CountriesArray.php

<?php
/*******************************************************************************************************
 * class CountryArray
 * returns array of countries, can return flat array using get() function and 2d array with get2d()
 * it can provide following information related to  the country
 *      1) name
 *      2) alpha2 code, 2 characters (ISO-3166-1 alpha2)
 *      3) alpha3 code, 3 characters (ISO-3166-1 alpha3)
 *      4) numeric code (ISO-3166-1 numeric)
 *      5) ISD code for country
 *      6) continent
 *
 * Author : Sameer Shelavale
 * Email : samiirds@gmail.com, sameer@techrevol.com, sameer@possible.in
 * Author website: http://techrevol.com, http://possible.in
 * Phone : +91 9890103122
 * License: AGPL3, You should keep Package name, Class name, Author name, Email and website credits.
 * Copyrights (C) Sameer Shelavale
 *******************************************************************************************************/
namespace SameerShelavale\PhpCountriesArray;

class CountriesArray{

    public static $countries = array(
        "AF" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AF', 'alpha3'=>'AFG', 'num'=>'004', 'isd'=> '93', "name" => "Afghanistan", "continent" => "Asia", ),
        "AX" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AX', 'alpha3'=>'ALA', 'num'=>'248', 'isd'=> '358', "name" => "Åland Islands", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "AL" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AL', 'alpha3'=>'ALB', 'num'=>'008', 'isd'=> '355', "name" => "Albania", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "DZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'DZ', 'alpha3'=>'DZA', 'num'=>'012', 'isd'=> '213', "name" => "Algeria", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "AS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AS', 'alpha3'=>'ASM', 'num'=>'016', 'isd'=> '1684', "name" => "American Samoa", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "AD" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AD', 'alpha3'=>'AND', 'num'=>'020', 'isd'=> '376', "name" => "Andorra", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "AO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AO', 'alpha3'=>'AGO', 'num'=>'024', 'isd'=> '244', "name" => "Angola", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "AI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AI', 'alpha3'=>'AIA', 'num'=>'660', 'isd'=> '1264', "name" => "Anguilla", "continent" => "North America"),
        "AQ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AQ', 'alpha3'=>'ATA', 'num'=>'010', 'isd'=> '672', "name" => "Antarctica", "continent" => "Antarctica"),
        "AG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AG', 'alpha3'=>'ATG', 'num'=>'028', 'isd'=> '1268', "name" => "Antigua and Barbuda", "continent" => "North America"),
        "AR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AR', 'alpha3'=>'ARG', 'num'=>'032', 'isd'=> '54', "name" => "Argentina", "continent" => "South America"),
        "AM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AM', 'alpha3'=>'ARM', 'num'=>'051', 'isd'=> '374', "name" => "Armenia", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "AW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AW', 'alpha3'=>'ABW', 'num'=>'533', 'isd'=> '297', "name" => "Aruba", "continent" => "North America"),
        "AU" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AU', 'alpha3'=>'AUS', 'num'=>'036', 'isd'=> '61', "name" => "Australia", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "AT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AT', 'alpha3'=>'AUT', 'num'=>'040', 'isd'=> '43', "name" => "Austria", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "AZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AZ', 'alpha3'=>'AZE', 'num'=>'031', 'isd'=> '994', "name" => "Azerbaijan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "BS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BS', 'alpha3'=>'BHS', 'num'=>'044', 'isd'=> '1242', "name" => "Bahamas", "continent" => "North America"),
        "BH" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BH', 'alpha3'=>'BHR', 'num'=>'048', 'isd'=> '973', "name" => "Bahrain", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "BD" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BD', 'alpha3'=>'BGD', 'num'=>'050', 'isd'=> '880', "name" => "Bangladesh", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "BB" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BB', 'alpha3'=>'BRB', 'num'=>'052', 'isd'=> '1246', "name" => "Barbados", "continent" => "North America"),
        "BY" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BY', 'alpha3'=>'BLR', 'num'=>'112', 'isd'=> '375', "name" => "Belarus", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "BE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BE', 'alpha3'=>'BEL', 'num'=>'056', 'isd'=> '32', "name" => "Belgium", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "BZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BZ', 'alpha3'=>'BLZ', 'num'=>'084', 'isd'=> '501', "name" => "Belize", "continent" => "North America"),
        "BJ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BJ', 'alpha3'=>'BEN', 'num'=>'204', 'isd'=> '229', "name" => "Benin", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "BM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BM', 'alpha3'=>'BMU', 'num'=>'060', 'isd'=> '1441', "name" => "Bermuda", "continent" => "North America"),
        "BT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BT', 'alpha3'=>'BTN', 'num'=>'064', 'isd'=> '975', "name" => "Bhutan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "BO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BO', 'alpha3'=>'BOL', 'num'=>'068', 'isd'=> '591', "name" => "Bolivia", "continent" => "South America"),
        "BQ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BQ', 'alpha3'=>'BES', 'num'=>'535', 'isd'=> '599', "name" => "Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba", "continent" => "North America"),
        "BA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BA', 'alpha3'=>'BIH', 'num'=>'070', 'isd'=> '387', "name" => "Bosnia and Herzegovina", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "BW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BW', 'alpha3'=>'BWA', 'num'=>'072', 'isd'=> '267', "name" => "Botswana", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "BV" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BV', 'alpha3'=>'BVT', 'num'=>'074', 'isd'=> '61', "name" => "Bouvet Island", "continent" => "Antarctica"),
