Map depicting all the countries in the world
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.
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.
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.
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.
The countries and regions not in the above list of 195 countries are:
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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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