IOCn

IOCn refers to the International Olympic Committee’s system for assigning numerical identifiers to National Olympic Committees (NOCs). Each NOC is assigned a unique three-digit code, which serves as a standardized way to identify countries and regions participating in the Olympic Games. These codes are used in various contexts, including athlete registration, medal tables, and official Olympic documentation.

The IOCn system was introduced to ensure consistency and clarity in global sporting events. The codes are not based on traditional country codes like ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 or alpha-3 codes but are instead assigned by the IOC based on historical, geographical, and political considerations. For example, the United States is assigned the code **USA**, while China is assigned **CHN**. Some regions, such as the Olympic Committee of Refugee Athletes, are also assigned unique codes.

The IOCn codes are widely used in Olympic-related databases, broadcasting, and reporting to avoid confusion between countries with similar names or those that have undergone political changes. The system remains under the authority of the IOC, which periodically reviews and updates the codes to reflect changes in national recognition or Olympic participation.

While IOCn codes are primarily used in Olympic contexts, they are sometimes referenced in broader discussions of international sports governance. The full list of assigned codes is maintained by the IOC and can be accessed through official Olympic resources. The system continues to evolve to accommodate new NOCs and reflect shifts in global sports participation.