        "BR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BR', 'alpha3'=>'BRA', 'num'=>'076', 'isd'=> '55', "name" => "Brazil", "continent" => "South America"),
        "IO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'IO', 'alpha3'=>'IOT', 'num'=>'086', 'isd'=> '246', "name" => "British Indian Ocean Territory", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "BN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BN', 'alpha3'=>'BRN', 'num'=>'096', 'isd'=> '672', "name" => "Brunei Darussalam", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "BG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BG', 'alpha3'=>'BGR', 'num'=>'100', 'isd'=> '359', "name" => "Bulgaria", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "BF" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BF', 'alpha3'=>'BFA', 'num'=>'854', 'isd'=> '226', "name" => "Burkina Faso", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "BI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BI', 'alpha3'=>'BDI', 'num'=>'108', 'isd'=> '257', "name" => "Burundi", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "KH" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KH', 'alpha3'=>'KHM', 'num'=>'116', 'isd'=> '855', "name" => "Cambodia", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "CM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CM', 'alpha3'=>'CMR', 'num'=>'120', 'isd'=> '231', "name" => "Cameroon", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "CA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CA', 'alpha3'=>'CAN', 'num'=>'124', 'isd'=> '1', "name" => "Canada", "continent" => "North America"),
        "CV" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CV', 'alpha3'=>'CPV', 'num'=>'132', 'isd'=> '238', "name" => "Cape Verde", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "KY" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KY', 'alpha3'=>'CYM', 'num'=>'136', 'isd'=> '1345', "name" => "Cayman Islands", "continent" => "North America"),
        "CF" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CF', 'alpha3'=>'CAF', 'num'=>'140', 'isd'=> '236', "name" => "Central African Republic", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "TD" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TD', 'alpha3'=>'TCD', 'num'=>'148', 'isd'=> '235', "name" => "Chad", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "CL" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CL', 'alpha3'=>'CHL', 'num'=>'152', 'isd'=> '56', "name" => "Chile", "continent" => "South America"),
        "CN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CN', 'alpha3'=>'CHN', 'num'=>'156', 'isd'=> '86', "name" => "China", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "CX" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CX', 'alpha3'=>'CXR', 'num'=>'162', 'isd'=> '61', "name" => "Christmas Island", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "CC" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CC', 'alpha3'=>'CCK', 'num'=>'166', 'isd'=> '891', "name" => "Cocos (Keeling) Islands", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "CO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CO', 'alpha3'=>'COL', 'num'=>'170', 'isd'=> '57', "name" => "Colombia", "continent" => "South America"),
        "KM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KM', 'alpha3'=>'COM', 'num'=>'174', 'isd'=> '269', "name" => "Comoros", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "CG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CG', 'alpha3'=>'COG', 'num'=>'178', 'isd'=> '242', "name" => "Congo", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "CD" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CD', 'alpha3'=>'COD', 'num'=>'180', 'isd'=> '243', "name" => "The Democratic Republic of The Congo", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "CK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CK', 'alpha3'=>'COK', 'num'=>'184', 'isd'=> '682', "name" => "Cook Islands", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "CR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CR', 'alpha3'=>'CRI', 'num'=>'188', 'isd'=> '506', "name" => "Costa Rica", "continent" => "North America"),
        "CI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CI', 'alpha3'=>'CIV', 'num'=>'384', 'isd'=> '225', "name" => "Cote D'ivoire", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "CW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CW', 'alpha3'=>'CUW', 'num'=>'531', 'isd'=> '599', "name" => "Curaçao", "continent" => "North America"),
        "HR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'HR', 'alpha3'=>'HRV', 'num'=>'191', 'isd'=> '385', "name" => "Croatia", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "CU" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CU', 'alpha3'=>'CUB', 'num'=>'192', 'isd'=> '53', "name" => "Cuba", "continent" => "North America"),
        "CY" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CY', 'alpha3'=>'CYP', 'num'=>'196', 'isd'=> '357', "name" => "Cyprus", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "CZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CZ', 'alpha3'=>'CZE', 'num'=>'203', 'isd'=> '420', "name" => "Czech Republic", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "DK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'DK', 'alpha3'=>'DNK', 'num'=>'208', 'isd'=> '45', "name" => "Denmark", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "DJ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'DJ', 'alpha3'=>'DJI', 'num'=>'262', 'isd'=> '253', "name" => "Djibouti", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "DM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'DM', 'alpha3'=>'DMA', 'num'=>'212', 'isd'=> '1767', "name" => "Dominica", "continent" => "North America"),
        "DO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'DO', 'alpha3'=>'DOM', 'num'=>'214', 'isd'=> '1809', "name" => "Dominican Republic", "continent" => "North America"),
        "EC" => array( 'alpha2'=>'EC', 'alpha3'=>'ECU', 'num'=>'218', 'isd'=> '593', "name" => "Ecuador", "continent" => "South America"),
        "EG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'EG', 'alpha3'=>'EGY', 'num'=>'818', 'isd'=> '20', "name" => "Egypt", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "SV" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SV', 'alpha3'=>'SLV', 'num'=>'222', 'isd'=> '503', "name" => "El Salvador", "continent" => "North America"),
