How many countries are there in the world?
The most common answer is 195 countries: 193 United Nations member states and two non-member observer states, the Holy See and the State of Palestine.
Why do some lists say 193?
There are 193 member states of the United Nations. A list limited strictly to UN members therefore contains 193 entries.
Why do many lists say 195?
The Holy See and State of Palestine hold non-member observer state status at the UN. Counting them alongside the 193 UN members produces 195.
Why do other sources use different totals?
There is no single universally accepted definition for every politically disputed territory or partially recognized state. Some lists also include dependencies and self-governing territories. Taiwan and Kosovo, for example, are often discussed separately because of their distinct political status.
What does this website count?
Our main A–Z directory uses the conventional 195-country educational list. That editorial choice is not a statement about disputed borders or political recognition.