes procedures for membership, including admission of states that meet the applicable requirements.
Liechtenstein is a UN Member State but has not become a full WHO Member State.
No.
The Holy See is not listed among WHO's 194 Member States.
However, WHO notes that the Holy See is a party to the International Health Regulations.
This demonstrates that participation in an international health treaty is not necessarily the same thing as membership in WHO.
The State of Palestine participates in the WHO system as a Member State, despite having a different status at the United Nations, where it is a non-member observer state.
This is an important example of why WHO membership should be checked separately from UN membership.
The United States has been subject to a withdrawal process.
WHO's current information continues to identify the United States in its Member State framework while documenting the US notification concerning withdrawal and its subsequent status. Because this is a politically and legally evolving matter, readers should consult WHO's current official information rather than relying on older lists.
WHO Member States participate in the World Health Assembly, which is the organization's main decision-making body.
Members cooperate on international health policies, disease prevention, emergency preparedness, health standards and global health programmes.
WHO has 194 Member States, and membership is not identical to UN membership. Liechtenstein and the Holy See are notable entities that are not WHO Member States, even though they participate in certain international health arrangements. For an up-to-date list, WHO's official country and membership information should always be preferred.
WHO – Countries and Member States
WHO – Frequently Asked Questions
WHO – Constitution
Wikipedia – World Health Organization
Unchannel - 10/27/2026