The Council of Europe was founded on 5 May 1949 by ten western and northern European states, with Greece joining three months later, and Iceland, Turkey and West Germany joining the next year. It now has 46 member states, with Montenegro being the latest to join. Article 4 of the Council of Europe Statute specifies that membership is open to any European country, provided they meet specific democratic and human rights standards. Nearly all countries with territory in Europe have acceded to the Council of Europe, with the exceptions of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia and Vatican City, as well as states with limited recognition. (en)
Les États membres et observateurs du Conseil de l'Europe sont l'ensemble des États participants aux travaux de cette organisation régionale. (fr)