Expert: Ralph Salier Date: 6/10/2008 Subject: countries ofthe world
Question How many different countries are there?
Answer Hi Kate,
This is a bit difficult to determine. But according to several sources there are a total of 192 recognized independent states. Plus the Vatican which is not recognized by the UN. There are in addition, 38 dependent territories which may at some point become independent and 5 special territories which are deemed to anticipate independence some time in the near future such as Palestine.
I hope that I did not confuse things for you. The bottom line is 193.
