How many countries are there in the world? ?

Question

Has this number increased or decreased over the last few years?

Answer 1

How Many Countries 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 or 195 independent countries in the world today.

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.

Most of the current World Almanacs use 193 countries, which is probably the best answer, but what about Kosovo? (disclaimer) Palestine? Greenland? Western Sahara? The political world is constantly changing and is slowly increasing over time.

Source:  http://www.worldatlas.com/nations.htm

Answer 2

There are 193 countries.

Answer 3

I think the answer is 190. Try finding the answer on www.ask.com

ok well depending on the source, the number of countries in the world varies from 189 - 195. So you can just say approximately 190, or that there are 189 - 195 countries in the world, depending on the source

Answer 4

There is no actual solid answer to this question, as it depends heavily on your frame of reference. Some countries don't officially recognize others, while some are technically "countries," but don't fall under the Montevideo Convention.

Numbers you might find include:

The number of political entities - 245

Number of UN members/Sovereign States - 192 + The Vatican City, who observe

And it has been increasing over the past few years, with West Papua being one of the most recent areas to be granted autonomy.