        "GQ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GQ', 'alpha3'=>'GNQ', 'num'=>'226', 'isd'=> '240', "name" => "Equatorial Guinea", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "ER" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ER', 'alpha3'=>'ERI', 'num'=>'232', 'isd'=> '291', "name" => "Eritrea", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "EE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'EE', 'alpha3'=>'EST', 'num'=>'233', 'isd'=> '372', "name" => "Estonia", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "ET" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ET', 'alpha3'=>'ETH', 'num'=>'231', 'isd'=> '251', "name" => "Ethiopia", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "FK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'FK', 'alpha3'=>'FLK', 'num'=>'238', 'isd'=> '500', "name" => "Falkland Islands (Malvinas)", "continent" => "South America"),
        "FO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'FO', 'alpha3'=>'FRO', 'num'=>'234', 'isd'=> '298', "name" => "Faroe Islands", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "FJ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'FJ', 'alpha3'=>'FJI', 'num'=>'243', 'isd'=> '679', "name" => "Fiji", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "FI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'FI', 'alpha3'=>'FIN', 'num'=>'246', 'isd'=> '238', "name" => "Finland", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "FR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'FR', 'alpha3'=>'FRA', 'num'=>'250', 'isd'=> '33', "name" => "France", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "GF" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GF', 'alpha3'=>'GUF', 'num'=>'254', 'isd'=> '594', "name" => "French Guiana", "continent" => "South America"),
        "PF" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PF', 'alpha3'=>'PYF', 'num'=>'258', 'isd'=> '689', "name" => "French Polynesia", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "TF" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TF', 'alpha3'=>'ATF', 'num'=>'260', 'isd'=> '262', "name" => "French Southern Territories", "continent" => "Antarctica"),
        "GA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GA', 'alpha3'=>'GAB', 'num'=>'266', 'isd'=> '241', "name" => "Gabon", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "GM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GM', 'alpha3'=>'GMB', 'num'=>'270', 'isd'=> '220', "name" => "Gambia", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "GE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GE', 'alpha3'=>'GEO', 'num'=>'268', 'isd'=> '995', "name" => "Georgia", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "DE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'DE', 'alpha3'=>'DEU', 'num'=>'276', 'isd'=> '49', "name" => "Germany", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "GH" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GH', 'alpha3'=>'GHA', 'num'=>'288', 'isd'=> '233', "name" => "Ghana", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "GI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GI', 'alpha3'=>'GIB', 'num'=>'292', 'isd'=> '350', "name" => "Gibraltar", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "GR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GR', 'alpha3'=>'GRC', 'num'=>'300', 'isd'=> '30', "name" => "Greece", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "GL" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GL', 'alpha3'=>'GRL', 'num'=>'304', 'isd'=> '299', "name" => "Greenland", "continent" => "North America"),
        "GD" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GD', 'alpha3'=>'GRD', 'num'=>'308', 'isd'=> '1473', "name" => "Grenada", "continent" => "North America"),
        "GP" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GP', 'alpha3'=>'GLP', 'num'=>'312', 'isd'=> '590', "name" => "Guadeloupe", "continent" => "North America"),
        "GU" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GU', 'alpha3'=>'GUM', 'num'=>'316', 'isd'=> '1871', "name" => "Guam", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "GT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GT', 'alpha3'=>'GTM', 'num'=>'320', 'isd'=> '502', "name" => "Guatemala", "continent" => "North America"),
        "GG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GG', 'alpha3'=>'GGY', 'num'=>'831', 'isd'=> '44', "name" => "Guernsey", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "GN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GN', 'alpha3'=>'GIN', 'num'=>'324', 'isd'=> '224', "name" => "Guinea", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "GW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GW', 'alpha3'=>'GNB', 'num'=>'624', 'isd'=> '245', "name" => "Guinea-bissau", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "GY" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GY', 'alpha3'=>'GUY', 'num'=>'328', 'isd'=> '592', "name" => "Guyana", "continent" => "South America"),
        "HT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'HT', 'alpha3'=>'HTI', 'num'=>'332', 'isd'=> '509', "name" => "Haiti", "continent" => "North America"),
        "HM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'HM', 'alpha3'=>'HMD', 'num'=>'334', 'isd'=> '672', "name" => "Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands", "continent" => "Antarctica"),
        "VA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'VA', 'alpha3'=>'VAT', 'num'=>'336', 'isd'=> '379', "name" => "Holy See (Vatican City State)", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "HN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'HN', 'alpha3'=>'HND', 'num'=>'340', 'isd'=> '504', "name" => "Honduras", "continent" => "North America"),
