Mapping which countries recognise Palestine in 2025
The State of Palestine is acknowledged as a sovereign nation by 147 countries, representing 75 percent of United Nations members. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France intends to officially recognise Palestine within a few months, potentially during a United Nations conference in New York this June. This announcement marks a significant step toward resolving the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- Macron suggested that this move could encourage some Middle Eastern countries to formally recognise the State of Israel.
- The Palestinian Authority expressed its support, calling the decision “a step in the right direction” for global peace.
Growing International Support
As the conflict between Israel and Gaza continues, countries like Mexico, Armenia, Slovenia, Ireland, Norway, Spain, the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados have joined the ranks of those formally recognising the State of Palestine. This reflects an increasing global alignment with Palestine’s sovereignty.
- Recognition of Palestine bolsters its international standing, empowers its efforts to hold Israeli authorities accountable, and puts pressure on Western nations to act on the two-state solution.
Which countries recognise Palestine?
As of now, 147 of the 193 UN member states recognise Palestine, representing a substantial portion of the global community. The Holy See, the governing body of the Catholic Church and Vatican City, also officially recognises Palestine, holding the status of a UN observer.
- The map and table below illustrate the countries that acknowledge Palestine’s statehood.
A brief history of Palestinian recognition
On November 15, 1988, amid the first Intifada, Yasser Arafat, leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization, declared Palestine an independent state, with Jerusalem as its capital.
- This proclamation was followed by recognition from over 80 countries, particularly from the Global South—including nations from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Arab world.
- A significant portion of European recognition during this period came from nations in the former Soviet bloc.
Oslo Accords and further developments
Following the Oslo Accords in 1993, direct negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis aimed at establishing a two-state solution. Despite these efforts, a final agreement has not been reached.
- By the late 1980s and early 1990s, nearly 20 countries recognised Palestine, with an additional 12 between 2000 and 2010, mostly from Africa and South America.
- By 2011, almost all African nations had recognised Palestine, except for Eritrea and Cameroon.
Major milestones in recognition
In 2012, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to grant Palestine non-member observer state status with 138 votes in favour, 9 against, and 41 abstentions. In 2014, Sweden became the first country in Western Europe to recognise Palestine.
More European countries recognising Palestine
On May 22, 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain declared their recognition of Palestine along the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
- In retaliation, Israel recalled its ambassadors from these three countries and promised to expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
- On June 4, 2024, Slovenia became the most recent European nation to officially recognise Palestine.
Ongoing discussions
Other European nations like Malta and Belgium are in discussions about when and if they will recognise Palestinian statehood. However, no G7 country – including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, or the United States – has recognised Palestine as a state yet.
