List of sovereign states in 1988

This is a list of sovereign states in the 1980s, giving an overview of states around the world during the period between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 1989. It contains 184 entries, arranged alphabetically, with information on the status and recognition of their sovereignty. It includes 171 widely recognized sovereign states and 6 entities which claim an effective sovereignty (and 1 self-governing entity) but are considered de facto dependencies of other powers by the general international community.

Widely recognized independent state (from 1 November 1981). UN member state (from 11 November 1981). Commonwealth realm. Antigua and Barbuda had two dependencies, Barbuda and Redonda.

After 15 November 1983, The northeastern part of the island was the de facto independent state of Northern Cyprus, recognized only by Turkey.

France also claimed Banc du Geyser (disputed by Madagascar and the Comoros).

The Kingdom of the Netherlands as a whole was a member of the EEC, but Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles were not.

It also had sovereignty over two dependent territories:

The government of Tokelau claimed Swains Island, part of American Samoa (a U.S. dependence). New Zealand did not recognize this claim since 25 March 1981.

Portugal claimed sovereignty over the former colony of Portuguese Timor, which had been annexed by Indonesia. It also claimed the Spanish municipalities of Olivenza and Táliga.

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