How to Identify a Country by Its Phone Number Code?
Welcome to the amazing world of country calling codes! If you’ve ever wondered why some phone numbers start with a “+91” or “+44”, or got puzzled by codes like “+223”, you’re about to become a global communication expert. Whether you love exploring maps, want to win at CBSE or UPSC GK quizzes, or just want to understand how international calls work—this page is for you. Let’s start our journey with Vedantu to unlock the secrets of country calling codes!
What Are Country Calling Codes?
Your Phone’s Global Passport Number!
Country calling codes are special numbers that connect phones from one country to another. These numbers go at the start of an international phone number, like the passport of a country for your phone calls! For example, +91 is India’s code, +1 is for the USA and Canada, and +44 is for the United Kingdom. Fun fact: Every country and even some territories have their own unique code! Learning these helps not just with phone calls but also with general knowledge questions in exams like UPSC, SSC, and CBSE.
How Did We Get These Codes?
A Quick Trip Down History Lane
Long ago, making a call to another country was tricky. So, in the 1960s, a group called the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) created a system of codes. These made international calls possible for everyone! Over the decades, new countries and regions got their own codes, making the list longer and more important for students and travelers. Today, almost every place on Earth has a unique country calling code!
Timeline Snippet
- 1960s – Official codes introduced for major countries
- 1980s – More countries get their codes
- Now – Every nation and big territory has its own calling code
How Can You Spot a Country Code on a Phone Number?
Recognizing Country Codes Like a Pro
- Find the plus (+) sign or a double zero (00) at the start of the number
- The first 1-3 digits afterwards are the country code
- Compare it with a list (like the quick table below) to know the country
- If you see +91, it’s India; +223, it's Mali; +44, the UK!
Vedantu tip: For Indian exams, keep a small cheat sheet of top country codes for fast revision.
Most Asked Country Calling Codes (With Regions)
10 Codes You’ll See Again and Again
| Country | Country Code | Continent / Region |
|---|---|---|
| India | +91 | Asia |
| United States/Canada | +1 | North America |
| United Kingdom | +44 | Europe |
| Australia | +61 | Oceania |
| Mali | +223 | Africa |
| Ghana | +233 | Africa |
| France | +33 | Europe |
| Zambia | +260 | Africa |
| Cameroon | +237 | Africa |
| South Africa | +27 | Africa |
Why Do Exams Love Country Calling Code Questions?
Exam Pattern Peek
| Exam | Typical Occurrence (Marks) | Example Question |
|---|---|---|
| UPSC Prelims | 1–2 | “+223 is code of which African country?” |
| CBSE Class 10 Social Science | 1 | “Identify the country for code +1 224” |
| SSC CGL | 1–2 | Questions on country codes in General Awareness |
Country codes appear in exams because they test your world awareness, digital savvy, and quick recall skills—all very important for general knowledge!
Are All Three-Digit Codes for Countries Only?
Let’s Compare: Country Codes vs. Area Codes!
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Country Code | Prefix identifying a nation | +91 (India) |
| Area Code | Code for a city/region within country | 011 (Delhi, India) |
| International Prefix | Dialed before country code to go international | + or 00 |
Which Country Has the Code +223? (And Other Fun FAQs)
Tricky Questions Unlocked
- Q: Which country uses the phone code +223?
- A: Mali, in West Africa!
- Q: Is +1 224 a country or area code?
- A: +1 is USA/Canada, 224 is for Illinois (in the USA). For Guinea, it’s +224 (no extra digit)!
- Q: How to identify a number’s country in seconds?
- A: Check the prefix (+ or 00), count the next digits, then use a code list like this one!
Want to Practice Spotting Country Codes?
Try These Quick Questions!
- Which country has the code +44?
- Your friend’s number starts with +61. Which part of the world is she in?
- You see +233. Is it Ghana or Mali?
(Answers: United Kingdom, Australia, Ghana)
Country Codes vs. Currency Names—Both On GK Paper!
Did you know that just like country codes, currency names also come up often in GK exams? To learn more about which countries use the “rupee”, check out countries that have rupee as their currency.
