We are present in over 100 countries, from Malawi to Japan, Afghanistan to South Africa, Canada to Chile and Norway to New Zealand.

While all PEN Centres adhere to the ideals of the PEN charter, each has its own priorities. Some focus on campaigning for freedom of expression, others on education and literacy programmes. Some champion their national literatures, or work on promoting writing from different cultures and languages. Above all, PEN Centres use their strength to support writers facing persecution, and defend freedom of expression.

The PEN International office works to support PEN Centres around the world. If you are interested in learning how to set up a new PEN Centre, please write to the head of your region.