        "HK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'HK', 'alpha3'=>'HKG', 'num'=>'344', 'isd'=> '852', "name" => "Hong Kong", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "HU" => array( 'alpha2'=>'HU', 'alpha3'=>'HUN', 'num'=>'348', 'isd'=> '36', "name" => "Hungary", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "IS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'IS', 'alpha3'=>'ISL', 'num'=>'352', 'isd'=> '354', "name" => "Iceland", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "IN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'IN', 'alpha3'=>'IND', 'num'=>'356', 'isd'=> '91', "name" => "India", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "ID" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ID', 'alpha3'=>'IDN', 'num'=>'360', 'isd'=> '62', "name" => "Indonesia", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "IR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'IR', 'alpha3'=>'IRN', 'num'=>'364', 'isd'=> '98', "name" => "Iran", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "IQ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'IQ', 'alpha3'=>'IRQ', 'num'=>'368', 'isd'=> '964', "name" => "Iraq", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "IE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'IE', 'alpha3'=>'IRL', 'num'=>'372', 'isd'=> '353', "name" => "Ireland", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "IM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'IM', 'alpha3'=>'IMN', 'num'=>'833', 'isd'=> '44', "name" => "Isle of Man", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "IL" => array( 'alpha2'=>'IL', 'alpha3'=>'ISR', 'num'=>'376', 'isd'=> '972', "name" => "Israel", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "IT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'IT', 'alpha3'=>'ITA', 'num'=>'380', 'isd'=> '39', "name" => "Italy", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "JM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'JM', 'alpha3'=>'JAM', 'num'=>'388', 'isd'=> '1876', "name" => "Jamaica", "continent" => "North America"),
        "JP" => array( 'alpha2'=>'JP', 'alpha3'=>'JPN', 'num'=>'392', 'isd'=> '81', "name" => "Japan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "JE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'JE', 'alpha3'=>'JEY', 'num'=>'832', 'isd'=> '44', "name" => "Jersey", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "JO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'JO', 'alpha3'=>'JOR', 'num'=>'400', 'isd'=> '962', "name" => "Jordan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "KZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KZ', 'alpha3'=>'KAZ', 'num'=>'398', 'isd'=> '7', "name" => "Kazakhstan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "KE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KE', 'alpha3'=>'KEN', 'num'=>'404', 'isd'=> '254', "name" => "Kenya", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "KI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KI', 'alpha3'=>'KIR', 'num'=>'296', 'isd'=> '686', "name" => "Kiribati", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "KP" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KP', 'alpha3'=>'PRK', 'num'=>'408', 'isd'=> '850', "name" => "Democratic People's Republic of Korea", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "KR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KR', 'alpha3'=>'KOR', 'num'=>'410', 'isd'=> '82', "name" => "Republic of Korea", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "KW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KW', 'alpha3'=>'KWT', 'num'=>'414', 'isd'=> '965', "name" => "Kuwait", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "KG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KG', 'alpha3'=>'KGZ', 'num'=>'417', 'isd'=> '996', "name" => "Kyrgyzstan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "LA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LA', 'alpha3'=>'LAO', 'num'=>'418', 'isd'=> '856', "name" => "Lao People's Democratic Republic", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "LV" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LV', 'alpha3'=>'LVA', 'num'=>'428', 'isd'=> '371', "name" => "Latvia", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "LB" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LB', 'alpha3'=>'LBN', 'num'=>'422', 'isd'=> '961', "name" => "Lebanon", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "LS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LS', 'alpha3'=>'LSO', 'num'=>'426', 'isd'=> '266', "name" => "Lesotho", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "LR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LR', 'alpha3'=>'LBR', 'num'=>'430', 'isd'=> '231', "name" => "Liberia", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "LY" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LY', 'alpha3'=>'LBY', 'num'=>'434', 'isd'=> '218', "name" => "Libya", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "LI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LI', 'alpha3'=>'LIE', 'num'=>'438', 'isd'=> '423', "name" => "Liechtenstein", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "LT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LT', 'alpha3'=>'LTU', 'num'=>'440', 'isd'=> '370', "name" => "Lithuania", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "LU" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LU', 'alpha3'=>'LUX', 'num'=>'442', 'isd'=> '352', "name" => "Luxembourg", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "MO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MO', 'alpha3'=>'MAC', 'num'=>'446', 'isd'=> '853', "name" => "Macao", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "MG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MG', 'alpha3'=>'MDG', 'num'=>'450', 'isd'=> '261', "name" => "Madagascar", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "MW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MW', 'alpha3'=>'MWI', 'num'=>'454', 'isd'=> '265', "name" => "Malawi", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "MY" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MY', 'alpha3'=>'MYS', 'num'=>'458', 'isd'=> '60', "name" => "Malaysia", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "MV" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MV', 'alpha3'=>'MDV', 'num'=>'462', 'isd'=> '960', "name" => "Maldives", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "ML" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ML', 'alpha3'=>'MLI', 'num'=>'466', 'isd'=> '223', "name" => "Mali", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "MT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MT', 'alpha3'=>'MLT', 'num'=>'470', 'isd'=> '356', "name" => "Malta", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "MH" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MH', 'alpha3'=>'MHL', 'num'=>'584', 'isd'=> '692', "name" => "Marshall Islands", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "MQ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MQ', 'alpha3'=>'MTQ', 'num'=>'474', 'isd'=> '596', "name" => "Martinique", "continent" => "North America"),
