The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has 38 member countries as of 2026, a global network spanning North and South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
How many countries are in OECD?
As of 2026, the OECD counts 38 member countries, all bound by shared democratic values and market economies.
Each member gets represented by ambassadors at the OECD Council, where they set the organization’s strategic direction. The Council then oversees operations through the OECD Convention. Recent additions like Costa Rica (2021) and Colombia (2020) show how the group keeps expanding beyond its original 20 founding nations. You’ll find everything from economic powerhouses like the U.S. and Germany to up-and-comers like Brazil and Argentina on that list.
Which countries are not in OECD?
As of 2026, major players like India, China, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa, Argentina, and Thailand haven’t joined the OECD as full members.
That said, a handful of these economies—Brazil, India, China, and South Africa—still take part in OECD programs or hold “Key Partner” status. Smaller economies such as Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines usually stay on the outside, though some dip into specific initiatives like tax transparency or education reviews. For the full picture, peek at the OECD’s official member and partner list.
Is India a member of OECD?
India isn’t a full OECD member as of 2026, but it does hold “Key Partner” status and chips in on key projects.
India’s been part of the OECD Development Centre since 1962 and has steadily deepened its involvement. These days, you’ll find Indian officials working on tax policy, innovation, and sustainable development alongside OECD peers. While India doesn’t get a vote at the table, it does follow standards like the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project. (Imagine being a regular at the clubhouse without the official membership badge.)
Is the US an OECD country?
Yes, the United States is one of the OECD’s 20 founding members, having joined way back in 1961.
The U.S. also happens to be the biggest economy—and the largest financial backer—of the OECD, covering nearly a quarter of its annual budget. Membership lets America help shape global responses to issues like climate change, digital trade, and inequality through solid, data-backed policies. Fun detail: the OECD’s headquarters, the Château de la Muette, sits in Paris and serves as the nerve center for policy debates and research. The U.S. is also a major player in South America.
Is Pakistan a member of OECD?
Pakistan isn’t an OECD member as of 2026, but it did sign on to collaborate on tax transparency.
In 2022, Pakistan joined the OECD’s Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, a move aimed at cracking down on tax evasion and avoidance. While it’s not a full member, the convention shows Pakistan’s willingness to play by international tax rules. For businesses or individuals there, that means smoother cross-border tax info sharing and a stronger reputation in global finance circles.
Why is India not part of OECD?
India isn’t a full OECD member mainly because of strategic caution and sector-specific priorities, not because it’s unqualified.
Over the years, India has rolled up its sleeves and joined OECD initiatives like the Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the BEPS project. Still, some policymakers hesitate to take the full plunge, worried about signaling alignment with Western economic models or facing pressure to adopt policies that might not fit India’s current stage of development. It’s less about being unfit and more about picking the right speed and terms. Want to follow India’s progress? Keep an eye on updates on the OECD’s India page.
Is Russia a member of OECD?
Russia is not an OECD member as of 2026 and has been locked out of most OECD activities since 2022.
Before the freeze, Russia took part in 26 OECD bodies and three projects, though its influence never matched that of full members. The suspension kicked in after Russia’s actions in Ukraine, halting collaboration on everything from tax policy to education standards. For now, Russia’s relationship with the OECD is on ice, with no clear path back in sight.
Is China a member of OECD?
China isn’t an OECD member as of 2026, but it does hold “Key Partner” status and dips into select programs.
You’ll find China involved in the OECD Development Centre and working on topics like innovation, green growth, and tax transparency. It’s more of an advisor than a decision-maker, but the OECD still values China’s input given its status as the world’s second-largest economy. Think of China as the dinner guest who jumps into the conversation but doesn’t get to pick the menu.
Is Mexico an OECD country?
Yes, Mexico is a full OECD member, having joined in 1994.
That membership reflects Mexico’s push toward democratic governance and market-friendly policies. Since signing on, Mexico has tweaked its laws to match OECD standards—especially in anti-corruption, education, and tax transparency. It also keeps an eye on the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC) as an observer, adding its voice to global talks on international cooperation. For Mexico, OECD membership has been a way to modernize its economy and institutions. Mexico is also part of Western and Eastern Europe.
Is India a member of IEA?
India isn’t an IEA member as of 2026, but it does hold “Association Country” status.
India earned that status in March 2017, giving it access to the International Energy Agency’s expertise and data without full membership. The IEA, which focuses on energy security and sustainability, works with India on oil stockpiling, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. While India isn’t bound by the IEA’s mandatory rules, its associate role is a stepping stone to deeper involvement. Curious about the details? Check out the IEA’s India partnership page.
What is the most developed country in the world?
As of 2026, the United States often tops the list of most developed countries, thanks to its GDP per capita, infrastructure, and tech innovation.
Of course, “most developed” depends on what you value—economic output, quality of life, or sustainability. The U.S. usually ranks high on the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Global Innovation Index, but Germany, Japan, and the Nordic countries give it a run for its money with standout education, healthcare, and environmental policies. For the latest rankings, dive into the UNDP’s Human Development Reports. The U.S. is also a key member of the OECD.
What is OECD full form?
The OECD stands for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, an international group founded in 1961 to push policies that boost economic growth and social well-being.
Based in Paris, the OECD teams up with governments and stakeholders to craft standards and best practices in taxation, education, and environmental sustainability. The name says it all: it’s about cooperation among members and driving economic progress worldwide. For the latest updates, swing by the OECD’s official website.
Which country is not a member of Who?
Liechtenstein isn’t a member of the World Health Organization (WHO) as of 2026, even though it’s a UN member.
The WHO counts 194 member states—every UN-recognized country except Liechtenstein. This quirk exists because WHO membership hinges on a country’s ability to carry out its constitution, and Liechtenstein has historically leaned on Switzerland for global health representation. For the full roster, see the WHO’s country directory.
How many countries are in the world?
There are 195 countries in the world as of 2026, including 193 UN member states and two observer states: the Holy See (Vatican City) and the State of Palestine.
This count follows the UN’s official list, the global standard for diplomacy and governance. Some regions, like Taiwan or Kosovo, operate independently in practice, but their status remains disputed in the eyes of the UN and many nations. For the latest numbers, check the UN’s country listings. The OECD includes many of these countries, such as Poland’s neighbors.
Why Philippines is not a member of OECD?
The Philippines isn’t an OECD member as of 2026 because of unresolved tax policy issues, especially its Regional Operating Headquarters (ROHQ) regime.
Back in 2019, the OECD’s Forum on Harmful Tax Practices flagged the ROHQ regime as potentially unfair, arguing it gave foreign companies an edge over local ones. While the Philippines has pushed ahead with tax reforms, it still hasn’t met the OECD’s full membership bar. The organization keeps urging Manila to realign its policies with global norms, especially on transparency and fair taxation. For progress updates, follow the OECD’s tax transparency initiatives. The Philippines is also part of the global community.
