A record 199 candidates have been nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize.
The director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Geir Lundestad, says this tops the previous record of 194 set last year when Kenyan environmental activist Wangari Maathai received the $1.45 milion prize. The Nobel Committee official said this year's list includes 163 individuals and 36 groups
The award committee never reveals the names of candidates. But those entitled to submit nominations, including past laureates, lawmakers and ministers from around the world and some university professors, frequently disclose their suggestions.
Well-known people on the list this year include former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Pope John Paul II, Indian musician Ravi Shankar and former Czech President Vaclav Havel.
The prize is handed out in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of the death of its founder, Alfred Nobel.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.