How Many Countries in the World
195 countries exist today: 193 UN members + Vatican City and Palestine
⚡Quick Answer
There are 195 countries: 193 UN member states plus Vatican City and Palestine (observer states). South Sudan (2011) is the newest. The count varies depending on recognition of disputed territories like Taiwan and Kosovo. Africa has the most countries (54).
Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Answer
There are 195 countries in the world: 193 member states of the United Nations + 2 observer states (Vatican City and Palestine). The count depends on recognition criteria — some sources list 197+ by including disputed territories.
How Countries Are Counted
UN Member States: 193 countries with full voting rights | Observer States: Vatican City and Palestine (participate but can't vote) | Disputed/Partial Recognition: Taiwan, Kosovo, and others claim sovereignty but lack universal recognition.
The Newest Countries
South Sudan (2011) - newest UN member, gained independence from Sudan | Montenegro (2006) | Serbia (2006) | Timor-Leste (2002) | Palau (1994)
Continents Breakdown
Africa: 54 countries | Europe: 44 countries | Asia: 48 countries | North America: 23 countries | South America: 12 countries | Oceania: 14 countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't Taiwan counted as a country?
Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) governs itself with its own government, military, and currency. However, most countries don't officially recognize it due to pressure from the People's Republic of China (mainland China), which claims Taiwan as its territory. Only 13 UN members recognize Taiwan. It's not a UN member state.
Is England a country?
Yes and no. England is a country within the United Kingdom, which is the sovereign state. The UK includes 4 countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In international relations and the UN, the 'United Kingdom' is counted as one country, not four separate ones.
What's the difference between a country and a territory?
A country (sovereign state) has full political independence, international recognition, and control over its own affairs. A territory is governed by another country (e.g., Puerto Rico is a US territory, French Guiana is a French territory). Some territories have significant autonomy but aren't fully independent.
Could the number of countries change?
Yes. Countries merge (like East/West Germany in 1990) or split (like Sudan/South Sudan in 2011). Potential future changes include Scotland independence from UK, Catalonia from Spain, or Kosovo gaining broader recognition. The number has changed dozens of times in the past century.
What defines a country?
According to the Montevideo Convention (1933), a state needs: 1) A permanent population, 2) A defined territory, 3) A government, 4) The capacity to enter relations with other states. International recognition helps but isn't technically required — though it matters practically for diplomacy, trade, and UN membership.