Countries that really want to enter in the Eurovision Song Contest
A country's eligibility to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest is not dependent on it being physically in Europe. Many countries outside Europe have already entered, and many more have either tried to or are still trying. Being a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) or an associate member is key to what gets a country in. Do you know some of the countries that most people don't expect to enter in Eurovision? And do you know some other countries that are able but choose not to exercise their privilege?
Keep scrolling down for answers and more stats ...
Country's that really want to enter Eurovision
This country not anywhere near Europe has become a regular participant
Australia
This Asian country has expressed interest in entering, the EBU has implied they will consider it
China
This African country is eligible to enter, tried once, but withdrew beforehand
Tunisia
This middle eastern country also very nearly entered in 2005
Lebanon
This sort of Asian/European country is expressing interest in entering and may soon become eligible
Kazakhstan
This middle eastern country has unsuccessfully tried for years to enter, but now it may be inching closer to its goal
Qatar
This country tried to to enter in the late 80s but never made it
Soviet Union
These two countries have tried to enter but are not allowed because they are part of other countries
Faroe Islands
Scotland
Country's that don't really want to enter Eurovision
This African country entered once in 1980, and after doing badly, the king forbade it from entering again
Morocco
When this country tried to participate in 1976 with the song "Little Cowboy" it wasn't eligible, but now that in theory it's able to enter, it hasn't bothered since
Liechtenstein
These African countries may be able to enter but have never tried
Algeria
Egypt
Libya
These two European countries may be able to enter but have never tried
Kosovo
Vatican City
This middle eastern country may be able to enter but has never tried
Did I not spell countries right? And the title is really just a bit of fun, but then again some of these countries have been trying to enter for years now :-)