What are international calling codes?

When Are Country Calling Codes Necessary?

Country codes are only required for calls outside of the caller's national area. When dialing within the same country, there’s no need for an international code; area codes and national dialing codes suffice to correctly route calls to local destinations. However, when reaching a foreign contact, the calling code becomes essential in directing the call to the appropriate country.

Understanding the North American Numbering Plan (NANP)

The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) is a unique system that explains why some country codes, such as those used in U.S. territories, appear longer and contain a dash. The NANP groups the United States, Canada, and certain Caribbean nations under a shared country code: “+1.” For example, American Samoa’s code is displayed as “1-684.” All NANP regions share the initial “1” and are then distinguished by an additional three-digit code. This structure differentiates NANP countries from other nations, like the UK, which have more straightforward codes (such as “+44”).

Why Do Some Countries Have Multiple Calling Codes?

Several factors, often political or practical, explain why certain countries may have more than one calling code. Political distinctions are a common reason, as seen with China (+86) and Taiwan (+886), which maintain separate codes due to Taiwan’s unique political status. Similarly, rapid increases in mobile and landline usage in places like Puerto Rico have led to additional codes, ensuring there are enough unique numbers for residents and businesses.