Country That Starts With N: Names, Facts, and Full List

When scanning the map of the world’s 195 recognized countries, it’s intriguing to find that only 11 of them begin with the letter “N.” Even more surprisingly, in English pronunciation, just three of these actually start with the “N” sound.

Despite this rarity, the “N” sound itself is anything but uncommon—it’s present in approximately 78% of the world’s languages, making it one of the most globally recognized consonant sounds.

In English vocabulary, the presence of the “N” sound is also significant, appearing in about 6.95% of all words, according to research conducted at Cornell University. That means while the sound isn’t a frequent starter for country names, it’s woven deeply into our daily language.

Another layer of contrast emerges when looking at the climate diversity of these nations. As of 2025, average annual temperatures range from a brisk 4°C in Norway to over 28°C in Niger and Nigeria, highlighting how these 11 countries span a wide array of regions, from arid deserts to cool, northern landscapes.

Countries That Start With N

There are exactly 11 countries that begin with the letter “N.” These countries are spread across Africa, Oceania, Europe, and Asia. While some are large economic hubs, others are microstates with limited global influence. However, each contributes uniquely to the global community.

Countries That End With N

While not our primary focus, it’s fascinating to also look at countries whose names end with the letter “N.” These countries span the Middle East, Central Asia, and Northern Europe. Many are geopolitically significant and carry rich histories.

Here’s a breakdown of these 13 countries:

• Bahrain
• Kyrgyzstan
• Benin
• Iran
• Japan
• Afghanistan
• Jordan
• Kazakhstan
• Yemen
• Sweden
• Lebanon
• Pakistan
• Sudan

Why Knowing These Countries Matters?

Understanding the country that starts with n or ends with n can seem like trivia—but it has real educational value. From language structure and geopolitical trends to economic zones, patterns in country names often mirror historical, colonial, or linguistic contexts.

Moreover, students, educators, travelers, and international business professionals can benefit from knowing the distinctions and specifics of these countries, particularly when learning about global demographics, trade regions, and diplomatic relations.

Conclusion

To summarize, 11 countries in the world begin with the letter “N”—each unique in geography, population, and culture. From the vast oil reserves of Nigeria to the remote charm of Niue, these nations contribute diverse perspectives to the global landscape. In addition, 13 countries end with “N,” offering another interesting layer of geopolitical and linguistic analysis.

If you’re seeking knowledge about any country that starts with n, this guide has provided an in-depth, well-organized breakdown suitable for scholars, travelers, and educators alike.