The number of countries in the world by continent
The world has a total of 195 countries spread across various continents, including 193 countries that are members of the United Nations and two countries outside the United Nations, according to United Nations statistics until 2021. In 2019, the United States formally recognized all these countries. Below are the key details about those continents:
Number of Countries in Asia
Asia includes many countries and is the second largest continent in terms of the number of countries within its land area compared to other continents, with a total of 50 countries. Russia is the largest country in Asia, as well as the largest country in the world, with an area estimated at about 17 million km², of which 13 million km² are in Asia, with the remainder in Europe. The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia, covering an area of 298 km².
Number of Countries in Africa
Africa has the largest number of countries in the world, with the latest United Nations statistics indicating that 54 countries are located in Africa. Algeria is the largest country in Africa, with a total area of 2.38 million km², followed closely by the Republic of the Congo, while Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa, with an area of 451 km².
Number of Countries in North America
North America consists of 23 countries, composed of several regions distributed between the Caribbean, Central America, and prominent countries such as Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Canada is the largest country in North America by area, covering approximately 9.98 million km², while Saint Kitts and Nevis is the smallest country in the continent, covering 261 km².
Number of Countries in South America
South America includes 12 sovereign countries, with Brazil being the largest country in South America, covering an area estimated at about 8.51 million km², while Suriname is the smallest country in the continent, with an area of approximately 136.8 thousand km².
Number of Countries in Europe
Europe consists of numerous countries, with a total of 44 countries. The European part of Russia occupies the largest area in Europe, covering 3.96 million km², while Vatican City is the smallest country in the continent, with an area of 44 km². The countries in Europe are divided into several sections as follows:
- Western Europe: 9 countries
- Eastern Europe: 10 countries
- Southern Europe: 15 countries
- Northern Europe: 10 countries
Number of Countries in Oceania
Oceania includes a number of countries, with approximately 14 sovereign states. Australia is the largest country in the continent, with an area of 7.69 million km², while Nauru is the smallest country in the continent, covering only 21 km².
Number of Countries in Antarctica
There are no countries in Antarctica, but in 1959, treaties were established among 12 countries, stating that Antarctica is divided among those countries and may be used only for peaceful purposes, research, science, and study. This continent is characterized by extreme cold.
In summary, the answer to the question, "How many countries are in the world?" is that there are 193 recognized countries. Asia has 50 countries, Africa 54 countries, North America 23 countries, South America 12 countries, Europe 44 countries, and Oceania 14 countries.
