The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for maintaining international peace and security. It has a total of 15 members.

The UNSC membership is divided into two categories:

1. Permanent Members (5 countries): These members have veto power and serve indefinitely. They are:

• China
• France
• Russia
• United Kingdom
• United States

2. Non-Permanent Members (10 countries): These members are elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms. Elections are held every year for 5 seats to ensure a rotating membership that represents different regions of the world.

Therefore, the total membership is calculated as:

$5+10=15$

Related Topics

Veto Power: A unique power held by the five permanent members. Any one of them can block (veto) a substantive resolution, even if it has the support of the other 14 members.

UN General Assembly: The main deliberative body where all 193 member states have equal representation. It is responsible for electing the non-permanent members of the Security Council.

Key Formulae/Concepts

Total UNSC Membership: Permanent Members + Non-Permanent Members = 5 + 10 = 15