Country codes are standardized letter or number identifiers used to refer to countries and their subdivisions. The most likely standard meant by “country codes” is ISO 3166, which provides two-letter, three-letter and three-digit formats. But “A–E” is ambiguous: it could mean country names beginning with those letters or code strings beginning with them, and ISO does not define it as a category.
What does ISO 3166 define?
ISO 3166 defines internationally recognized codes for referring to countries and their subdivisions; it does not define country names. ISO says the names come from United Nations sources. See the ISO 3166 overview.
The standard has three parts: Part 1 covers current country and area names, Part 2 covers subdivisions, and Part 3 covers formerly used country names. ISO 3166/MA maintains assigned code elements. According to ISO, it assigns alpha-2 and alpha-3 codes following notice of new UN member states, while the UN assigns numeric codes.
What are the three country-code formats?
| Format | Shape | When it may be useful |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-2 | Two letters | ISO recommends this as the general-purpose representation. |
| Alpha-3 | Three letters | More closely related to the country name. |
| Numeric-3 | Three digits | Can be useful when avoiding Latin script is desirable. |
Use the format required by the system or application you are working with. Do not mix formats in a list unless each entry is clearly labeled. ISO describes practical uses including international mail, internet top-level domains, machine-readable passports, bank transfers, logistics, medical information, telecommunications, travel and postal services.
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What does “A–E” mean in a country-code title?
“A–E” could refer to two different alphabetical ranges:
- Country names: countries or areas whose names begin with A, B, C, D or E.
- Code strings: codes whose first letter is A, B, C, D or E. This interpretation applies to alpha codes, not numeric-3 codes.
These are not the same list. The ISO overview does not establish an official “A–E” category, so a complete list depends on which meaning is intended and which code format is wanted. A list should also make clear whether it includes current country and area names, subdivisions, or formerly used names.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who maintains the codes?
ISO’s maintenance agency, ISO 3166/MA, maintains assigned code elements. ISO reports that the agency includes 15 organizations and that the first ISO country codes were published in 1974. Those institutional facts do not establish how many entries would fall into an A–E list.
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