Q. Consider the following countries :
I. Austria
II. Bulgaria
III. Croatia
IV. Serbia
V. Sweden
VI. North Macedonia
How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?
(a) Only three
(b) Only four
(c) Only five
(d) All the six
Correct Answer : (b) Only four
UPSC Prelims 2025 GS Paper's Solution
Explanation :
NATO Membership
I. Austria: Austria is a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, but not a full NATO member.
II. Bulgaria: Bulgaria became a NATO member in 2004.
III. Croatia: Croatia became a NATO member in 2009.
IV. Serbia: Serbia is a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, but not a full NATO member.
V. Sweden: Sweden became a NATO member in March 2024.
VI. North Macedonia: North Macedonia became a NATO member in 2020.
Therefore, Bulgaria, Croatia, Sweden, and North Macedonia are members of NATO. This makes a total of four countries.