Country That Starts With P: Full List of 10 Nations

When scanning the world map, you’ll notice that only 10 out of 195 recognized countries begin with the letter “P.” While that may seem like a small number, these nations are anything but ordinary.

What’s fascinating is that even though they share the same starting letter, their pronunciations differ—most begin with a /p/ sound, similar to “pot,” whereas the Philippines starts with a softer /f/ sound, like in “physics.”

Yet in the English language, the letter P is less frequent, showing up in just 2.94% of 40,000 common words.

From the snowy mountains of Poland to the steamy rainforests of Papua New Guinea—where daytime temperatures can exceed 95°F (35°C). For anyone exploring global naming patterns, consulting a Countries List A to Z can offer even more intriguing comparisons and insights.

List of Countries That Start with P

There are 9 countries that start with the letter P, spread across five continents: Asia, Europe, Oceania, North America, and South America. Here is the full list:

Countries That End with P

When researching whether any country ends with the letter “P,” a common query arises among trivia buffs and linguists alike. However, as of current records and official international designations, there are no sovereign countries in the English language whose names end with the letter “P.”

This might seem surprising at first, especially since many countries end with unique or unexpected letters like “Q” or “X,” but “P” simply doesn’t appear as a terminal letter in the current list of globally recognized nations.

While country names vary across languages, international diplomacy, and transliteration systems, this remains a consistent fact in English-language geography: no country ends with P.

Fun Facts and Observations

• Alphabetical Curiosity: “P” is the 16th letter in the English alphabet, but only 9 out of 195 UN-recognized sovereign states start with it. That’s just 4.6%.
• Multiple Regions Represented: Countries that start with P are present on five different continents, showcasing global diversity.
• Linguistic Variety: The 9 countries combined account for over 1,000 spoken languages, with Papua New Guinea alone responsible for 800+.
• Population Extremes: The largest among them by population is Pakistan, while the smallest is Palau.
• Colonial Influence: Many of these countries have experienced colonial rule—Philippines (Spain and U.S.), Panama (Spain, Colombia, U.S.), Papua New Guinea (Germany, Australia), Pakistan (British India), and Peru (Spain).

Why the Letter “P” Matters in Geography

While the alphabetical categorization of countries may seem simplistic, it’s a useful method for organizing data, aiding in memorization, and identifying linguistic or cultural patterns. The exercise of analyzing countries that start with specific letters—like the letter “P”—is valuable for students, travelers, educators, and anyone involved in international studies.

The countries that start with P have a combined population of over 468 million people as of 2025—more than 5% of the world’s population. This reflects their significant role in global demographics, economics, and geopolitics.

Conclusion

From bustling megacities like Karachi and Manila, to scenic islands like Palau, the countries that start with P represent a fascinating slice of the global puzzle. Whether you’re exploring the mountains of Pakistan, the coastal beauty of Portugal, or the ancient history of Peru, each of these nations brings a unique identity to the world stage.

And while there may not be any country that ends with P, the list of those that begin with the letter offers ample intrigue and educational value.

If you’re ever challenged with a trivia question, planning a geography lesson, or just want to learn about countries in a fun, alphabetical way, remember the significance of the country that starts with P. You’ll not only impress with your knowledge but also gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of our global community.

Daniel

Daniel is the ultimate travel geek, with a wealth of knowledge spanning from the best travel hacks to off-the-beaten-path destinations. As a dedicated travel consultant at Wavy Destinations, he helps travelers plan their perfect adventures, tailoring each journey to fit individual preferences and styles.
With a passion for research and a knack for discovering unique experiences, Daniel ensures that every trip is both efficient and extraordinary. His expertise and enthusiasm make him a trusted guide for anyone looking to explore the world in exciting, personalized ways.

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