        "MR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MR', 'alpha3'=>'MRT', 'num'=>'478', 'isd'=> '222', "name" => "Mauritania", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "MU" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MU', 'alpha3'=>'MUS', 'num'=>'480', 'isd'=> '230', "name" => "Mauritius", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "YT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'YT', 'alpha3'=>'MYT', 'num'=>'175', 'isd'=> '262', "name" => "Mayotte", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "MX" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MX', 'alpha3'=>'MEX', 'num'=>'484', 'isd'=> '52', "name" => "Mexico", "continent" => "North America"),
        "FM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'FM', 'alpha3'=>'FSM', 'num'=>'583', 'isd'=> '691', "name" => "Micronesia", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "MD" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MD', 'alpha3'=>'MDA', 'num'=>'498', 'isd'=> '373', "name" => "Moldova", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "MC" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MC', 'alpha3'=>'MCO', 'num'=>'492', 'isd'=> '377', "name" => "Monaco", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "MN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MN', 'alpha3'=>'MNG', 'num'=>'496', 'isd'=> '976', "name" => "Mongolia", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "ME" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ME', 'alpha3'=>'MNE', 'num'=>'499', 'isd'=> '382', "name" => "Montenegro", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "MS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MS', 'alpha3'=>'MSR', 'num'=>'500', 'isd'=> '1664', "name" => "Montserrat", "continent" => "North America"),
        "MA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MA', 'alpha3'=>'MAR', 'num'=>'504', 'isd'=> '212', "name" => "Morocco", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "MZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MZ', 'alpha3'=>'MOZ', 'num'=>'508', 'isd'=> '258', "name" => "Mozambique", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "MM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MM', 'alpha3'=>'MMR', 'num'=>'104', 'isd'=> '95', "name" => "Myanmar", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "NA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NA', 'alpha3'=>'NAM', 'num'=>'516', 'isd'=> '264', "name" => "Namibia", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "NR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NR', 'alpha3'=>'NRU', 'num'=>'520', 'isd'=> '674', "name" => "Nauru", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "NP" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NP', 'alpha3'=>'NPL', 'num'=>'524', 'isd'=> '977', "name" => "Nepal", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "NL" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NL', 'alpha3'=>'NLD', 'num'=>'528', 'isd'=> '31', "name" => "Netherlands", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "NC" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NC', 'alpha3'=>'NCL', 'num'=>'540', 'isd'=> '687', "name" => "New Caledonia", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "NZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NZ', 'alpha3'=>'NZL', 'num'=>'554', 'isd'=> '64', "name" => "New Zealand", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "NI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NI', 'alpha3'=>'NIC', 'num'=>'558', 'isd'=> '505', "name" => "Nicaragua", "continent" => "North America"),
        "NE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NE', 'alpha3'=>'NER', 'num'=>'562', 'isd'=> '227', "name" => "Niger", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "NG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NG', 'alpha3'=>'NGA', 'num'=>'566', 'isd'=> '234', "name" => "Nigeria", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "NU" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NU', 'alpha3'=>'NIU', 'num'=>'570', 'isd'=> '683', "name" => "Niue", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "NF" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NF', 'alpha3'=>'NFK', 'num'=>'574', 'isd'=> '672', "name" => "Norfolk Island", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "MK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MK', 'alpha3'=>'MKD', 'num'=>'807', 'isd'=> '389', "name" => "North Macedonia", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "MP" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MP', 'alpha3'=>'MNP', 'num'=>'580', 'isd'=> '1670', "name" => "Northern Mariana Islands", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "NO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'NO', 'alpha3'=>'NOR', 'num'=>'578', 'isd'=> '47', "name" => "Norway", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "OM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'OM', 'alpha3'=>'OMN', 'num'=>'512', 'isd'=> '968', "name" => "Oman", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "PK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PK', 'alpha3'=>'PAK', 'num'=>'586', 'isd'=> '92', "name" => "Pakistan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "PW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PW', 'alpha3'=>'PLW', 'num'=>'585', 'isd'=> '680', "name" => "Palau", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "PS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PS', 'alpha3'=>'PSE', 'num'=>'275', 'isd'=> '970', "name" => "Palestinia", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "PA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PA', 'alpha3'=>'PAN', 'num'=>'591', 'isd'=> '507', "name" => "Panama", "continent" => "North America"),
        "PG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PG', 'alpha3'=>'PNG', 'num'=>'598', 'isd'=> '675', "name" => "Papua New Guinea", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "PY" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PY', 'alpha3'=>'PRY', 'num'=>'600', 'isd'=> '595', "name" => "Paraguay", "continent" => "South America"),
        "PE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PE', 'alpha3'=>'PER', 'num'=>'604', 'isd'=> '51', "name" => "Peru", "continent" => "South America"),
