The United Nations (UN) (in french Organisation des Nations unies) 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, except Vatican City (the Holy See), which has declined membership, and the Republic of China, whose membership was superseded by the People's Republic of China in 1971. (From Wikipedia)