With the add-on of South Sudan as the 195th supreme state in 2011 , the creation witnessed another chapter in its ever - expanding narration .
Each land arrest its own narrative , whether it ’s the immense area of Russia — where the landscape switch from icy tundra to slow forest — or the stocky confines of Vatican City , where history echo through its ancient bulwark .
Let ’s search the differentcountries of the worldand the continents they go to .
How Many Countries Are There?
Currently , theUnited Nationsrecognizes 195 countries globally . This countincludes 193 member land and two non - member observer states : the Holy See ( Vatican City ) and Palestine .
However , the conception of " country " can vary base on political acknowledgment and reign disputes . Some region , like Taiwan , are considered by some to be independent nations but lack widespread international recognition .
Additionally , there are dependencies and territory with varying degree of autonomy under the control of other countries . The exact count can fluctuate due to geopolitical changes , sezession movements or diplomatic recognition transformation .
At its core , a area is a distinct geopolitical entity characterized by a define territory , a permanent population , a governance and the capability to enter into relations with other supreme province .
Independent Countries vs. Dependent Territories
An independent territory , often bring up to as a sovereign United States Department of State or country , has full ascendency over its intragroup and external occasion . It typically has its own government , effectual system and external recognition . example include the United States , France and Japan .
strung-out territories , on the other hand , are region that are rule by another country , know as the dispense power . While dependent territories may have varying degrees of autonomy , they ultimately do not possess full reign . The administering power typically oversees aspects such as defense , foreign affairs and some aspects of governance .
Examples of dependent soil include Puerto Rico ( administered by the United States ) , Greenland ( administered by Denmark ) and French Guiana ( mete out by France ) . They often have complex relationships with their deal out powers , ranging from near integrating to movements for greater independency or reign .
Africa: 54 Countries
Africa is the second - largest and second - most - populous continent , with an raiment of cultures , language and landscape . Historically , Africa is the provenance of humankind , with archaeological situation likeOlduvai Gorgein Tanzania providing grounds of early human life .
The ethnic heritage ofAfrican countriesis equally vivacious , with over 2,000 speech communication address and unnumberable custom , music and art manakin that vary from neighborhood to region .
The monumental continent also offers immense diversity , from the vastSahara Desertin the north to the lavish rainforests located in the Congo Basin and the savannas of the Serengeti . This diverseness can be found throughout the continent ’s 54 countries .
Asia: 43 Countries
Asia is the large and most populous continent , stretching from the deserts of the Middle East to the bustling metropolis of East Asia . This continent boast some of the world ’s oldest civilizations , include China , India andMesopotamia , which contributed immensely to world-wide history , philosophy and skill .
The sprawling continent is also a body politic of contrasts , which can be construe in the futurist skyscraper of Tokyo and Dubai and the tranquil Kyoto andAngkor Wat temple . And do n’t forget the icy steppes of Siberia and the tropical beach of Thailand !
Asia is made up of 43 countries , each offering its unique contributions to the global residential area , from technical innovations to ancient tradition .
Palestine is anon - memberobserver province .
Europe: 47 Countries
From the romantic streets of Paris to the historical ruins of Rome , Europe has been the place of origin of innumerous historical movements , such as the Renaissance , theEnlightenmentand theIndustrial Revolution , which work the modern world as we know it .
Europe ’s ethnical diversity is equally telling , with over 200 languages mouth and many culinary delights ranging from Italian pasta to German sausages to French vino and everything in between .
Its landscape painting ranges from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean , featuring a variety of mood and natural beauty . With 47 nation pack into a comparatively little area , Europe is like a hoarded wealth chest that keeps on giving .
observe that Kosovo only haslimited recognitionin the UN , and Vatican City is consider an commentator state .
- According to theUN web site , " Türkiye participates fully in both the Group of Western European and other States and the Group of Asia - Pacific States , but for electoral determination is look at a appendage of the Group of Western European and other country only . "
North America: 23 Countries
North America is a land of extremes , from the icy tundra of Canada to the sunny beach of the Caribbean . Thecountries in North Americaare also notable for their innate wonders , such as the Grand Canyon , Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains , offering endless opportunities for adventure and exploration .
In Canada , you may experience the sweetheart of the Northern Lights , while in the United States , you may explore diverse interior Rosa Parks pasture from Yellowstone to the Everglades . Central America and the Caribbean are live for their stunningbiodiversity , rain forest and coral reefs .
This continent includes 23 state , each offering unique landscape and culture . Home to some of thelargest cities in the humans — for example , Mexico City — North America is a hub of ethnical and economic bodily process .
South America: 12 Countries
South America is abode to some of the globe ’s most iconic natural wonders , such as the Andes mountains , the Amazon River and the Iguazu Falls .
Brazil , the largest country in South America , is famous for itsCarnival festival , the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and its beautiful beach . Peru is home to Machu Picchu , one of theNew Seven Wonders of the World , while Colombia extend colorful compound town and vibrant cities like Bogotá and Medellín .
With 12 countries , it ’s a place where you may trip the light fantastic toe the tango in Argentina , exploreancient Incan ruinsand wander the Amazon rainforest .
Oceania: 14 Countries
This continent is notable for its many island , unique wildlife and favorable locals . Whether you ’re snorkel in theGreat Barrier Reefor the volcanic landscape of Vanuatu , Oceania volunteer adventures that are as various as its geographics .
One of Oceania ’s most well - known country , Australia , is have it away for its iconic landmarks , such as the Sydney Opera House and the Outback . or else , the Pacific Islands — include Fiji , Samoa and Tonga — are home to pristine beach , crystal - clear waters and vibrantcoral Reef .
From the lush rainforests of Australia to the beach of the Cook Islands , you may find stunning landscapes throughout Oceania ’s 14 vibrant countries .
We created this article in conjunction with AI applied science , then made certain it was fact - chequer and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
