How many countries participated in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics?

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics saw the participation of 140 countries. This figure is significant as it marked a return to Olympic participation for many nations after the boycotts of the 1980 Moscow Olympics, where over 60 countries had chosen not to participate. The enthusiasm generated by the Los Angeles event was partly due to the absence of the Cold War tensions that had affected preceding games. The 1984 Olympics are also notable for their commercial success, which was driven in part by this increased participation. The number 140 is indicative of the Olympic spirit encouraging countries to come together in sport, showcasing the global nature of the Games despite previous tensions.