What is a ccTLD (country code top-level domain)?
Country code top-level domains explained: how ccTLDs like .us, .uk and .de work, why to use one, country codes used worldwide like .io and .ai, and what to check before registering.
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A country code top-level domain (ccTLD) is a two-letter ending for a country or territory, like .us, .uk, .ca or .de. Each one is run by a registry chosen for that country, and each sets its own rules.
How ccTLDs work
- Most codes come from the international ISO country code list. A famous exception is the UK, which uses .uk instead of its ISO code GB.
- There are about 250 two-letter ccTLDs, plus versions in other scripts.
- Each country decides who can register and how. Some are open to anyone, while others require a local address or business.
- Prices, renewal rules and dispute processes vary by country.
Why use a ccTLD?
- Local trust: in many countries, people trust their own ending as much as .com, or more.
- Local search: Google uses most ccTLDs as a strong signal that a site targets that country.
- Availability: great names are often still free in country endings.
Country codes used worldwide
Some ccTLDs became popular far beyond their countries because their two letters mean something else, like .io (input/output) for tech, .ai for artificial intelligence, .co for "company" and .tv for video. Google treats a list of these as global. See ccTLDs Google treats as generic.
Things to check before you register
- Eligibility: do you need a local presence?
- Renewal price, which can be much higher than the first year.
- Stability: the ending depends on that country's registry and policies.
- Who owns the .com version of your name.
For deep dives on individual country endings, see our sister site CCTLD.it.com.
Questions
Can anyone register a ccTLD?
It depends on the country. Some are open to everyone, others require a local presence.
Why does the UK use .uk instead of .gb?
.uk was in use before the ISO code list was adopted for domains, and it remained the UK's main ending.