Ham Radio Prefixes by Country, Region, and Zone

Quickly identify amateur radio call sign prefixes for countries, regions, and ITU zones worldwide, essential for DXing and contesting.

David
Reviewed by • Senior RF Engineer & Technical Editor • March 2026

Amateur radio call sign prefixes are unique alphanumeric identifiers assigned by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to designate the country or administrative region of a transmitting station. These prefixes are fundamental for DXing (long-distance communication) and contesting, enabling operators to quickly identify the geographical origin of a contact. Understanding prefix structures is crucial for accurate logging, award tracking, and adhering to band plans. This section provides a detailed reference for various prefix systems, including those for specific regions like Asiatic Russia Oblasts and Ukrainian oblasts, alongside comprehensive ITU prefix lists.

The resources compiled here offer detailed lists and explanations of amateur radio prefixes. You will find comprehensive data on ITU International Callsign Prefixes, specific regional breakdowns such as the CIS Prefix Suffix (Oblast) List at KARC, and detailed information on national systems like Italian callsign assignments. These guides, including those from AC6V and G3NPF, are invaluable for quickly identifying and verifying the geographical location of amateur radio stations globally, enhancing your operational accuracy and DXCC pursuit.

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