        "PH" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PH', 'alpha3'=>'PHL', 'num'=>'608', 'isd'=> '63', "name" => "Philippines", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "PN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PN', 'alpha3'=>'PCN', 'num'=>'612', 'isd'=> '870', "name" => "Pitcairn", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "PL" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PL', 'alpha3'=>'POL', 'num'=>'616', 'isd'=> '48', "name" => "Poland", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "PT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PT', 'alpha3'=>'PRT', 'num'=>'620', 'isd'=> '351', "name" => "Portugal", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "PR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PR', 'alpha3'=>'PRI', 'num'=>'630', 'isd'=> '1', "name" => "Puerto Rico", "continent" => "North America"),
        "QA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'QA', 'alpha3'=>'QAT', 'num'=>'634', 'isd'=> '974', "name" => "Qatar", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "RE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'RE', 'alpha3'=>'REU', 'num'=>'638', 'isd'=> '262', "name" => "Reunion", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "RO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'RO', 'alpha3'=>'ROU', 'num'=>'642', 'isd'=> '40', "name" => "Romania", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "RU" => array( 'alpha2'=>'RU', 'alpha3'=>'RUS', 'num'=>'643', 'isd'=> '7', "name" => "Russian Federation", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "RW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'RW', 'alpha3'=>'RWA', 'num'=>'646', 'isd'=> '250', "name" => "Rwanda", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "BL" => array( 'alpha2'=>'BL', 'alpha3'=>'BLM', 'num'=>'652', 'isd'=> '590', "name" => "Saint Barthélemy", "continent" => "North America"),
        "SH" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SH', 'alpha3'=>'SHN', 'num'=>'654', 'isd'=> '290', "name" => "Saint Helena", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "KN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'KN', 'alpha3'=>'KNA', 'num'=>'659', 'isd'=> '1869', "name" => "Saint Kitts and Nevis", "continent" => "North America"),
        "LC" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LC', 'alpha3'=>'LCA', 'num'=>'662', 'isd'=> '1758', "name" => "Saint Lucia", "continent" => "North America"),
        "MF" => array( 'alpha2'=>'MF', 'alpha3'=>'MAF', 'num'=>'663', 'isd'=> '590', "name" => "Saint Martin", "continent" => "North America"),
        "PM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'PM', 'alpha3'=>'SPM', 'num'=>'666', 'isd'=> '508', "name" => "Saint Pierre and Miquelon", "continent" => "North America"),
        "VC" => array( 'alpha2'=>'VC', 'alpha3'=>'VCT', 'num'=>'670', 'isd'=> '1784', "name" => "Saint Vincent and The Grenadines", "continent" => "North America"),
        "WS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'WS', 'alpha3'=>'WSM', 'num'=>'882', 'isd'=> '685', "name" => "Samoa", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "SM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SM', 'alpha3'=>'SMR', 'num'=>'674', 'isd'=> '378', "name" => "San Marino", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "ST" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ST', 'alpha3'=>'STP', 'num'=>'678', 'isd'=> '239', "name" => "Sao Tome and Principe", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "SA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SA', 'alpha3'=>'SAU', 'num'=>'682', 'isd'=> '966', "name" => "Saudi Arabia", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "SN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SN', 'alpha3'=>'SEN', 'num'=>'686', 'isd'=> '221', "name" => "Senegal", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "RS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'RS', 'alpha3'=>'SRB', 'num'=>'688', 'isd'=> '381', "name" => "Serbia", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "SC" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SC', 'alpha3'=>'SYC', 'num'=>'690', 'isd'=> '248', "name" => "Seychelles", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "SL" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SL', 'alpha3'=>'SLE', 'num'=>'694', 'isd'=> '232', "name" => "Sierra Leone", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "SG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SG', 'alpha3'=>'SGP', 'num'=>'702', 'isd'=> '65', "name" => "Singapore", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "SX" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SX', 'alpha3'=>'SXM', 'num'=>'534', 'isd'=> '1721', "name" => "Sint Maarten", "continent" => "North America"),
        "SK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SK', 'alpha3'=>'SVK', 'num'=>'703', 'isd'=> '421', "name" => "Slovakia", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "SI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SI', 'alpha3'=>'SVN', 'num'=>'705', 'isd'=> '386', "name" => "Slovenia", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "SB" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SB', 'alpha3'=>'SLB', 'num'=>'090', 'isd'=> '677', "name" => "Solomon Islands", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "SO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SO', 'alpha3'=>'SOM', 'num'=>'706', 'isd'=> '252', "name" => "Somalia", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "ZA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ZA', 'alpha3'=>'ZAF', 'num'=>'729', 'isd'=> '27', "name" => "South Africa", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "SS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SS', 'alpha3'=>'SSD', 'num'=>'710', 'isd'=> '211', "name" => "South Sudan", "continent" => "Africa" ),
        "GS" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GS', 'alpha3'=>'SGS', 'num'=>'239', 'isd'=> '500', "name" => "South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands", "continent" => "Antarctica"),
        "ES" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ES', 'alpha3'=>'ESP', 'num'=>'724', 'isd'=> '34', "name" => "Spain", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "LK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'LK', 'alpha3'=>'LKA', 'num'=>'144', 'isd'=> '94', "name" => "Sri Lanka", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "SD" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SD', 'alpha3'=>'SDN', 'num'=>'736', 'isd'=> '249', "name" => "Sudan", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "SR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SR', 'alpha3'=>'SUR', 'num'=>'740', 'isd'=> '597', "name" => "Suriname", "continent" => "South America"),
