43 Countries for Eurovision 2008

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It was no surprise to us when it was announced today by the EBU that a record 43 countries will take part in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest in Belgrade, Serbia.

So with all the rumors and talks that some countries like Ireland, Netherlands and Malta were withdrawing, every country who took part last year, are taking part again, except of course Austria, who withdrew due to their disappointment with the contest at present. Azerbaijan and San Marino join the Eurovision Family.

Host nation, Serbia, along with France, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom will compete in the final on May 24th. The remaining 38 countries will participate in two semi finals of 19 countries to take place on May 20th and 22nd. The top ten from each will participate in the final.

According to ESC Today, Svante Stockselius said: "We are delighted to see 41 of last year's participating broadcasters for 2008, and we especially would like to welcome the two new participating countries to the contest; Azerbaijan and San Marino. With two Semi-Finals for the first time and several other new elements, we are looking forward to what might become the most exciting Eurovision Song Contest to date!"

The complete List:
  1. Albania (RTVSH)
  2. Andorra (RTVA)
  3. Armenia (PTV)
  4. Azerbaijan (iTV)
  5. Belarus (BTRC)
  6. Belgium (VRT/RTBF)
  7. Bosnia & Herzegovina (PBSBIH)
  8. Bulgaria (BNT)
  9. Croatia (HRT)
  10. Cyprus (CBC)
  11. Czech Republic (CT)
  12. Denmark (DR)
  13. Estonia (ETV)
  14. Finland (YLE)
  15. France (FT3)
  16. FYR Macedonia (MKRTV)
  17. Georgia (GEGT)
  18. Germany (NDR/ARD)
  19. Greece (ERT)
  20. Hungary (MTV)
  21. Iceland (RUV)
  22. Ireland (RTE)
  23. Israel (IBA)
  24. Latvia (LT)
  25. Lithuania (LRT)
  26. Malta (PBS)
  27. Moldova (TRM)
  28. Montenegro (RTCG)
  29. The Netherlands (NPB)
  30. Norway (NRK)
  31. Poland (TVP)
  32. Portugal (RTP
  33. Romania (TVR)
  34. Russia (C1R)
  35. San Marino (STV)
  36. Serbia (RTS)
  37. Slovenia (RTVSLO)
  38. Spain (TVE)
  39. Sweden (SVT)
  40. Switzerland (SRG SSR idée suisse)
  41. Turkey (TRT)
  42. Ukraine (NTU)
  43. United Kingdom (BBC)
One country I always want back is Italy, but will it ever happen?

Below is Italy's last Eurovision Entry in 1997, great song!

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