Country Codes

Country codes are short alphabetic or numeric geographical codes (geocodes) developed to represent countries and dependent areas, for use in data processing and communications. Several different systems have been developed to do this. The League of Nations designates each country with both a 3-letter and 2-letter code; the former is often used in sporting events while the latter is most frequently used in top-level domains, but is also used as a prefix for airport and aircraft identification codes. Nations may also choose to add a specific consistent code to their motor vehicle license plates. Every country also has a two or three digit calling code for placing international phone calls.