The world of international dialing codes is a complex one, constantly evolving to accommodate an ever-growing number of countries. Yet, a curious anomaly exists in the form of the 38 country code. Unlike its counterparts, which are readily assigned to specific nations, the 38 code holds a unique place in telecommunications history.
38 country code
For a time, the 38 country code belonged to Yugoslavia, a socialist federation that existed in southeastern Europe until its dissolution in 1991. With the breakup of Yugoslavia, the need arose to assign new country codes to the newly independent states. To achieve this, a clever solution was devised. The 38 code was decommissioned, and its first digit was incorporated into the new country codes for each former Yugoslav republic. For instance, Slovenia received the code +386, Croatia +385, and so on.
This reallocation left the 38 country code in a state of limbo. It no longer belonged to any single country, and no new assignments have been made since. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the governing body for international telephony, has not issued any plans for its future use.
The absence of the 38 country code has sparked some intrigue. Some speculate that it might be reserved for a future purpose, perhaps for a new nation or a specific telecommunications service. However, there’s no official confirmation from the ITU.
The case of the 38 country code serves as a fascinating reminder of the dynamic nature of international communication. It’s a story of unity and division, reflected in the rise and fall of a single code. While its future remains uncertain, the 38 country code stands as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of global telephony.
