How Many Countries are there in the World?

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There are many countries or regions that are partially recognized by the UN, have disputes regarding their existence, or are dependent on other territories. That is why it is difficult to come to a definite number. In this article, we will learn how many countries are there, the biggest and smallest countries in the world, and more.

How Many Countries Are There?

As of 2024, there are 195 countries in the world, including 193 UN member States and 02 non-member observer states, the Vatican (the Holy State) and the State of Palestine. To reach a final number of countries in the world, the UN is a reliable source, because there is a specific process for becoming its member. The process is again time-tested, proven, and democratic.

A country first has to apply for membership to be a part of the United Nations. The membership application is then assessed and voted in. The 5 permanent member countries of the United Nations ( USA, China, France, Russia, and the UK) have to approve a country to become a member.

Largest Country in the World

Russia is the largest country in the world, covering about 17.1 million square kilometers across Eastern Europe and northern Asia. It borders 16 other countries and has many different climates, from the cold Arctic in Siberia to warmer areas in the West. With about 146 million people, Russia is huge and has lots of natural resources like oil, natural gas, and minerals. Moscow, the capital, is the center of politics and culture, while cities like Saint Petersburg and Novosibirsk are also important.

Smallest Country in the World

The smallest country in the world is Vatican City, which is only about 44 hectares (110 acres) in size. It is located within the city of Rome, Italy, and has a population of around 800 people, though not all are citizens. Vatican City is governed by the Pope, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Despite its small size, it is very important both religiously and culturally as the center of the Roman Catholic Church.

List of the Countries:

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cabo Verde
Cambodia
Cameroon
Canada
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Costa Rica
Côte d’Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Czechia (Czech Republic)
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
DR Congo
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Fiji
Finland
France
Gabon
The Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Holy See (The Vatican)
Honduras
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Saint Lucia
Samoa
San Marino
Sao Tome & Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
St. Vincent & Grenadines
State of Palestine
Sudan
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Countries as per Location

Out of the 195 countries in the world:

54 countries in Africa
48 countries in Asia
44 countries in Europe
23 countries in North America (including the Caribbean region)
12 countries in South America
14 countries in Oceania

Which Countries or Regions are not on the above List?

The countries and regions not in the above list of 195 countries are:

1. Taiwan

Its political status remains uncertain as it is no longer a member of the United Nations. Taiwan (officially known as the Republic of China) was replaced by the People’s Republic of China (according to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758) as “the only legitimate representative of China to the United Nations.” The People’s Republic of China claims Taiwan and refuses diplomatic relations with countries that recognize Taiwan as a country.

2. Kosovo

The Republic of Kosovo is a partially recognized state, located in Southeast Europe. It has territorial disputes with the Republic of Serbia. Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. It went on to receive recognition by 112 United Nations member states as sovereign state. However, since then, 15 UN members have withdrawn their diplomatic recognition. Serbia doesn’t recognize Kosovo as a sovereign state. However, after the 2013’s Brussels Agreement, Serbia accepted the institutions of Kosovo. Serbia continues to claim the Republic of Kosovo as the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija. However, it has now recognized the administration of the territory by Kosovo’s elected government.

3. Greenland

It is the largest island in the world (located east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans). Though it is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, it has its own domestic affairs (including its parliamentary system of government).

4. The Cook Islands

It is a self-governing island country located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is in free association with New Zealand. Defense and foreign affairs of this self-governing island country are exercised by New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook Islands.

5. Niue

It is also a self-governing island country (just like the Cook Islands), located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is also in free association with New Zealand, which conducts most of the diplomatic relations on behalf of Niue.

6. Western Sahara

It is a disputed territory. Western Sahara was a former Spanish colony; however, in 1975, it was annexed by Morocco. The United Nations lists it as a non−decolonized territory. Thus Western Sahara is included in the UN List of Non-Self-Governing Territories. It has been a subject of the territorial dispute between Morocco and the region’s indigenous Saharawi people, who are led by the Polisario Front.

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