How many countries are in the BRI today
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Current Participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Overview of BRI Participation
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by China in 2013, has seen significant global participation. As of today, the initiative involves infrastructure and construction projects in over 140 countries across various continents, including Asia, Africa, and Europe1 5. This extensive network aims to enhance global trade and stimulate economic growth through improved connectivity and cooperation.
Number of Countries Involved
The number of countries participating in the BRI varies slightly across different sources. One study highlights that the BRI encompasses more than 140 countries1 5. Another source mentions that 138 countries have signed on to the program4. Additionally, some research identifies 65 countries as part of the BRI's core framework, particularly along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road2 6.
Regional Distribution of BRI Countries
The BRI's reach extends across multiple regions:
- Asia: Including China, Mongolia, Russia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia2 7.
- Africa: Various countries in North and East Africa are part of the initiative7.
- Europe: Central and Eastern European countries are also significant participants2.
Economic and Geopolitical Impact
The BRI countries collectively account for a substantial portion of the world's economic and demographic metrics. They represent approximately 30% of the global GDP, 35% of global trade, and 64% of the world's population1. The initiative's geopolitical implications are profound, influencing both participating and non-participating countries4.
Conclusion
In summary, the Belt and Road Initiative currently includes over 140 countries, with significant participation from Asia, Africa, and Europe. This extensive involvement underscores the BRI's global impact on trade, economic growth, and geopolitical dynamics.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Belt and Road Initiative: Issues and Future Trends
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but China remains optimistic and is focusing on digital, health, and sustainability models to keep the project running.
Overall Development of Countries along the Belt and Road
Countries along the Belt and Road have varying levels of overall development, with China, Mongolia, and Russia leading the way.
China-led BRI and its Impact on India with Specific Reference to CPEC
China's Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI) have significant implications for India, particularly through the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the author explores potential options for India if it is reluctant to join the BRI.
Global Perception of the Belt and Road Initiative: A Natural Language Processing Approach
The Belt and Road Initiative has experienced declining positive sentiment in global media reporting, with China, participating and non-participating countries experiencing the most negative sentiment.
Development Under Belt and Road Initiative: Gains for Tourism Industry in Participant Countries
Participation in the Belt and Road Initiative has increased tourism revenues by 7%, particularly benefiting South Asian, Western Asian, and Middle Eastern countries.
Foreign direct investment along the Belt and Road: A political economy perspective
Understanding the institutional and geopolitical context of the Belt and Road Initiative helps understand the selection of host-country firms and third-country MNEs in Chinese-funded projects.
Looking at China’s Belt and Road Initiative from the Central Asian Perspective
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive geopolitical development initiative that aims to connect and cooperate across 65 countries, with potential for transformational geopolitical development.
Environmental Governance of China's Belt and Road Initiative
China's Belt and Road Initiative's environmental governance relies on voluntary corporate self-governance and international sustainability initiatives, with effectiveness relying on China's priorities and partner countries' political willingness and capacity.
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