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In domain names, an “Internet country code” usually means a country-code top-level domain (ccTLD), such as .jp for Japan, .fr for France or .ke for Kenya. Traditional ccTLDs use two-letter codes based on ISO 3166-1 alpha-2, but ISO country codes and Internet domain suffixes are not interchangeable: ISO codes serve many purposes, and ccTLDs have their own assignment and local registration rules.
What are Internet country codes?
A ccTLD is a top-level domain associated with a country, territory or geographic location identified in ISO 3166-1. It appears at the end of a domain name, as in example.fr. In everyday conversation, “Internet country code” commonly refers to this domain suffix—not to every country identifier used online or elsewhere.
ICANN describes ccTLDs as a domain category reserved for countries, territories and geographic locations identified in the ISO 3166-1 Country Codes list. The familiar ASCII suffix is two letters. Some country-code domains are also available in scripts other than US-ASCII through internationalized domain names.
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How do ISO country codes differ from ccTLDs?
ISO 3166 is a standard for representing country names and subdivisions; it is broader than the domain-name system. Its codes are used in contexts such as postal services, passports, logistics, telecommunications, travel and finance. A code in the ISO standard is not automatically a domain suffix, and the code formats are not interchangeable.
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| ISO 3166 code type | Form | Relationship to Internet domains |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha-2 | Two letters | The conventional basis for traditional ASCII ccTLDs. |
| Alpha-3 | Three letters | An ISO country-code format, but not the conventional ccTLD basis. |
| Numeric-3 | Three digits | An ISO country-code format, not the conventional ccTLD basis. |
| Subdivision | A country code plus up to three characters | Identifies subdivisions; it is not interchangeable with a ccTLD. |
| Former-name code | Code for a non-current country name | Part of ISO 3166-3; it does not itself establish a current ccTLD. |
ISO 3166 has three parts: Part 1 covers current country names and other listed areas, Part 2 covers subdivisions, and Part 3 covers non-current country names. ISO’s overview of country codes explains the standard and its parts.
Does a country-code domain prove sovereignty?
No. ISO 3166-1 includes dependencies and other areas of particular geopolitical interest, and some legacy entities remain listed even though they do not meet the standard’s current definition of country. A code or associated domain suffix should not be treated as proof of sovereign statehood or international recognition. ISO explains the scope of its country-code list.
How does an ISO code become a country-code domain?
Eligibility for a ccTLD and delegation of a domain in the DNS are separate matters. IANA says the primary eligibility route is listing as an ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code; the IDN Fast Track process provides another route for internationalized country-code domains. Eligibility alone does not mean a domain has been delegated or that a registry is operating.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIANA’s delegation or transfer process includes review of the proposed manager’s technical and administrative competence, government review, and evidence that the proposal serves the local Internet community. IANA’s ccTLD delegation and transfer information describes the process. Once delegated, ccTLDs are managed locally, so registration eligibility, policies and procedures differ by domain.
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What does .uk or .jp mean?
These are examples of country-code top-level domains: .uk is associated with the United Kingdom, while .jp is associated with Japan. The suffix identifies the domain’s ccTLD category and association; it does not by itself tell you who owns a particular website, where its servers are located, or whether the site is intended only for people in that place. Registration requirements depend on the relevant local registry’s policies.
Where should you check a current code or domain rule?
ISO maintains the country-code list through the ISO 3166 Maintenance Agency. Its Online Browsing Platform provides current information and lets users follow changes. For a production list or a specific code, consult the ISO Online Browsing Platform rather than relying on a static list.
For whether a ccTLD is delegated and how its delegation is managed, consult IANA’s Root Zone Database. For registration rules, check the relevant ccTLD registry, because local policies vary.
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