Amy Brennan (Norway) sent in an interesting article from Political Geography Now on which countries are and are not participating in the Winter Olympics.

Amy says, "This year there will be a total of 88 nations participating in the Winter Olympics, a record high for the Winter games. Of those 88, seven countries participating in the Winter Olympics for the first time ever this year. "

Africa
 Togo
 Zimbabwe

Americas
 Dominica
 Paraguay 

Asia
 Timor-Leste (East Timor)

Europe
 Malta

Oceania
 Tonga

Here is the article to learn more:

www.polgeonow.com/2014/02/sochi-2014-which-countries-olympics.html?m=1 

2 Bonus points to Amy Brennan (Norway) - Interesting read!