United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States. The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter.

While the UN is headquartered in New York City, it possesses additional major offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi. It is not a commercial product but rather a political and humanitarian entity. Its operations and 'products' (such as reports, guidelines, and peacekeeping missions) are funded through assessed and voluntary contributions from its member states.

The organization maintains a global presence, with various agencies, funds, and programs—such as UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the World Food Programme—operating in nearly every country in the world to maintain international peace and security, protect human rights, and deliver humanitarian aid.