International members of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) are potential candidates for international collaboration on atmospheric science policy. Knowledge of the general characteristics of international members is advantageous for interactions. Furthermore, knowing the geographical distribution of members residing outside the United States of America (USA) helps identify areas ripe for or in need of international cooperation. In this study the membership rolls of the AMS and the answers to the 2005 AMS Membership Survey are analyzed to develop a profile of the members residing abroad. Results suggest that, compared to members residing within the USA, members residing abroad are more likely to hold PhD degrees and to have executive-level positions. Members residing abroad are predominantly research oriented (rather than engaged in applied activities) and work mainly in academic or government employment sectors. Most of the members residing abroad were from countries with high-income economies with over 60% residing in Canada, Japan, Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom. In contrast, only 6% resided in South America, Central America, the Caribbean archipelago and Africa.