How many countries in each continent participated in the Beijing Olympics?

Question

I mean like e.g.-

Asia 30 countries

Europe 50

Answer 1

Well, this is difficult to say because:

a) according to the IOC there are only 5 continents which have countries that compete (there are 6 geographically)

b) Where does Europe end and Asia begin? And which islands are considered Asia and which are considered Oceania?

All we can say with certainty is there are 205 National Olympic Committees and 204 of these sent athletes.  

Answer 2

Africa - 53 countries

America - 42 countries

Asia - 43 countries

Oceania - 17 countries

Europe - 49 countries

for a total of 204 countries

Answer 3

204 countries.