The EBU is excited to announce that 43 countries will take part in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, equalling the record participation number of 2008 and 2011.

Ukraine will return to the contest after withdrawing in 2015, Bosnia and Herzegovina is back after a three year absence and Croatia will participate for the first time since 2013. Bulgaria is also returning after two years away following their successful hosting of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest on 21 November.

Australia will once again send an entry; however, unlike last year where they were qualified directly to the final, they will compete in one of the semi-finals in Stockholm.

The draw to determine which countries will take part in each of the semi-finals will take place in January.

Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Contest for the EBU said: "We are proud that EBU Members from 43 countries have signed up for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest. We have put a lot of effort into bringing together as many countries as possible and this number reflects that. To see all these different countries and cultures come together, despite the challenges Europe and the world faces today, shows the power of music and the enduring popularity of the Eurovision Song Contest."

The following EBU Member countries will participate in the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm on 10, 12 and 14 May:

Albania (RTSH), Armenia (AMPTV), Australia (SBS), Austria (ORF), Azerbaijan (ITV), Belarus (BTRC), Belgium (VRT), Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT), Bulgaria (BNT), Croatia (HRT), Cyprus (CyBC), Czech Republic (ČT), Denmark (DR), Estonia (ERR), Finland (YLE), France (France Télévisions), FYR Macedonia (MKRTV), Georgia (GPB), Germany (NDR), Greece (ERT), Hungary (MTVA), Iceland (RÚV), Ireland (RTÉ), Israel (IBA), Italy (RAI), Latvia (LTV), Lithuania (LRT), Malta (PBS), Moldova (TRM), Montenegro (RTCG), The Netherlands (AVROTROS), Norway (NRK), Poland (TVP), Romania (TVR), Russia (RTR), San Marino (SMRTV), Serbia (RTS), Slovenia (RTVSLO), Spain (TVE), Sweden (SVT), Switzerland (SRG SSR), Ukraine (NTU) & United Kingdom (BBC).

Tickets for the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest are on sale from today (26 November) from the EBU’s official ticketing partner AXS.com. Tickets to nine shows in total are available including the live broadcasts, jury finals and dress rehearsals with prices starting at just €11. Further information is available on the Stockholm Globe Arena website.