Basic facts about Non-Aligned Movement

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The Non-Aligned Movement is now 48 years old. It encompasses one hundred and eighteen countries, representing more than a half of the world's population. Let's take a look at the background of the Movement.

A worker stands in front of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)summit banner ahead of the summit in Egyptian tourist resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh July 14, 2009.REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic

The Non-Aligned Movement was born in the Cold War era, as the Eastern and Western military blocs confronted one another.

A number of small and medium sized countries sought to pursue the principle of an independent, democratic policy without alliance with any power or bloc.

In 1961, the first NAM summit was held in Belgrade. 25 countries attended, marking the beginning of the NAM.

The Movement supports the people of all countries in their struggles for independence, sovereignty, development of the economy and the establishment of a new international political and economic order.

Subsequent conferences witnessed ever-increasing participation by developing countries. The NAM now includes 118 countries, as well as 16 observer countries and nine observer organizations. China became an observer in 1992.

Non Aligned Movement summit is held every three years. It has a unique form of administration as it is non- hierarchical, rotational and inclusive, providing all members with an opportunity to participate in global decision-making and world politics.

The Movement has became the largest political group outside the United Nations.