How mmany countries in the world?

Brainy Blonde

'How many countries are in the world,' is a very good question and one that is somewhat difficult to answer, as there appears to be no one right answer. Many sources offer different answers, and depending on the source, there are 189, 191, 192, 193 or 194 independent countries in the world today. The United Nations has 189 members but that number doesn't include independent nations like Switzerland and the Vatican. The US State Department recognizes 191 independent countries around the world. but that list of countries reflects the political agenda of the United States of America. As an example, it doesn't include Taiwan as China claims that Taiwan is simply a province of China. Many World Almanacs use 192 countries, which is probably the best answer, but what about East Timor? Palestine? Greenland? Western Sahara? The political world is constantly changing and our list of independent nations is shown below. Note that we don't say that our list is the ONLY answer, just that it's our answer. See: http://www.worldatlas.com/nations.htm Feb 15 02, 3:10 AM