How many countries are not participating in the 2012 Olympics?

Answer 1

Four countries don't have an official team at the Olympics flying their country's flag which include:

- Kosovo

- Curaçao(*)

- South Sudan (*)

- Vatican City/Holy See (**)

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(*) However, both Curaçao and South Sudan have athletes competing but entered under the "Independent Olympic Athletes" team so the country is not officially participating.

(**) The Vatican or Holy See is recognized as one of the independent countries of the world, but does not have a National Olympic Committee nor does it participate in the games.

The Olympics can be as complex as the United Nations in how a country is represented. Disputes in what a country is and what land belongs to which country makes it difficult for many athletes.