When was the United Nations founded?
The United Nations was founded on October 24, 1945, after World War II, when its charter came into force. It began with 51 member countries and now has 193.
Representatives from 50 countries met in San Francisco from April to June 1945 to write the UN Charter. Poland, which could not attend, signed later as an original member. The UN replaced the League of Nations, which had failed to prevent World War II. October 24 is celebrated as United Nations Day.
The UN's main goals are to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, deliver humanitarian aid, promote sustainable development and uphold international law. Its headquarters is in New York City, and it has major offices in Geneva, Vienna and Nairobi.
How it works
All members have a seat in the General Assembly. The Security Council has five permanent members with veto power, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and ten elected members. UN agencies include UNICEF, the World Health Organization and the World Food Programme.
Did You Know?
South Sudan, which joined in 2011, is the newest UN member state. The Vatican and Palestine have observer status.