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Geography & Travel
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How Many Countries Are There in the World?

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The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Flags of the countries of the world (flagpoles).
© Marcel Schauer/stock.adobe.com

The United Nations includes 193 member countries and 2 recognized independent nations (Vatican City and Palestine).

See a list of countries here, or visit our country portal here.