List of countries in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest
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A total of 41 countries have participated in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest since the first edition in 2003. Of these, twelve have won the contest and thirteen have hosted it. Organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the contest is held annually between the Union's members. Broadcasters from different countries submit songs to the event, and cast votes to determine the most popular in the competition.
Participation in the contest is primarily open to all active member broadcasters of the EBU. To be an active member, broadcasters must be a member of the European Broadcasting Union, or be in a Council of Europe member country.[1] Eligibility to participate is not determined by geographic inclusion within the continent of Europe, despite the "Euro" in "Eurovision" — nor does it have a direct connection with the European Union. Several countries geographically outside the boundaries of Europe have competed: Cyprus, Armenia and Israel, in Western Asia, since 2003, 2007 and 2012 respectively; and Australia making a début in the 2015 contest. In addition, several transcontinental countries with only part of their territory in Europe have competed: Russia, since 2005; Georgia, since 2007; Azerbaijan, since 2012; and Kazakhstan, which made its first appearance in the 2018 edition. Australia, where the contest has been broadcast since 2003, débuted as a participant in the 2015 edition.
The Netherlands is the only country to have entered the contest each year since 2003, while Switzerland have only entered on one occasion, in 2004. Three countries – Slovakia, Monaco and Bosnia and Herzegovina – have announced their intention to enter the contest before withdrawing prior to their début.