The United Nations (UN) is an international organization that was formed in 1945 to work for world peace, promote goodwill among nations, and support economic and social progress. When it began, there were 51 member countries. Currently, 192 countries are UN members.

The UN isn’t a world government, but it does play a central role in reducing international tensions, preventing conflicts, and putting an end to fighting already under way.

There are 6 main branches of the UN -- the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat. The Court has its seat at The Hauge, Netherlands; all others are based at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.

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Text: Kathleen Davis