What the Life in the UK test can ask about this topic, explained in plain English.
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The facts to know
Roughly how many countries are members of the United Nations?
More than 190.
The UN is the largest of the international bodies in this section. With more than 190 members, it includes almost every country in the world. The UK is a member. Compare the numbers: the Commonwealth and Council of Europe each have dozens of members, the EU 27, but the UN is global.
Why it matters: Numbers for the UN, EU, Council of Europe and Security Council are easy to mix up.
Memory hook: Nearly two hundred nations, one United Nations.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.7, page 92
When was the United Nations set up?
After the Second World War.
The Second World War caused terrible loss around the world. When it ended, countries wanted a way to settle disputes without fighting. The United Nations was created for that purpose. Its timing is the key fact here: it came after the Second World War, not the First, and it still exists today.
Why it matters: Tested as a date question and often confused with the League of Nations era after 1918.
Memory hook: Second war, then a second try at peace: the UN followed the Second World War.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.7, page 92
What is the main aim of the United Nations?
To prevent war and promote international peace and security.
The UN's purpose flows from its origins. Born after the Second World War, it exists to stop wars from starting and to keep the world peaceful and secure. Its Security Council takes the lead when crises threaten peace. Other organisations have narrower aims: the Council of Europe on rights, NATO on defence.
Why it matters: Purpose questions ask you to match each organisation to its aim; the UN's is peace.
Memory hook: UN equals Unite Nations against war: peace and security are the mission.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.7, page 92
How many members sit on the UN Security Council?
15.
The Security Council is a small, powerful group inside the UN. It has 15 members in total. Five of those, including the UK, are permanent, and the rest take turns. Keep the two numbers separate in your mind: 15 members altogether, 5 of them permanent. Both figures are tested.
Why it matters: Frequently confused with the five permanent members; know both numbers.
Memory hook: Fifteen at the table, five never leave.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.7, page 92
What does the UN Security Council do when there is an international crisis?
It recommends action.
When a conflict breaks out or peace is under threat somewhere in the world, the Security Council meets and recommends what the international community should do. This might mean talks, sanctions or peacekeeping. As a permanent member, the UK has a seat at that table every time such a decision is made.
Why it matters: Links the Security Council's job to the UN's overall aim of preventing war.
Memory hook: Crisis comes, Council recommends: the Security Council suggests the response.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.7, page 92
1 more fact on The United Nations is in the Complete Study Guide.
Try 3 practice questions
Question 1
How many permanent members does the UN Security Council have?
Three
Five
Seven
Fifteen
Show the answer
Answer: Five
Of the 15 seats on the Security Council, five belong permanently to the same countries. The UK is one of these five, which gives it a lasting voice in decisions about war and peace. The other ten seats rotate among UN members. Questions may ask for the number five or for the UK's permanent status.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.7, page 92
Question 2
Which of these statements is correct?
The UN Security Council has five permanent members, and the UK is one of them.
The UN Security Council has Three permanent members, and the UK is one of them.
Show the answer
Answer: The UN Security Council has five permanent members, and the UK is one of them.
Of the 15 seats on the Security Council, five belong permanently to the same countries. The UK is one of these five, which gives it a lasting voice in decisions about war and peace. The other ten seats rotate among UN members. Questions may ask for the number five or for the UK's permanent status.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.7, page 92
Question 3
Which of these statements is correct?
The United Nations is an international organisation with More than 50 member countries, and the UK is one of them.
The United Nations is an international organisation with more than 190 member countries, and the UK is one of them.
Show the answer
Answer: The United Nations is an international organisation with more than 190 member countries, and the UK is one of them.
The UN is the largest of the international bodies in this section. With more than 190 members, it includes almost every country in the world. The UK is a member. Compare the numbers: the Commonwealth and Council of Europe each have dozens of members, the EU 27, but the UN is global.
Official handbook: Chapter 5, section 5.7, page 92
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