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World and Country Names List: The question of how many countries there are in the world may seem simple at first glance, but it’s a surprisingly complex and debated topic. The number of recognized countries can vary depending on who you ask and the criteria used for recognition. In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of countries, the various criteria for defining them, and provide a comprehensive list of countries around the world.
World and Country Names List
The Concept of a Country
A country, also known as a nation or a state, is a distinct geopolitical entity with its own government, borders, and population. Countries have the authority to make and enforce their own laws, control their territory, and engage in international relations. They are the basic building blocks of the global political landscape.
Criteria for Defining a Country
Defining a country may seem straightforward, but different criteria can be used, leading to varying counts of recognized countries. Some of the most common criteria include:
Sovereignty
Sovereignty is a key criterion for recognizing a country. A sovereign state has complete control over its territory and government without external interference. This criterion is fundamental to international law.
International Recognition
A country is often considered legitimate if it is recognized by other sovereign states. Recognition can come through diplomatic relations, membership in international organizations like the United Nations, and bilateral agreements.
Permanent Population
Countries typically have a permanent population, although the size of the population may vary significantly.
Defined Territory
A country must have clearly defined borders or territory. These borders may be disputed, but a country must have some level of territorial control.
Effective Government
A country must have an effective government that exercises control over its territory and population. The form of government can vary widely, from democracies to monarchies and dictatorships.
Capacity to enter in a relations with Other States
A country should have the ability to engage in diplomatic relations with other countries and participate in international affairs.
How many Countries are there?
Given the various criteria and perspectives, the number of recognized countries can vary. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the United Nations recognizes 193 member states. This count includes virtually all internationally recognized countries. However, some entities are not UN members but are still recognized as countries by some nations and organizations. Notable examples include:
Taiwan
Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state and operates with its own government, military, and constitution. However, China considers Taiwan to be a part of its territory, and many countries do not officially recognize Taiwan as a separate country due to political sensitivities.
Kosovo
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. While Kosovo is recognized as an independent country by a significant number of UN member states, Serbia and some other countries do not recognize its sovereignty.
Palestine
The State of Palestine was granted non-member observer status at the United Nations in 2012. However, the status of Palestine as a fully recognized country remains a subject of international debate.
Western Sahara
Western Sahara’s status is disputed, with Morocco claiming it as part of its territory and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) asserting its independence.
It’s important to note that the recognition of these entities as countries varies among nations and international organizations, contributing to the complexity of determining the exact number of countries.
Comprehensive List of Countries
Below is a list of countries recognized by the United Nations and most of the international community as of my last knowledge update in September 2021. Please keep in mind that geopolitical changes can occur, and the status of some regions may have evolved since then.
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Algeria
- Andorra
- Angola
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Bangladesh
- Barbados
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cabo Verde
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Comoros
- Congo (Brazzaville)
- Congo (Kinshasa)
- Costa Rica
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Croatia
- Cuba
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Djibouti
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Finland
- France
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Georgia
- Germany
- Ghana
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Holy See
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Japan
- Jordan
- Kazakhstan
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Kyrgyzstan
- Laos
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mali
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Nepal
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- North Korea
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Pakistan
- Palau
- Palestine State
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Saudi Arabia
- Senegal
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Korea
Conclusion
In summary, the number of recognized countries in the world can vary due to factors like sovereignty, international recognition, and political disputes. As of September 2021, the United Nations recognized 193 member states as the core of internationally accepted countries. However, entities like Taiwan, Kosovo, Palestine, and Western Sahara have complex status issues. The criteria for defining a country include sovereignty, permanent population, defined territory, effective government, and the capacity for international relations. The provided list offers an overview of widely recognized countries, but geopolitical changes can lead to alterations in this count. Ultimately, the concept of a country remains dynamic and subject to evolving global dynamics.
World and Country Names List FAQs
How many countries are there in the world according to the United Nations?
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the United Nations recognizes 193 member states as sovereign countries.
Are there entities that are not United Nations members but are still considered countries?
Yes, there are entities like Taiwan, Kosovo, Palestine, and Western Sahara that are not UN members but are recognized as countries by some nations and organizations due to unique geopolitical situations.
Why is the number of recognized countries not consistent among different sources?
The number of recognized countries can vary because different entities and organizations may have varying criteria for recognition, leading to discrepancies in the count
Can a region or territory become a country if it meets certain criteria?
Yes, if a region or territory meets the criteria of sovereignty, international recognition, and other relevant factors, it can potentially become a recognized country through diplomatic and international processes.
How often does the list of recognized countries change?
The list of recognized countries can change over time due to geopolitical developments, negotiations, and changes in international relations. It's important to stay updated on global news to understand any shifts in country recognition.
