How many members serve on the United Nations Security Council?

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The United Nations Security Council currently consists of 15 members.1

This total includes:
* Five permanent members: These nations hold veto power regarding substantive matters.1
* Ten nonpermanent members: These members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, with five being replaced each year to ensure equitable regional representation.1

While the council originally consisted of 11 members, an amendment to the UN Charter in 1965 increased the membership to its current size of 15.1