Countries in the World

How Many Countries In The World?

Now that is a question that's somewhat difficult to answer, as there is no one right answer.

As of May 1, 2008, the United Nations has 192 members (including Montenegro and Serbia - the two newest nations). That number does not include the Vatican, and it doesn't (yet) include Kosovo (disclaimer).

Regarding England, Scotland and Wales, though all are widely considered individual countries, they are all still a part of the United Kingdom (UK), a European country, and therefore included within the United Kingdom on our country list below.

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.

ost of the current World Almanacs use 193 countries, which is probably the best answer as per www.worldatlas.com.

See the list of Countries order by continents
http://www.worldatlas.com/cntycont.htm

List of Dependencies and Territories of the world
http://www.worldatlas.com/dependtr.htm

Islands of the world
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/io.htm