<P> Membership of the United Nations Security Council is held by the five permanent members and ten elected, non-permanent members . Prior to 1966, there were six elected members, while the permanent members have in essence not changed since the creation of the United Nations in 1945, apart from the representation of China . Elected members hold their place on the Council for a two - year term, and half of these places are contested each year . To ensure geographical continuity, a certain number of members is allocated for each of the five UN regional groupings . </P> <Dl> <Dt> Permanent members </Dt> </Dl>

The term of a non permanent member of the un security council is