Quick Answer
Use tdebug in a non-Ironman HoI4 save, hover a country, and read the three-letter tag in the debug tooltip. Then use that tag in commands such as tag GER, annex FRA, or whitepeace GER SOV. Vanilla tags are stable enough for common countries, but modded campaigns can add or replace tags, so always verify in-game before running a command.
This HoI4 country tags guide is for players using console commands, save testing, mod debugging, or a sandbox campaign. It focuses on how to find the right tag, how to use it safely, and why a copied tag list can fail in modded or late-game situations.
Source checked: Updated May 7, 2026 against the HoI4 Paradox Wiki pages for countries and console commands. Tags can change in overhaul mods, and dynamic countries can use generated tags, so treat the in-game debug tooltip as the final source for your save.
Table of Contents
- How to find country tags with tdebug
- Common HoI4 country tags
- Command examples that use tags
- Vanilla, DLC, and mod caveats
- Troubleshooting country tags
- FAQ
How to Find Country Tags with tdebug
Open the console, type tdebug, and hover the country on the map. The tooltip shows technical IDs, including the country tag. Run tdebug again when you are done so the debug overlay does not clutter normal play.
- Use a non-Ironman save. Console commands are not for achievement runs.
- Pause the game before switching countries or annexing territory.
- Save before using destructive commands.
- Use the live tag shown by
tdebugwhen a mod, civil war, or collaboration government is involved.
Common HoI4 Country Tags
| Country | Common tag | Typical use | Caveat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | GER | tag GER, annex GER | Name changes do not usually change the tag. |
| United Kingdom | ENG | Switching, war tests, peace tests. | Do not type UK; use the game tag. |
| Soviet Union | SOV | Eastern Front testing. | Civil wars can create generated tags. |
| United States | USA | Production and late-game tests. | Subject or civil-war states can differ. |
| France | FRA | Capitulation, annex, and tag-switch tests. | Ideology names can vary. |
| Italy | ITA | Mediterranean and faction tests. | DLC branches can affect names, not the base tag. |
| Japan | JAP | Naval, China war, and Pacific testing. | Use tdebug in modded Asia starts. |
| China | CHI | China war testing. | Chinese tags are easy to mix up. |
| Communist China | PRC | Chinese civil-war tests. | Do not confuse with the main China tag. |
| Poland | POL | War goal and annex examples. | Generated states can appear after civil wars. |
| Romania | ROM | Balkan and oil tests. | Verify in total conversion mods. |
| Hungary | HUN | Central Europe tests. | DLC focus paths do not replace the base tag. |
Command Examples That Use Tags
| Goal | Command pattern | Example | Safe-use note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch country | tag [tag] | tag GER | Save first. The AI may move your original country while you are away. |
| Annex one country | annex [tag] | annex FRA | Can break scripted wars and focus logic. |
| Force white peace | whitepeace [tag] [tag] | whitepeace GER SOV | Best for tests, not clean historical campaigns. |
| Inspect map IDs | tdebug | tdebug | Hover the target before typing a destructive command. |
| Check command syntax | help [command] | help annex | Use your own game build as the final syntax check. |
Vanilla, DLC, and Mod Caveats
Vanilla HoI4 country tags are useful shortcuts, but overhaul mods such as Kaiserreich, Millennium Dawn, or The Fire Rises can add, remove, or rename countries. Some new countries created during play can also receive generated tags. That is why tdebug is better than memorizing a static list.
Troubleshooting Country Tags
- If
tagdoes nothing, confirm the console is open in a non-Ironman save and the tag is real. - If the wrong country changes, you likely used a similar tag from a list instead of the in-game tooltip.
- If annexing breaks a focus or event, reload the pre-command save and use a narrower test.
- If a modded country is missing, hover it with
tdebuginstead of guessing from its display name.
For more commands, use the HoI4 console commands list, the HoI4 special projects commands guide, the division templates guide, the HoI4 hub, and the console commands hub.
FAQ
What is the command to show country tags in HoI4?
Use tdebug, then hover a country. The tooltip shows the current tag for that save.
Does Germany always use GER?
In normal vanilla games, Germany uses GER. In total conversion mods or unusual civil-war states, verify with tdebug.
Can I use country tags in Ironman?
No. Console-command workflows are for non-Ironman saves. Use a copy of your save if you care about the campaign.
Why does a copied tag list fail in my mod?
Mods can define their own countries and generated states. The in-game debug tooltip is the reliable source for that specific run.