The answer can be 193, 195, 207 or to some people, even 327.

So how many countries in the world are there in 2023? Well, it’s the same as in 2022, for now.

How many countries in the world are there?

Countries of the world according to UN – 195

A place with its own borders and a fully independent government. This is the definition of a sovereign state or a country by the United Nations (UN). According to the UN, there are 193 countries in the world and 2 observer states (Palestine and Vatican City).

So, in total, there are 195 countries in the world. 

The newest country is South Sudan, which gained its independence in 2011 and has been added to Africa’s long list of countries.

Countries of the world with at least partial recognition – 201

In order to become a country recognised by the UN, all nations of the UN must recognise it as a country. This of course often results in countries that are not recognised by all nations.

This is why there is such a debate about the correct answer for how many countries in the world question.

A few examples include Kosovo (disputed by Serbia), Taiwan (disputed by China), Western Sahara (disputed by Morocco), South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Northern Cyprus (disputed by Greece).

Countries of the world including self-declared states – 205

We also have to mention countries with their self-proclaimed independence. These countries are not recognised internationally; often their claim to sovereignty is disputed from the beginning.

These include Somaliland claiming independence from Somalia. They have their own currency, flag, as well as passports.

Transnistria claimed independence from Moldova and Artsakh claimed its own independence from Azerbaijan.

The last is the tiny nation of Sovereign Military Order of Malta with its seat in Rome.

The self-declared states are always interesting places for travellers to visit as they start the conversation about what makes a country a country. 

Countries of the world recognised by the Olympic Committee – 206 

If you love sport or at least a fan of the Olympics, the countries competing at these games might seem like the logical list.

To qualify, you do not have to be a country that is fully recognised, hence why the list includes the following: Palestine, Kosovo, Taiwan as well dependent territories such as Porto Rico (USA), Cook Islands (New Zealand), Bermuda, American Samoa or Aruba.

Countries of the world recognised by FIFA committee – 211

The list gets even longer when looking at the qualifying countries by FIFA.  This organisation added Kosovo and Gibraltar in 2016 as countries competing in football to their already extensive list.

Given the popularity of this sport in this corner of the world is not surprising to see Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland compete separately as opposed to under the country name of the United Kingdom.

Countries of the world according to Travellers Century Club – 327

327 countries in the world? Sounds like a lot, right? Not according to the Travellers Century Club and their list.

Although some are not actually countries in their own right, they are included because they are removed from the parent country. Travellers have disputed the list of countries ever since wanderlust took them to explore the world…. And it’s easy to see why.

If you go to Scotland does it really feel like the United Kingdom? Is Alaska or Hawaii really the USA? Greenland is Denmark? And Ibiza is Spain?

The world is divided into regions by Nomadmania – 1301

To add another dimension to this debate: Did you know that Nomadmania divides the world into 1301 regions based on territory, population, diversity, economy and tourist appeal?

It really helps you to see the world in a very different way.

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What will be the next new country in the world?

What about new countries in the world? Will there be a next new country soon?

Well, the one country that we must mention is Bougainville. Officially part of Papua New Guinea, Bougainville fought a long civil war over independence. In 2019 the people of Bougainville finally had the option to vote in a referendum. 98% voted for independence, but with the pandemic, things have so far led nowhere. 

When it happens, the new country would be small as it is around the same size as Lebanon and Cyprus.

So there you have it. If you ask a member of the UN How many countries are there in the world, the answer is 195.

If you ask a sports fan how many countries in the world, the answer can be 206 or 211.

And if you ask a traveller, how many countries in the world are there, he will tell you there are possibly 327 countries in the world.

As of 29 November, 2o22, we have visited all 195 countries, according to the UN.

We hope this blog helped you answer the simple question, “How many countries are there in the world?” What do you think is the best answer? 

More Travel Tips

We have so many tips to help you travel more!

These 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you stretch your hard-earned dollars further.

Read our top 6 travel hacks to save money and the 20 best travel apps to make travel easier! 

For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for foodies. And, if history is your thing, these 30 amazing historical places worldwide will fascinate you!

We have many tips to save money for travel and consider these 20 jobs that PAY YOU to travel the world to help you travel longer.

If you become a trusted housesitter, you can also get FREE accommodation worldwide. Read more about how this works.

Check out our ultimate packing list for travellers, and remember to pack travel insurance! We recommend these two travel insurance companies for excellent coverage.

Our 12 essential tips for safe travel in any country are worth a read. 

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling the world. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a Global eSIM if you travel to multiple countries or regions. This eSIM connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM.

The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Get the best deals on worldwide group tours with Tourradar.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.