Country-level top domains

Most countries now have a matching top-level domain name, under which domains are sold (either directly, or with an intervening sub-domain such as .co. or .org.). Prime examples include .fr (France), .jp (Japan - where .co.jp is also in widespread use) and .co.uk. These types of top-level domain name are generally under government control, adding a level of durability and permanence that a 3rd party might find hard to match.