        "SJ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SJ', 'alpha3'=>'SJM', 'num'=>'744', 'isd'=> '47', "name" => "Svalbard and Jan Mayen", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "SZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SZ', 'alpha3'=>'SWZ', 'num'=>'748', 'isd'=> '268', "name" => "Swaziland", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "SE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SE', 'alpha3'=>'SWE', 'num'=>'752', 'isd'=> '46', "name" => "Sweden", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "CH" => array( 'alpha2'=>'CH', 'alpha3'=>'CHE', 'num'=>'756', 'isd'=> '41', "name" => "Switzerland", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "SY" => array( 'alpha2'=>'SY', 'alpha3'=>'SYR', 'num'=>'760', 'isd'=> '963', "name" => "Syrian Arab Republic", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "TW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TW', 'alpha3'=>'TWN', 'num'=>'158', 'isd'=> '886', "name" => "Taiwan, Province of China", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "TJ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TJ', 'alpha3'=>'TJK', 'num'=>'762', 'isd'=> '992', "name" => "Tajikistan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "TZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TZ', 'alpha3'=>'TZA', 'num'=>'834', 'isd'=> '255', "name" => "Tanzania, United Republic of", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "TH" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TH', 'alpha3'=>'THA', 'num'=>'764', 'isd'=> '66', "name" => "Thailand", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "TL" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TL', 'alpha3'=>'TLS', 'num'=>'626', 'isd'=> '670', "name" => "Timor-leste", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "TG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TG', 'alpha3'=>'TGO', 'num'=>'768', 'isd'=> '228', "name" => "Togo", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "TK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TK', 'alpha3'=>'TKL', 'num'=>'772', 'isd'=> '690', "name" => "Tokelau", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "TO" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TO', 'alpha3'=>'TON', 'num'=>'776', 'isd'=> '676', "name" => "Tonga", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "TT" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TT', 'alpha3'=>'TTO', 'num'=>'780', 'isd'=> '1868', "name" => "Trinidad and Tobago", "continent" => "North America"),
        "TN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TN', 'alpha3'=>'TUN', 'num'=>'788', 'isd'=> '216', "name" => "Tunisia", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "TR" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TR', 'alpha3'=>'TUR', 'num'=>'792', 'isd'=> '90', "name" => "Turkey", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "TM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TM', 'alpha3'=>'TKM', 'num'=>'795', 'isd'=> '993', "name" => "Turkmenistan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "TC" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TC', 'alpha3'=>'TCA', 'num'=>'796', 'isd'=> '1649', "name" => "Turks and Caicos Islands", "continent" => "North America"),
        "TV" => array( 'alpha2'=>'TV', 'alpha3'=>'TUV', 'num'=>'798', 'isd'=> '688', "name" => "Tuvalu", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "UG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'UG', 'alpha3'=>'UGA', 'num'=>'800', 'isd'=> '256', "name" => "Uganda", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "UA" => array( 'alpha2'=>'UA', 'alpha3'=>'UKR', 'num'=>'804', 'isd'=> '380', "name" => "Ukraine", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "AE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'AE', 'alpha3'=>'ARE', 'num'=>'784', 'isd'=> '971', "name" => "United Arab Emirates", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "GB" => array( 'alpha2'=>'GB', 'alpha3'=>'GBR', 'num'=>'826', 'isd'=> '44', "name" => "United Kingdom", "continent" => "Europe"),
        "US" => array( 'alpha2'=>'US', 'alpha3'=>'USA', 'num'=>'840', 'isd'=> '1', "name" => "United States", "continent" => "North America"),
        "UM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'UM', 'alpha3'=>'UMI', 'num'=>'581', 'isd'=> '1', "name" => "United States Minor Outlying Islands", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "UY" => array( 'alpha2'=>'UY', 'alpha3'=>'URY', 'num'=>'858', 'isd'=> '598', "name" => "Uruguay", "continent" => "South America"),
        "UZ" => array( 'alpha2'=>'UZ', 'alpha3'=>'UZB', 'num'=>'860', 'isd'=> '998', "name" => "Uzbekistan", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "VU" => array( 'alpha2'=>'VU', 'alpha3'=>'VUT', 'num'=>'548', 'isd'=> '678', "name" => "Vanuatu", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "VE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'VE', 'alpha3'=>'VEN', 'num'=>'862', 'isd'=> '58', "name" => "Venezuela", "continent" => "South America"),
        "VN" => array( 'alpha2'=>'VN', 'alpha3'=>'VNM', 'num'=>'704', 'isd'=> '84', "name" => "Vietnam", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "VG" => array( 'alpha2'=>'VG', 'alpha3'=>'VGB', 'num'=>'092', 'isd'=> '1284', "name" => "Virgin Islands, British", "continent" => "North America"),
        "VI" => array( 'alpha2'=>'VI', 'alpha3'=>'VIR', 'num'=>'850', 'isd'=> '1430', "name" => "Virgin Islands, U.S.", "continent" => "North America"),
        "WF" => array( 'alpha2'=>'WF', 'alpha3'=>'WLF', 'num'=>'876', 'isd'=> '681', "name" => "Wallis and Futuna", "continent" => "Oceania"),
        "EH" => array( 'alpha2'=>'EH', 'alpha3'=>'ESH', 'num'=>'732', 'isd'=> '212', "name" => "Western Sahara", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "YE" => array( 'alpha2'=>'YE', 'alpha3'=>'YEM', 'num'=>'887', 'isd'=> '967', "name" => "Yemen", "continent" => "Asia"),
        "ZM" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ZM', 'alpha3'=>'ZMB', 'num'=>'894', 'isd'=> '260', "name" => "Zambia", "continent" => "Africa"),
        "ZW" => array( 'alpha2'=>'ZW', 'alpha3'=>'ZWE', 'num'=>'716', 'isd'=> '263', "name" => "Zimbabwe", "continent" => "Africa")
    );

