An international organization is an organization with an international membership, scope, or presence. International organizations are classified into two main categories:^[1]

• International nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) - non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate internationally. These may be either:
  • International non-profit organizations. Examples include the World Organization of the Scout Movement, International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières.
  • International corporations, referred to as multinational corporations. Examples include The Coca-Cola Company and Toyota.
• Intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), the type of organization most closely associated with the term "international organization." These are organizations that are made up primarily of sovereign states (referred to as member states). Examples include the United Nations, European Union, and World Trade Organization). The United Nations has used the term "intergovernmental organizations" instead of "international organization" for clarity.^[2]

See also: List of international organizations

See also: List of intergovernmental organizations

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