How Many Countries Are in the World?
There are 195 countries in the world today: the 193 member states of the United Nations, plus 2 observer states — the Holy See (Vatican City) and the State of Palestine.
The 193 + 2
The clearest way to count countries is through United Nations membership. There are 193 UN member states — every widely-recognised sovereign nation holds a seat. Two more, the Holy See and Palestine, are permanent observer states rather than full members. Add them and you reach the number most sources use: 195.
Why some sources say 197 (or more)
The count rises above 195 when you include states that are recognised by many countries but are not UN members — most often Taiwan and Kosovo. Some lists also add the self-governing Cook Islands and Niue. There is no single "correct" number — it depends on which of these you count, which is why you'll see 195, 196, or 197 depending on the source.
Countries by continent
The 195 countries split across the continents like this (Antarctica has none):
Can you find all 195?
Test yourself on the world map — every country, one click at a time.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries are there in the world?+
There are 195 countries in the world today: the 193 member states of the United Nations plus two observer states, the Holy See (Vatican City) and the State of Palestine.
Why do some sources say 197 countries?+
Some counts add widely-recognised but non-UN states such as Taiwan and Kosovo, or self-governing states in free association like the Cook Islands and Niue. Depending on which of these you include, the total ranges from about 195 to 197 or more.
How many UN member states are there?+
There are 193 member states of the United Nations. The two UN observer states — the Holy See and Palestine — bring the widely-accepted total of countries to 195.
How many countries are in each continent?+
Africa has 54, Asia 48, Europe 44, North America 23, Oceania 14, and South America 12 — totalling 195. Antarctica has no countries.
What is the newest country in the world?+
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, is the world's newest widely-recognised sovereign country.