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UN Security Council permanent members

The UN Security Council has five permanent members, each with a veto: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

How many5 permanent members
As of28 September 2026
SourceUnited Nations Security Council
Memory hook

The five wartime Allies of 1945. The seats have changed hands only twice: China's in 1971 and Russia's, from the Soviet Union, in 1991.

The full list

The permanent five 5

Each holds a permanent seat under the UN Charter, and a veto.

Can you name them all?

Test yourself

Not on the list

Questions

How many permanent members does the UN Security Council have?

The UN Security Council has five permanent members, each with a veto: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Which permanent members are on the list?

China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.

What is an easy way to remember them?

The five wartime Allies of 1945. The seats have changed hands only twice: China's in 1971 and Russia's, from the Soviet Union, in 1991.

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Each name checked against at least two sources, one of them United Nations Security Council, on 28 September 2026. Next review by 28 September 2028.
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