Calling Code by Country 2024

Calling codes are essential in the telecommunications system, allowing users to connect internationally across different countries. Every country or territory is assigned a specific calling code that must be dialed before a phone number when making international calls. These codes are managed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to ensure global standardization and seamless communication. In this article, we will explore the importance of calling codes, how they are structured, and some key points to keep in mind when dialing internationally.

What is a Calling Code?

A calling code, also known as a country code, is a series of digits used to identify a specific country or region when making an international phone call. It is dialed before the local phone number and varies in length depending on the country. For example, the United States and Canada share the same code, +1, whereas countries like the United Kingdom and France use +44 and +33, respectively. The purpose of calling codes is to standardize international communication by creating unique identifiers for countries and territories.

How to Dial Internationally

When making international calls, it is crucial to follow a standard format to ensure the call is routed correctly. Here’s the typical process:

1. Exit Code: This is the code used to exit your country’s telecommunications system. For instance, in the United States, the exit code is 011, whereas in Europe, it is typically 00.
2. Country Code: After dialing the exit code, you input the country code of the destination you’re calling.
3. Area Code: Some countries require an area code in addition to the calling code, especially when calling large cities or specific regions.
4. Local Number: The final step is to dial the local number of the person you are calling.

For example, to call a number in the UK from the United States, the dialing pattern would be:
011 + 44 + [Area Code] + [Local Number]

Regional Grouping of Calling Codes

Calling codes are usually grouped by geographical regions. Here is an overview of some of the major calling code regions:

• North America: The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) covers the U.S., Canada, and many Caribbean nations, all of which share the code +1.
• Europe: European countries have calling codes starting mostly with +3 or +4. For instance, Germany uses +49, Spain +34, and Russia +7.
• Asia: Asian countries have a wide range of calling codes, with China using +86, Japan +81, and India +91.
• Africa: Calling codes for African nations typically begin with +2. Nigeria’s code is +234, South Africa +27, and Egypt +20.
• Oceania: This region includes countries like Australia (+61), New Zealand (+64), and several Pacific islands that have calling codes starting with +6.
• South America: Countries in South America have calling codes that generally start with +5, such as Brazil (+55) and Argentina (+54).

Special Calling Codes

Some regions and organizations are assigned special calling codes that are not tied to specific countries. For example:

• Satellite Phones: Satellite phone providers, such as Inmarsat, have specific codes like +870 for global satellite phone networks.
• International Toll-Free Numbers: These numbers are used for free international calls to businesses and organizations, often prefixed by +800.
• Reserved Numbers: Some codes, such as +991, are reserved for special services like the ITU-T standard, while +888 is allocated for disaster relief operations.

Why Do Countries Share a Calling Code?

In some cases, multiple countries share a single calling code. This is especially common in areas with close political or geographic ties. For instance, the countries of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), including the United States, Canada, and several Caribbean countries, all use the +1 calling code. This allows for simpler telecommunications within the region, similar to how cities within a country share area codes.

Another example is the European Union, where member countries have coordinated telecom policies, but each still maintains its unique calling code, making intra-regional calling simpler despite geographical differences.

Source

• Countrycode.org