It is an international organization that describes itself as a "global association of governments facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, and social equity." It was founded in 1945 by 51 states, replacing The League of Nations. As of 2005 it consists of 191 member states, including virtually all internationally recognized independent nations. Palestine and the Holy See both have Permanent Observer Missions to the UN.

From its headquarters in New York City, the UN's member countries and specialized agencies give guidance and decide on substantive and administrative issues in regular meetings held throughout each year. The organization is divided into administrative bodies, including the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, UN Economic and Social Council, UN Trusteeship Council, UN Secretariat, and the International Court of Justice, as well as counterpart bodies dealing with the governance of all other UN system agencies, such as the WHO and UNICEF. The UN's most visible public figure is the Secretary-General.

Visiting Address 12th Floor, United Nations Building, Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Postal Address GPO Box 618 Bangkok 10501, Thailand Location maps: Location of UN Building Contact Address Fax: +66 (0) 2280-0556 E-mail: unrc.thailand@one.un.org