Since the United Nations (U.N.) was established in 1945, the U.S. government, including many Members of Congress, has maintained an ongoing interest in the criteria and process for membership in the United Nations and its specialized agencies. The United Nations currently has 193 member states and two observer non-member statesthe Holy See (Vatican) and Palestine. Each of the U.N. system’s 15 specialized agencieswhich are independent international intergovernmental organizations with their own constitutions, rules, and budgetshave different criteria and processes for membership. This book highlights key steps in the process for attaining membership in the United Nations and its specialized agencies. It discusses the capacities associated with U.N. membership and observer status, as well as criteria for and implications of membership.