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Two-Letter Abbreviations for Countries (ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2 Codes) Explained
Learn about two-letter country abbreviations (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes) and how ApyHub APIs provide accurate, standardized country data for global apps.
NI
Nikolas Dimitroulakis
Last updated on November 03, 2025
Two-Letter Abbreviations for Countries: Understanding ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2 Codes
Introduction
When developing global applications, handling standardized two-letter abbreviations for countries is essential. These codes, formally known as ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes, are the international standard for country abbreviations used worldwide. From AF for Afghanistan to US for the United States, these codes provide a universal way to identify countries quickly and accurately.
In this blog, we will explain what ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes are, how to find them and where they are used. We will then explain why choosing the right country data API can make your development faster, more reliable, and scalable.
What Are Two-Letter Country Codes (ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2)?
They are concise, standardized abbreviations defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Known as ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes, they represent countries with two letters, such as:
- AF: Afghanistan
- AU: Australia
- CA: Canada
- DE: Germany
- IN: India
- US: United States
These codes are widely referenced by official sources including the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
and the Wikipedia ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 article.
How to Find a Two-Letter Country Code
To find or verify a country code, you can:
- Search online for “ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes” or “two-letter country codes” to access comprehensive lists.
- Use search engines with queries like “Afghanistan 2 letter code” or “Germany ISO code”.
- Refer to cheat sheets and datasets available on platforms like Wikipedia or DataHub.
Common Uses of ISO 3166-1 Alpha-2 Codes
- Country Top-Level Domains (ccTLDs): Many internet domains use these codes, e.g., .au for Australia or .ca for Canada.
- International Data Exchange: Used in databases, spreadsheets, and communication protocols to represent countries consistently.
- Official Documents and Forms: Governments and organizations use these codes for identification and standardization.
Comparing Popular Country Data APIs
When integrating country codes and metadata into your application, several APIs are available. Here's a quick comparison:
| API Provider | Coverage | Key Features | Limitations | Best Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ApyHub | Full list of countries with ISO codes, calling codes, states, flags | Reliable, updated, structured key-value pairs; free tier; easy API playground | Newer but rapidly evolving with strong support | Comprehensive country data integration for global apps |
| REST Countries API | Basic country info with ISO codes, flags, currencies | Free, open-source, easy to use | Less frequent updates, limited metadata | Simple country info retrieval |
| CountryLayer API | Country data including currencies, languages | Good business features, moderate pricing | Limited free tier, complex pricing | Enterprise-grade solutions |
| NumVerify | Focused on phone number validation with country codes | Telecom validation, phone formatting | Narrow focus, limited country metadata | Phone validation and telecom apps |
Why Choose ApyHub’s Country APIs?
- ApyHub’s Countries Dictionary API and Country Information API offer a blend of accuracy, depth, and ease of use:
- Standardized and Up-to-Date: Always aligned with the latest ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes and country data standards.
- Comprehensive Metadata: Beyond just codes, get flags, states, calling codes, and more.
- Developer-Friendly: Interactive API playgrounds let you test queries quickly without coding upfront.
- Generous Free Tier: Perfect for startups and developers exploring global applications without upfront costs.
- Flexible and Scalable: Works for everything from small apps to enterprise-level solutions.
- Based and hosted in the EU.
How to Use ApyHub’s APIs to Access Country Codes
The Countries Dictionary API returns a simple JSON object mapping two-letter ISO codes to country names:
{
"US": "United States",
"AU": "Australia",
"IN": "India"
}
The Country Information API provides richer data like flags, calling codes, and administrative subdivisions, ideal for detailed internationalized apps.
Conclusion
Two-letter country codes (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2) are important for standardization. ApyHub’s country data APIs are accurate and easy to integrate. This makes them a smart choice for developers who want reliable and comprehensive country information.
Try out ApyHub’s APIs in the API playground today and experience a streamlined way to integrate standardized country data into your applications.
FAQ
What is a country code?
A country code is a short, standardized identifier assigned to each country or territory to uniquely represent it in global systems. These codes help ensure consistency, reduce errors, and simplify data exchange across different platforms and countries.
There are three main types of country codes defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO):
- Two-Letter Codes (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2)
- Consist of two uppercase letters, such as US for the United States or IN for India.
- Commonly used in internet domains (like .us), international shipping, and data systems.
- Three-Letter Codes (ISO 3166-1 alpha-3)
- Consist of three uppercase letters, such as USA for the United States or IND for India.
- Used in contexts requiring more detailed country identification, such as international sports codes or customs documents.
- Numeric Codes (ISO 3166-1 numeric)
- Consist of three digits, such as 840 for the United States or 356 for India.
- Often used in statistical and administrative systems, like the United Nations or banking.
Each type serves different purposes but all provide a reliable, universal way to identify countries and territories across software, communication, and data systems worldwide.
What are two-letter country codes?
Two-letter country codes, officially called ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes, are internationally recognized abbreviations that represent countries using exactly two letters. For example, US stands for the United States, and IN stands for India. These codes provide a standardized, concise way to identify countries in databases, software applications, and communication protocols.
Which country does this code represent?
Each two-letter country code uniquely corresponds to a specific country or territory. For example:
- US → United States
- DE → Germany
- AU → Australia
- IN → India
If you encounter a code and want to know which country it belongs to, you can refer to trusted resources such as the Wikipedia ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 page or use APIs like ApyHub’s Countries Dictionary API to quickly map codes to country names programmatically.
Where can I find a list of all country codes?
Comprehensive lists are available online on resources like the Wikipedia ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 article and government websites such as the NIH (.gov). Additionally, APIs including ApyHub’s Countries Dictionary API provide easy programmatic access to up-to-date country codes and related metadata.
What are common uses for ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 codes?
They are widely used for internet country domains (ccTLDs), international data exchange, standardized forms, global directories, and telecommunications.
How do ApyHub’s country data APIs help developers?
ApyHub’s APIs provide reliable, up-to-date country information in a structured format including ISO codes, country names, flags, calling codes, and administrative subdivisions, saving developers time and ensuring data consistency.
How do ApyHub’s APIs compare to other country data APIs?
ApyHub offers a generous free tier, comprehensive data coverage, an easy-to-use API playground, and continuous updates, making it suitable for both startups and enterprises. Competitors may have limitations in data depth or pricing.
Can I use ApyHub’s APIs for free?
Yes, ApyHub offers a free tier with up to 5 API calls per day, allowing developers to explore and integrate country data without upfront costs.
What programming languages are supported?
ApyHub ’s APIs are RESTful and language-agnostic, meaning they can be used with any programming language that supports HTTP requests, such as Python, JavaScript, Java, or PHP.
How can I start using ApyHub’s Countries Dictionary API?
You can try it instantly in the ApyHub API playground with no setup required. Simply input your query and receive structured country data in JSON format.
Are the ISO country codes updated regularly?
Yes, ApyHub maintains its country data in line with the latest ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 standards. The API is also updated regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance.