If you’ve been keeping an eye on the news lately, you’ve probably noticed the map of the world looks a bit different than it did just a few years ago. At least, the political map does. People keep asking the same question: how many countries recognise Palestine right now?
The answer isn't just a single number you can find on a dusty globe. It's a moving target. Honestly, the shift we’ve seen in the last two years—specifically through 2024 and 2025—has been the most dramatic diplomatic pivot since the late eighties.
As of January 2026, 159 out of the 193 member states of the United Nations officially recognise the State of Palestine.
That’s roughly 82% of the world. But numbers alone don't tell the whole story. You’ve got to look at who changed their minds recently to understand why this actually matters for the first time in decades.
The Massive 2024-2025 Domino Effect
For a long time, the list of countries was mostly made up of the "Global South"—nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America—alongside the old Soviet bloc. Western powers basically sat on the sidelines. They always said, "Recognition comes after a peace deal."
Then things changed. Fast.
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In May 2024, Norway, Ireland, and Spain decided they’d waited long enough. They recognized Palestine simultaneously. It was a massive "statement" move that broke the European seal. Armenia and Slovenia followed shortly after. By the time the UN General Assembly rolled around in late 2025, we saw something many experts thought would never happen in our lifetime: G7 countries started breaking ranks.
The September 2025 Surge
September 2025 was a bit of a whirlwind in New York. While the world was watching the 80th session of the General Assembly, a coordinated group of Western powers decided to pull the trigger.
- The United Kingdom and France—two permanent members of the UN Security Council—officially extended recognition.
- Canada and Australia joined them, marking a total shift in the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance's traditional stance.
- Belgium, Luxembourg, Portugal, and Malta also hopped on board during that same week.
This wasn't just about adding names to a list. When the UK and France recognized Palestine, it meant that four out of the five permanent members of the Security Council (alongside China and Russia) now acknowledge Palestinian statehood. It left the United States as the lone holdout among the big five.
Who Still Says No?
Despite this huge wave, there are still about 34 UN member states that don't recognize Palestine. If you look at the holdouts, it’s not a random mix. It’s a very specific group of allies.
The United States is the biggest "no," obviously. They still maintain that statehood must come through direct negotiations with Israel. Other major countries that haven't made the jump yet include:
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- Germany (often citing historical responsibilities and security concerns).
- Italy (though they've hinted it's a possibility if certain security conditions are met).
- Japan and South Korea (both generally align with the U.S. on this, though Japan has been softening its tone).
- The Netherlands and Austria (who remain some of the more cautious voices in the EU).
It's kinda wild when you think about it. You can travel from the tip of South America, across Africa, and through most of Asia, and you're almost always in a country that recognizes Palestine. But once you hit Central Europe or North America, the legal reality flips.
Why This Isn't Just "Symbolic" Anymore
Critics used to say recognition was just "virtue signaling." They’d argue it doesn't change the fact that the Israeli military is on the ground. And they're partially right—a piece of paper in London doesn't automatically remove a checkpoint in the West Bank.
But in 2026, the legal consequences are getting real.
When a country recognizes Palestine, it treats Palestinian missions as full embassies. It means Palestine can sign bilateral trade deals as a state. Perhaps most importantly, it strengthens their standing at the International Criminal Court (ICC). You can't really argue a country doesn't have the "standing" to bring a case if 80% of the world says that country exists.
Also, it changes the "default" setting for future peace talks. Instead of negotiating to become a state, the starting point is now that they are a state under occupation. It’s a subtle shift in language, but in diplomacy, language is everything.
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The G20 Split
The G20 is basically the "rich kids' club" of global politics. Even there, the tide has turned. Out of the 19 member countries (plus the EU and African Union), 15 now recognize Palestine.
- Recognize: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the UK, and the African Union.
- Do Not Recognize: USA, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea.
Spain, which is a permanent guest of the G20, also recognizes Palestine. So, the "resistance" to the idea is shrinking into a very small, albeit very powerful, corner of the world.
What Happens Next?
So, how many countries recognise Palestine is a number that will likely keep climbing. Rumors in diplomatic circles suggest that New Zealand and even some Pacific Island nations are currently reviewing their positions.
The real thing to watch isn't the total number, though. It’s whether the United States eventually uses its veto to block full UN membership again. Palestine is currently a "Non-Member Observer State." They can talk, but they can't vote. To become a full member, the Security Council has to recommend them, and the U.S. has used its veto there repeatedly.
With the UK and France now on the "Yes" side, the pressure on Washington is at an all-time high.
Actionable Insights for Following This Topic
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on this, don't just wait for the big headlines. Watch these three things:
- The "Six Eyes" watch: New Zealand is the last of the core Western Pacific allies to decide. If they move, the isolation of the U.S. position becomes nearly absolute in that bloc.
- EU Consensus: Look at the Netherlands. They are often the "bellwether" for the remaining skeptical European nations.
- UN Membership Votes: Follow the sessions of the UN Security Council. Even if a veto happens, the "Explanation of Vote" (the speech they give afterward) tells you exactly how much room there is for a policy shift in the future.
The map is changing. Whether you think it’s a good move or a mistake, the "State of Palestine" is a legal reality for the vast majority of the human population. We are way past the point of this being a fringe diplomatic idea.