How Many Countries are in the World?

Now that is a question that's somewhat difficult to answer, as there is no one right
answer. Many sources offer different answers, and depending on the source, there are 189,
191, 192, 193, 194, 195 or 196 independent countries in the world today.
NOTE: On Saturday, July 9, 2011, southern Sudan declared itself the independent country
of South Sudan. This is the culmination of a six-year process that ended a long, brutal civil
war that caused the deaths of millions. In many ways this is still a controversial event, and
the country's status could possible change in the future.
As of May 1, 2008, the United Nations has 192 official members (including Montenegro
and Serbia - the two newest nations). That number does not include the Vatican, and it
doesn't (yet) include Kosovo (disclaimer).
Most of the current World Almanacs use 193 countries, which is probably the best
answer, but what about Kosovo? (disclaimer) Palestine? Greenland? Western Sahara?
Or now, South Sudan?
The US State Department recognizes 194 independent countries around the world, but
that list of countries reflects the political agenda of the United States of America. As an
example, it includes Kosovo, but does not include Taiwan, as China claims that Taiwan
(the ROC) is simply a province of China.
Regarding England, Scotland and Wales, though all are widely considered individual
countries, they are all still a part of the United Kingdom (UK), a recognized European
country by the United Nations, United States, and others, and therefore included within the
United Kingdom on our country list below.
A note regarding Greenland: It voted in favor of increased self-rule in November 2008 and
acquired complete responsibility for internal affairs in June 2009. Denmark, however,
continues to exercise control of Greenland's foreign affairs, security, and financial policy in
consultation with Greenland's Home Rule Government.

In that regard, Greenland is still a part of Denmark, and not recognized as an official
independent country. In fact, it's a constituent country; a country that is part of another
entity, such as a sovereign state. In this case, the country of Denmark.

There are 196 countries in the world today.

Unless you don't count Taiwan
Taiwan is not considered an official country by many, which would bring the count down
to 195 countries. Although Taiwan operates as an independent country, many countries
(including the U.S.) do not officially recognize it as one. Because the People's Republic
of China considers Taiwan a breakaway province of China, countries who wish to
maintain diplomatic relations with China have had to sever their formal relations with
Taiwan (more than 100 countries, however, have unofficial relations with Taiwan).
How many countries belong to the United Nations?
192 countries are UN members. The exceptions are Taiwan (in 1971, the UN ousted
Taiwan and replaced it with the People's Republic of China) and Vatican City. Kosovo is
not yet a member. The newest UN members areSwitzerland (2002)
and Montenegro (2006).
What are the world's newest countries?
The world's newest country is South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan on
July 9, 2011. Before that, the newest country was Kosovo, which declared
independence from Serbia in February 2008. Montenegro became a country in June
2006, after splitting off from Serbia. Since 1990, 29 new nations have come into being.
Many of these emerged from the collapse of the Soviet Union (14 countries) and the
breakup of the former Yugoslavia (7 countries). See our Guide to New Nations.
Are there still any countries that have colonies?
There are 61 colonies or territories in the world. Eight countries maintain them:
Australia (6), Denmark (2), Netherlands (2), France (16), New Zealand (3), Norway (3),
the United Kingdom (15), and the United States (14). SeeTerritories, Colonies, and
Dependencies for a list of the world's colonies and what countries administrate them, p.
663.
Are there still territories in the world that are claimed by more than one country?
There are six major disputed territories in the world: the Gaza Strip and the West
Bank, the Paracel Islands, Spratly Islands, Western Sahara, and Antarctica (about a
dozen nations have laid claims to portions of it). In addition, there are innumerable other
territorial disputes throughout the world, many of which had resulted in ongoing armed
conflicts.