01. NATO was established on April 4, 1949, with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty in Washington, D.C.


02. NATO currently has 30 member countries, including the United States, Canada, and most of Europe.


03. NATO's primary purpose is to ensure the collective defense of its member countries in the event of an attack by an external threat.


04. The official languages of NATO are English and French.


05. NATO's headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium.


06. NATO's military budget is the largest in the world, with the United States contributing the majority of funds.


07. NATO has conducted numerous military operations, including in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Libya.


08. NATO has a civilian-led military command structure, with the Secretary General as its top civilian official.


09. NATO has a special relationship with Russia, including a formal partnership called the NATO-Russia Council.


10. NATO has also established partnerships with other countries and organizations, including the Partnership for Peace and the Mediterranean Dialogue.