With the addition of South Sudan as the 195th sovereign nation in 2011, the world witnessed another chapter in its ever-expanding story. Each country contains its own narrative, whether it's the vast expanses of Russia — where the landscape shifts from icy tundra to dense forests — or the compact confines of Vatican City, where history echoes through its ancient walls. Advertisement Let's explore the different and the continents they belong to.
Currently, the recognizes 195 countries globally. includes 193 member states and two non-member observer states: the Holy See ( ) and Palestine. However, the concept of "country" can vary based on political recognition and sovereignty disputes.
Some regions, like Taiwan, are considered by some to be independent nations but lack widespread international recognition. Advertisement Additionally, there are dependencies and territories with varying degrees of autonomy under the control of other countries. The exact count can fluctuate due to geopolitical changes, secession movements or diplomatic recognition shifts.
At its core, a country is a distinct geopolitical entity characterized by a defined territory, a permanent population, a government and the capacity to enter into relations with other sovereign states. Advertisement An independent territory, often referred to as a sovereign state or country, has full control over its internal and external affairs. It typically has its own government, legal system and international recognitio.
