Skip to main content
U.S. Edition
Search
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WORLD

Facts on U.N. Security Council

SPECIAL REPORT

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Here are some facts on the U.N. Security Council from its Web site:

  • The council has 15 members.

  • Five of the 15 are permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

  • The current nonpermanent members, which serve two-year terms, are Argentina, Republic of Congo, Denmark, Ghana, Greece, Japan, Peru, Qatar, Slovakia and Tanzania.

  • Decisions on major issues require nine votes, including the approval of all five permanent members. The rule of unanimity among the five powers is referred to as the "veto power."

  • Only the council can make decisions that U.N. member states are required under the charter to carry out.

    • Story Tools
    Click Here to try 4 Free Trial Issues of Time! cover
    Top Stories
    Home Page
    Get up-to-the minute news from CNN
    CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.
    		 Top Stories
    Home Page
    Get up-to-the minute news from CNN
    CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.
    CNN U.S.
    		CNN TV E-mail Services CNN Mobile CNNAvantGo Ad Info About Us Preferences
    Search
    © 2007 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
    A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
    Terms under which this service is provided to you.
    Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us. Site Map.
    Offsite Icon External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com
    Pipeline Icon Pay service with live and archived video. Learn more
    Radio News Icon Download audio news  |  RSS Feed Add RSS headlines