Top Tips for Mastering Country Calling Codes
- Remember the top 20–30 codes with mnemonics or flash cards
- Print/save a country codes chart for quick revision before exams
- Use official code lists from ITU
- Practice with examples found in CBSE and UPSC sample papers
Fun Quick Facts Table
| Feature | What It Means | Fun to Know |
|---|---|---|
| +91 | India’s code | Also used in Bollywood movie titles! |
| +223 | Mali’s code | Often confused with Ghana (+233) |
| +1 | USA and Canada | Covers more than one country |
| +44 | United Kingdom | Used in Sherlock Holmes stories! |
Oops! Common Mix-Ups Every Student Should Avoid
- +223 ≠ Ghana: It’s for Mali. (Ghana is +233!)
- +1 224: That’s not a country, but a region in the USA!
- +44 is for the UK only—not for all of Europe.
If you get stuck, come back to this page or use Vedantu’s quick-reference tables to double-check every code.
Your Global GK Adventure Wraps Up!
Now you know what country calling codes are, why they matter, and how to spot them for fun and in exams! Challenge yourself with practice questions, update your cheat sheet, and impress your teachers with your international number knowledge. If you want to explore more fun GK topics, remember, Vedantu is always here to help you shine in every exam and in life!
For more learning, see:
- All about countries that use the rupee
- Download the full country calling codes list PDF
- NCERT Communication resources
FAQs on List of Country Calling Codes: Complete International Phone Code Table
1. Which country has code 223?
+223 is the country calling code used for Mali in West Africa. Key facts about country codes in exams:
- +223: Mali
- Not to be confused with +233 (Ghana)
- Important for UPSC, SSC, and CBSE GK questions
2. Which country is +1 224?
+1 224 refers to a regional telephone code within the United States, specifically covering parts of Illinois. It is not a country code itself, but an area code under the USA’s country code. Important points:
- +1: Country code for USA/Canada
- 224: Area code (Illinois, USA)
- Do not confuse with +224 (Guinea)
3. How can I quickly identify the country of a phone number?
To identify a country from a phone number, look for the international dialing prefix (such as “+” or “00”) and the following country code. Follow these steps:
- Find the "+" or "00" prefix.
- Note the first 1 to 3 digits after the prefix—this is the country code.
- Compare the code with a reliable country calling codes list (such as ITU or exam-prep charts).
- Area codes follow the country code.
4. What is the country code 44?
+44 is the country calling code assigned to the United Kingdom (UK). Details for exams:
- +44: UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Commonly appears in general knowledge and communication questions
- Not to be confused with other European country codes like +33 (France)
5. Are all three-digit codes for countries only, or do they cover regions and territories too?
Not all three-digit codes are for countries only; many also cover territories and regions. Guidelines:
- Most nation-states have unique two or three-digit codes
- Some territories (e.g. Puerto Rico, Hong Kong) have distinct codes
- Check official resources for territories vs. countries distinction
6. What is a country calling code?
A country calling code is a numeric prefix that identifies a specific country or territory for international telephone calls. Key facts:
- Assigned by International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Always precedes national phone numbers when dialing internationally
- Examples: +91 (India), +1 (USA/Canada), +44 (UK)
7. Is '+1' used by multiple countries?
Yes, '+1' is shared by multiple countries—mainly the United States, Canada, and several North American and Caribbean nations. Highlights:
- Shared countries: USA, Canada, Bahamas, Jamaica, among others
- Three-digit area codes follow the '+1' country code
- Important to check subsequent digits for exact location
8. Where can I download the complete list of country calling codes?
You can download the official list of country calling codes from sources like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and NCERT textbooks. Steps:
- Visit the official ITU website
- Check NCERT Social Science – Communication chapters
- Download in PDF or chart format for exam preparation
9. How can I remember important country codes for competitive exams?
To remember important country codes for exams, use study techniques such as:
- Create mnemonics for groups (e.g., 91 for India, 44 for UK)
- Practice regular quizzes and mock tests
- Prepare revision charts or flashcards
- Focus on countries and codes that frequently appear in UPSC, CBSE, SSC questions
10. What is the difference between a country code and an area code?
A country code identifies the nation or territory for an international call, while an area code specifies a region within that country. Comparison:
- Country code: Required for international dialing (e.g., +91 for India)
- Area code: Used for calls within the country (e.g., 011 for Delhi, India)
- Both often appear in practical and GK exam questions
