Series XVIII. Observer Countries, 1926-1993

Observer Countries were countries represented in IUPAC by Associate National Adhering Organizations from nations that wished to join IUPAC, but lacked the financial wherewithal to do so. Observer Country applicants were expected to go through a formal application and review process just as the National Adhering Organizations did. Once accepted, they paid nominal yearly membership dues. Observer Countries participated in IUPAC activities, but played no role in IUPAC’s governance. The Observer Countries membership category was discontinued in November 2021.

Arranged in its original order, this series contains IUPAC’s Observer Countries files. Three of the files in this series regard applications for Observer Country membership from a number of nations submitted between 1979 and 1993. Single files regarding IUPAC’s dealings with Observer Countries Bulgaria and Brazil between 1922 and 1971 are also present here.

Correspondence makes up the bulk of the materials found in the Observer Countries files. Applications for Observer Country membership are preserved here as well.