Q. Consider the following countries:
I. Austria
II. Bulgaria
III. Croatia
IV. Serbia
V. Sweden
VI. North Macedonia
How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?
(a) Only three
(b) Only four
(c) Only five
(d) All the six
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Answer & Explanation:
✅Correct Answer: (c) Only five
Explanation:
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance of countries from Europe and North America established in 1949. It promotes democratic values and enables members to consult and cooperate on defense and security-related issues.
Let’s examine the NATO membership status of each listed country:
1. Austria – ❌ Not a NATO Member
Austria is a neutral country and has maintained its neutrality since the Austrian State Treaty of 1955. It is a member of the European Union but not NATO.
2. Bulgaria – ✅ NATO Member
Bulgaria joined NATO on March 29, 2004. It is an active member participating in NATO missions and operations.
3. Croatia – ✅ NATO Member
Croatia became a member of NATO on April 1, 2009. It contributes to NATO forces and security cooperation in the Balkans.
4. Serbia – ❌ Not a NATO Member
Serbia is not a NATO member. It maintains military neutrality and has a complex history with NATO, especially due to the 1999 NATO bombing campaign during the Kosovo conflict. Serbia is part of NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, but not a full member.
5. Sweden – ✅ NATO Member (Recently Joined)
Sweden officially became a NATO member on March 7, 2024, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which led to Sweden abandoning its long-standing neutrality.
6. North Macedonia – ✅ NATO Member
North Macedonia became the 30th member of NATO on March 27, 2020, after resolving its naming dispute with Greece.
✅ Conclusion:
Out of the six countries listed, five are NATO members:
- Members: Bulgaria, Croatia, Sweden, North Macedonia
- Non-members: Austria, Serbia
Thus, the correct answer is:
(c) Only five.