Organizing the Countries of the World by Continent
With the addition of South Sudan as the 195th sovereign nation in 2011, the world witnessed another chapter in its ever-expanding story.
Each country contains its own narrative, whether it's the vast expanses of Russia — where the landscape shifts from icy tundra to dense forests — or the compact confines of Vatican City, where history echoes through its ancient walls.
Let's explore the different countries of the world and the continents they belong to.
How Many Countries Are There?
Currently, the United Nations recognizes 195 countries globally. This count includes 193 member states and two non-member observer states: the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine.
However, the concept of "country" can vary based on political recognition and sovereignty disputes. Some regions, like Taiwan, are considered by some to be independent nations but lack widespread international recognition.
Additionally, there are dependencies and territories with varying degrees of autonomy under the control of other countries. The exact count can fluctuate due to geopolitical changes, secession movements or diplomatic recognition shifts.
At its core, a country is a distinct geopolitical entity characterized by a defined territory, a permanent population, a government and the capacity to enter into relations with other sovereign states.
Independent Countries vs. Dependent Territories
An independent territory, often referred to as a sovereign state or country, has full control over its internal and external affairs. It typically has its own government, legal system and international recognition. Examples include the United States, France and Japan.
Dependent territories, on the other hand, are regions that are governed by another country, known as the administering power. While dependent territories may have varying degrees of autonomy, they ultimately do not possess full sovereignty. The administering power typically oversees aspects such as defense, foreign affairs and some aspects of governance.
Examples of dependent territories include Puerto Rico (administered by the United States), Greenland (administered by Denmark) and French Guiana (administered by France). They often have complex relationships with their administering powers, ranging from close integration to movements for greater independence or sovereignty.
Africa: 54 Countries
Africa is the second-largest and second-most-populous continent, with an array of cultures, languages and landscapes. Historically, Africa is the cradle of humankind, with archaeological sites like Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania providing evidence of early human life.
The cultural heritage of African countries is equally vibrant, with over 2,000 languages spoken and countless traditions, music and art forms that vary from region to region.
The massive continent also offers immense diversity, from the vast Sahara Desert in the north to the lush rainforests located in the Congo Basin and the savannas of the Serengeti. This diversity can be found throughout the continent's 54 countries.
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cabo Verde
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Congo (formerly People's Republic of the Congo)
Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Gabon
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Kenya
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Mali
Mauritania
Mauritius
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Niger
Nigeria
Rwanda
São Tomé and Príncipe
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Togo
Tunisia
Uganda
United Republic of Tanzania
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Asia: 43 Countries
Asia is the largest and most populous continent, stretching from the deserts of the Middle East to the bustling cities of East Asia. This continent boasts some of the world's oldest civilizations, including China, India and Mesopotamia, which contributed immensely to global history, philosophy and science.
The sprawling continent is also a land of contrasts, which can be seen in the futuristic skyscrapers of Tokyo and Dubai and the serene Kyoto and Angkor Wat temples. And don't forget the icy steppes of Siberia and the tropical beaches of Thailand!
Asia is made up of 43 countries, each offering its unique contributions to the global community, from technological innovations to ancient traditions.
Afghanistan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei Darussalam
Cambodia
China
Cyprus
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)
India
Indonesia
Iraq
Islamic Republic of Iran
Israel
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos)
Lebanon
Malaysia
Maldives
Mongolia
Myanmar (formerly Burma)
Nepal
Oman
Pakistan
Philippines
Qatar
Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Syrian Arab Republic
Tajikistan
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Turkmenistan
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Viet Nam
Yemen
Palestine is a non-member observer state.
Europe: 47 Countries
From the romantic streets of Paris to the historical ruins of Rome, Europe has been the birthplace of countless historical movements, such as the Renaissance, the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, which shaped the modern world as we know it.
Europe's cultural diversity is equally impressive, with over 200 languages spoken and many culinary delights ranging from Italian pasta to German sausages to French wine and everything in between.
Its landscape ranges from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean, featuring a variety of climates and natural beauty. With 47 countries packed into a relatively small area, Europe is like a treasure chest that keeps on giving.
Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czechia (formerly the Czech Republic)
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Moldova
Romania
Russian Federation
San Marino
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Türkiye (formerly Turkey)*
Ukraine
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Note that Kosovo only has limited recognition in the UN, and Vatican City is considered an observer state.
*According to the UN website, "Türkiye participates fully in both the Group of Western European and other States and the Group of Asia-Pacific States, but for electoral purposes is considered a member of the Group of Western European and other States only."
North America: 23 Countries
North America is a land of extremes, from the icy tundras of Canada to the sunny beaches of the Caribbean. The countries in North America are also famous for their natural wonders, such as the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains, offering endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.
In Canada, you can experience the beauty of the Northern Lights, while in the United States, you can explore diverse national parks ranging from Yellowstone to the Everglades. Central America and the Caribbean are known for their stunning biodiversity, rainforests and coral reefs.
This continent includes 23 countries, each offering unique landscapes and cultures. Home to some of the largest cities in the world — for example, Mexico City — North America is a hub of cultural and economic activity.
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United States of America
South America: 12 Countries
South America is home to some of the world's most iconic natural wonders, such as the Andes mountains, the Amazon River and the Iguazu Falls.
Brazil, the largest country in South America, is famous for its Carnival festival, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro and its beautiful beaches. Peru is home to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, while Colombia offers colorful colonial towns and vibrant cities like Bogotá and Medellín.
With 12 countries, it’s a place where you can dance the tango in Argentina, explore ancient Incan ruins and wander the Amazon rainforest.
Argentina
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
Paraguay
Plurinational State of Bolivia
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Oceania: 14 Countries
This continent is famous for its many islands, unique wildlife and friendly locals. Whether you’re snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef or the volcanic landscapes of Vanuatu, Oceania offers adventures that are as diverse as its geography.
One of Oceania's most well-known countries, Australia, is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Outback. Alternatively, the Pacific Islands — including Fiji, Samoa and Tonga — are home to pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
From the lush rainforests of Australia to the beaches of the Cook Islands, you can find stunning landscapes throughout Oceania's 14 vibrant countries.
Australia
Federated States of Micronesia
Fiji
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Nauru
New Zealand
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
Original article: Organizing the Countries of the World by Continent
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