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.

1. Algeria

2. Angola

3. Benin

4. Botswana

5. Burkina Faso

6. Burundi

7. Cabo Verde

8. Cameroon

9. Central African Republic

10. Chad

11. Comoros

12. Congo (formerly People's Republic of the Congo)

13. Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

14. Democratic Republic of the Congo

15. Djibouti

16. Egypt

17. Equatorial Guinea

18. Eritrea

19. Eswatini

20. Ethiopia

21. Gabon

22. Gambia

23. Ghana

24. Guinea

25. Guinea Bissau

26. Kenya

27. Lesotho

28. Liberia

29. Libya

30. Madagascar

31. Malawi

32. Mali

33. Mauritania

34. Mauritius

35. Morocco

36. Mozambique

37. Namibia

38. Niger

39. Nigeria

40. Rwanda

41. São Tomé and Príncipe

42. Senegal

43. Seychelles

44. Sierra Leone

45. Somalia

46. South Africa

47. South Sudan

48. Sudan

49. Togo

50. Tunisia

51. Uganda

52. United Republic of Tanzania

53. Zambia

54. 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.

1. Afghanistan

2. Bahrain

3. Bangladesh

4. Bhutan

5. Brunei Darussalam

6. Cambodia

7. China

8. Cyprus

9. Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)

10. India

11. Indonesia

12. Iraq

13. Islamic Republic of Iran

14. Israel

15. Japan

16. Jordan

17. Kazakhstan

18. Kuwait

19. Kyrgyzstan

20. Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos)

21. Lebanon

22. Malaysia

23. Maldives

24. Mongolia

25. Myanmar (formerly Burma)

26. Nepal

27. Oman

28. Pakistan

29. Philippines

30. Qatar

31. Republic of Korea (South Korea)

32. Saudi Arabia

33. Singapore

34. Sri Lanka

35. Syrian Arab Republic

36. Tajikistan

37. Thailand

38. Timor-Leste

39. Turkmenistan

40. United Arab Emirates

41. Uzbekistan

42. Viet Nam

43. 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.

1. Albania

2. Andorra

3. Armenia

4. Austria

5. Azerbaijan

6. Belarus

7. Belgium

8. Bosnia and Herzegovina

9. Bulgaria

10. Croatia

11. Czechia (formerly the Czech Republic)

12. Denmark

13. Estonia

14. Finland

15. France

16. Georgia

17. Germany

18. Greece

19. Hungary

20. Iceland

21. Ireland

22. Italy

23. Kingdom of the Netherlands

24. Latvia

25. Liechtenstein

26. Lithuania

27. Luxembourg

28. Malta

29. Monaco

30. Montenegro

31. North Macedonia

32. Norway

33. Poland

34. Portugal

35. Republic of Moldova

36. Romania

37. Russian Federation

38. San Marino

39. Serbia

40. Slovakia

41. Slovenia

42. Spain

43. Sweden

44. Switzerland

45. Türkiye (formerly Turkey)*

46. Ukraine

47. 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.

1. Antigua and Barbuda

2. Bahamas

3. Barbados

4. Belize

5. Canada

6. Costa Rica

7. Cuba

8. Dominica

9. Dominican Republic

10. El Salvador

11. Grenada

12. Guatemala

13. Haiti

14. Honduras

15. Jamaica

16. Mexico

17. Nicaragua

18. Panama

19. Saint Kitts and Nevis

20. Saint Lucia

21. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

22. Trinidad and Tobago

23. 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.

1. Argentina

2. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

3. Brazil

4. Chile

5. Colombia

6. Ecuador

7. Guyana

8. Paraguay

9. Plurinational State of Bolivia

10. Peru

11. Suriname

12. 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.

1. Australia

2. Federated States of Micronesia

3. Fiji

4. Kiribati

5. Marshall Islands

6. Nauru

7. New Zealand

8. Palau

9. Papua New Guinea

10. Samoa

11. Solomon Islands

12. Tonga

13. Tuvalu

14. 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

Copyright © 2024 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company