Countries with the Most Diplomatic Missions 2024

About This Dataset

The countries with the largest diplomatic networks - embassies, consulates and permanent missions - according to the Lowy Institute's 2024 Global Diplomacy Index. The size of a nation's diplomatic footprint is a key measure of its global reach and soft power.

✨ AI Insight

China now has the world's most extensive diplomatic network with 274 posts, narrowly ahead of the United States at 271 - a reversal that reflects China's rapid expansion of embassies and consulates over the past decade, especially across Africa and Asia. Turkey (252) has surged into third place, overtaking Japan (251) and France (249) as it deepens ties with Africa and Central Asia. Russia (230) and the United Kingdom (225) remain major diplomatic powers, followed by a cluster of European and emerging economies: Spain (218), Germany (217), Italy (206), Brazil (205) and India (201). The tight spacing among the top powers shows that global diplomatic presence is becoming more contested, with rising states rapidly closing the gap on traditional Western leaders.

Source: Lowy Institute Global Diplomacy Index 2024

Key Findings

Auto-computed highlights from this dataset

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China leads with 274 in All Time.

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Average value in All Time: 233 · median: 228.

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Gap in All Time: China is 1.4× larger than India.