    /**
     * Non iso countries
     * @var array
     */
    public static $countries_non_iso = array(
        "XK" => array( 'alpha2'=>'XK', 'alpha3'=>'KOS', 'num'=>'383', 'isd'=> '383', "name" => "Kosovo", "continent" => "Europe", ),
    );

    /**
     * CountriesArray constructor.
     * @param boolean $iso
     * @author Paul Bönisch - <paul.boenisch@umwerk.net>
     */
    public function __construct($iso)
    {
        if(!$iso){
            self::$countries = array_merge(self::$countries, self::$countries_non_iso);
        }
    }

    /**
     * Returns countries array depending on iso flag
     * @param bool $iso
     * @return array
     * @author Paul Bönisch - <paul.boenisch@umwerk.net>
     */
    public static function getCountries($iso = true){
        $result = self::$countries;
        if(!$iso){
            $result = array_merge($result, self::$countries_non_iso);
        }

        return $result;
    }

    /**
     * Returns instance of ContriesArray with $iso property according to $value parameter
     * @param $value
     * @return CountriesArray
     * @author Paul Bönisch - <paul.boenisch@umwerk.net>
     */
    public static function iso($value){
        return new CountriesArray($value);
    }

    /*
     * function get()
     * @param $key - key field for the array of countries, set it to null if you want array without named indices
     * @param $requestedField - name of the field to be fetched in value part of array
     * @returns array contained key=>value pairs of the requested key and field
     *
     */
    public static function get( $keyField = 'alpha2', $requestedField = 'name' ){
        $supportedFields = array( 'alpha2', 'alpha3', 'num', 'isd', 'name', 'continent' );
        //check if field to be used as array key is passed
        if( !in_array( $keyField, $supportedFields ) ){
            $keyField = null;
        }

        //check if the $requestedField is supported or not
        if( !in_array( $requestedField, $supportedFields ) ){
            $requestedField = 'name'; //return country name if invalid/unsupported field name is request
        }

        $result = array();
        //copy each requested field from the countries array
        foreach( self::$countries as $k => $country ){
            if( $keyField ){
                $result[ $country[ $keyField ] ] = $country[ $requestedField ];
            }else{
                $result[] = $country[ $requestedField ];
            }
        }
        return $result;
    }


    /*
     * function get2d() returns 2d array of countries
     * @param $key - key field for the array of countries, set it to null if you want array without named indices
     * @param $requestedFields - array of name of the fields to be fetched in value part of array
     * @returns array contained key=>value pairs of the requested key and field
     *
     */
    public static function get2d( $keyField = 'alpha2', $requestedFields = array( 'alpha2', 'alpha3', 'num', 'isd', 'name', 'continent' ) ){
        $supportedFields = array( 'alpha2', 'alpha3', 'num', 'isd', 'name', 'continent' );
        //check if field to be used as array key is passed
        if( !in_array( $keyField, $supportedFields ) ){
            $keyField = null;
        }

        //check if the $fields is an array or not
        if( is_array( $requestedFields ) ){
            //check if each field requested is supported or not, else unset it
            foreach( $requestedFields as $index => $field ){
                if( !in_array( $field, $supportedFields ) ){
                    unset( $requestedFields[$index] );
                }
            }
        }else{
            $requestedFields = array();
        }
        $result = array();
        //copy each requested field from the countries array
        foreach( self::$countries as $k => $country ){
            $tmp = array( );
            foreach( $requestedFields as $field ){
                $tmp[ $field ] = $country[ $field ];
            }
            if( $keyField ){
                $result[ $country[ $keyField ] ] = $tmp;
            }else{
                $result[] = $tmp;
            }
        }
        return $result;
    }

    /*
    * function getFromContinent()
    * @param $key - key field for the array of countries, set it to null if you want array without named indices
    * @param $requestedField - name of the field to be fetched in value part of array
    * @param $continent - name of continent to use as filter
    * @returns array contained key=>value pairs of the requested key and field
    * Works exactly as get() above
    * But takes an extra param to enable filtering by continent
    *
    */
    public static function getFromContinent( $keyField = 'alpha2', $requestedField = 'name', $continent=null ) {
        $supportedFields = array( 'alpha2', 'alpha3', 'num', 'isd', 'name', 'continent' );
        $supportedContinents = array( 'Africa', 'Antarctica', 'Asia', 'Europe', 'North America', 'Oceania', 'South America' );

        //check if field to be used as array key is passed
        if( !in_array( $keyField, $supportedFields ) ){
            $keyField = null;
        }

        //check if field to be used as continent is passed
        if( !in_array( $continent, $supportedContinents ) ){
            $continent = null;
        }

        //check if the $requestedField is supported or not
        if( !in_array( $requestedField, $supportedFields ) ){
            $requestedField = 'name'; //return country name if invalid/unsupported field name is request
        }

        $result = array();
        //copy each requested field from the countries array
        foreach( self::$countries as $k => $country ){
            if( $keyField ){
                if ( $continent ) {
                    if ( $country['continent'] == $continent ) {
                        $result[ $country[ $keyField ] ] = $country[ $requestedField ];
                    }
                } else {
                    $result[ $country[ $keyField ] ] = $country[ $requestedField ];
                }
            } else {
                if ( $continent ) {
                    if ( $country['continent'] == $continent ) {
                        $result[] = $country[ $requestedField ];
                    }
                } else {
                    $result[] = $country[ $requestedField ];
                }
            }
        }
        return $result;
    }

}