NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)

NATO, or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a political and military alliance composed of North American and European countries. The organization was founded in 1949 to ensure its member states' collective defense and security through the principles of collective defense laid out in its treaty and to promote political and military cooperation across the Atlantic.

Currently, NATO has 30 member countries, including the United States and Canada, and 29 European countries, such as Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy. NATO's main tasks include safeguarding the security of its member states, promoting stability in Europe, supporting international peace and security, and maintaining international order. NATO has carried out numerous missions and operations worldwide, including air defense, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, and maritime security operations.