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How many countries are in the world?
195 (UN definition)
How many countries are in the world?
The United Nations recognises 193 member states plus 2 observer states (the Holy See and Palestine), for a total of 195. Some lists include Taiwan, Kosovo, and other partially recognised states, putting the figure as high as 197–206 depending on definition. The number has grown dramatically since 1945, when the UN was founded with just 51 members.
Source: United Nations membership register (2024)