How Many Countries Participated In 2008 Beijing Olympics?

Need to know how many countries participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics? The Beijing Summer Olympics included 204 nations competing in over 300 events. The Olympic games in Beijing started on August 8, 2008, and culminated on August 24, 2008. There were numerous highlights for the countries that participated.

The 2008 summer games marked the first Olympic games for three countries. The Marshall Islands and Tuvalu had their first taste of Olympic glory in Beijing. Montenegro, which had combined with neighboring state Serbia in the past, had separated to form its own Olympic team. The 2008 Beijing games marked the first time Montenegro competed in the Olympic games on its own.

Another interesting note was the formation of Chinese Taipei. Taiwan, which was thought to possibly back out of the games due to the name of its team, came to a compromise; as a result, the team was called Chinese Taipei.

The 2008 Olympic games also marked a breakdown between North Korea and South Korea. Before the games, both nations were in talks about sending a united team comprised of both athletes from North and South Korea. But the negotiations went nowhere as both countries fought over the amount of athletes to send to the games. As a result, both countries thought it best just to go their separate ways.

The games were successful for the host country, China. China won the gold medal count with a total of 51, and took 100 metals total. The United States finished in second place in the gold medal count with 36, but had more total medals at 110. Russia finished third with 23 gold medals and 72 total.

Resources:

Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games