What is ISO 3166-1:2018

The ISO 3166-1:2018 is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that defines codes for the names of countries, dependent territories, and special areas of geographical interest. It provides a universally recognized system for identifying and classifying countries and their subdivisions.

Purpose of ISO 3166-1:2018

The primary purpose of ISO 3166-1:2018 is to establish a common understanding and consistent representation of country names in various applications such as databases, internet domain names, and international communications. It enables accurate data exchange and facilitates the integration of different information systems across different industries and sectors.

Structure and Format

The ISO 3166-1:2018 standard consists of three parts:

Part 1: Country codes – This part defines the two-letter country codes, also known as alpha-2 codes, which are widely used in international postal services, currency exchange, and other applications.

Part 2: Country subdivision codes – This part defines the codes for the principal subdivisions (e.g., states, provinces) of countries.

Part 3: Code for formerly used names of countries – This part provides codes for country names that have changed or are no longer in use.

Benefits of ISO 3166-1:2018

The ISO 3166-1:2018 standard offers several benefits:

Consistency and accuracy - The standard ensures consistency and accuracy in the representation of country names across different platforms and systems.

Efficiency in communication - By using standard country codes, organizations can streamline their communication processes and reduce the risk of errors and misunderstandings.

Global recognition - The ISO 3166-1:2018 codes are widely recognized and accepted, making it easier to establish a global presence and engage in international activities.

Data integration - The standard facilitates the integration of data from various sources, allowing organizations to analyze and compare information more effectively.