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Domain extensions are generally made up of two categories: gTLDs (Generic Top-Level Domains) and ccTLDs (Country Code Top-Level Domains). gTLDs are managed by commercial organizations and ccTLDs are the ones that are comprised of two-character extensions and are controlled by institutions that are authorized by states. While generic extensions (gTLD) are subject to international regulations, country code extensions usually are subjected to requirements that are determined by each country’s domain name regulation institution. With 150 million domain name registrations today, ccTLDs make up 40% of the total domain name industry.
Country code extension applications began in 1985. First extensions that were registered that year were .us (United States), .uk (United Kingdom) and .il (Israel). The following years saw the registration of tens of other country code extensions.
Over the course of time, emerging of states that had their applications denied, or states that were collapsed/dissolved, lead to the appearance of certain interesting cases. .cs extension that was adopted in 1990 was annulled when Czechoslovakia got dissolved in 1993. Today’s Democratic Republic of the Congo was known as the Republic of Zaire and was using .zr extension until 1997. Later on, due to the change in regime and the country’s name, .zr extension was abolished. .dd extension that was not actively being used and was reserved for German Democratic Republic ended up being stillborn when East and West Germany unified.
Above mentioned country code extensions are the ones affected by political changes and those that were abolished. However, there are some extensions that live on, even when its designated country no longer exists. Soviet Union’s .su extension can still be registered today. Even though the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, due to potential technical difficulties and the frequency of the extension’s usage, .su extension was not annulled. The extension is being used by an institution of the Russian state and currently can be registered or renewed for around 30$.
Read More (IDN ccTLDs, ccTLD Domains Sales, All ccTLD List)
Country code extension applications began in 1985. First extensions that were registered that year were .us (United States), .uk (United Kingdom) and .il (Israel). The following years saw the registration of tens of other country code extensions.
Over the course of time, emerging of states that had their applications denied, or states that were collapsed/dissolved, lead to the appearance of certain interesting cases. .cs extension that was adopted in 1990 was annulled when Czechoslovakia got dissolved in 1993. Today’s Democratic Republic of the Congo was known as the Republic of Zaire and was using .zr extension until 1997. Later on, due to the change in regime and the country’s name, .zr extension was abolished. .dd extension that was not actively being used and was reserved for German Democratic Republic ended up being stillborn when East and West Germany unified.
Above mentioned country code extensions are the ones affected by political changes and those that were abolished. However, there are some extensions that live on, even when its designated country no longer exists. Soviet Union’s .su extension can still be registered today. Even though the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, due to potential technical difficulties and the frequency of the extension’s usage, .su extension was not annulled. The extension is being used by an institution of the Russian state and currently can be registered or renewed for around 30$.
Read More (IDN ccTLDs, ccTLD Domains Sales, All ccTLD List)