Pranadevil 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2004 A question that has always interested me, is how many countries are there in the world. I've done quite a bit of research, but I'm unable to find a solid answer that I actually believe. The most common answers I found were 189, 190, and 193. But, who should you believe. The U.S. where I live, says there are 190, but should I trust the U.S. Anyways, how many countries do you think there are? ;) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Captain Miller 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2004 A very frequent geographical question is "How many countries are in the world?." Different numbers pop up when one inquires or reads about the number of countries in the world. Each source you use often yields a different answer. United Nations There are 191 members of the United Nations. Unfortunately, the number 191 is too often used to represent the number of countries in the world. Although this number represents almost all of the countries in the world, there is still one country (the Vatican City) that is independent and has chosen not to become a member of the U.N. U.S. Department of State The United States' State Department recognizes 192 independent countries around the world. Their list of 192 countries reflects the political agenda of the United States of America and its allies. Missing from the State Department's list is one entity that may or may not be considered a country, depending on who you talk to. The One Outsider Taiwan meets most of the requirements of independent country or state status. However, due to political reasons, it fails to be recognized by the United States and much of the rest of the world. Taiwan was actually a member of the United Nations (and even the Security Council) until 1971, when mainland China replaced Taiwan in the organization. Taiwan continues to press for full recognition by other countries, to become "part of the club" and fully recognized worldwide but China claims that Taiwan is simply a province of China. Thus... Your Guide considers there to be 193 countries, which is probably the best current answer to the question, "How many countries are in the world?" unless Taiwan is officially absorbed into China at some point, in which case the answer would be 192. However... Recognize that there are dozens of territories and colonies that are sometimes erroneously called "countries" but don't count at all - they're governed by other countries. Places commonly confused as being countries include Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Greenland, Western Sahara, and even the components of the United Kingdom (such as Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England - sorry folks, they're not countries, states, or nation-states). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Le_Poisson 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2004 (edited) Honestly, there is no set answer. There are some countries that aren't officially recognized by the UN. Also, the number can fluctuate depending upon military coups and whatnot. But I'd guess if you consistently found the answers of 189, 190, and 193 that it's gotta be somwhere around 190! :D (I replied before I saw Miller's post.) But yes, the whole affair is very very muddled. (And often revolves around political agendas!) Edited July 2, 2004 by Le_Poisson Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pranadevil 0 Report post Posted July 2, 2004 Well, I realize there is no solid answer, but, I asked "How many do you think there are?" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rattuskid 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 Correct answer: Too fucking many. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamato 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 194 with the creation of the new state of east timor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eisenhower 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 Exactly, East Timor is a state. I guess if we really wanted to find out we'll need reps from all countries, but places in Africa or something wouldn't even bother. There's no set answer, but I go with 194. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamato 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 dats wot i mean east timor is a country Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Smurf Bizkit 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 When I'm done with it? 1. B) :P B) :) B) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pranadevil 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 When I'm done with it? 1. B) :P B) :) B) Exactly which country is going to be left, "After you get through with it?" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrono 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 DS of course :P (No not Domo-kun State!!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Godwin 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 but we'll conquer the world with those mean things... :P lol domo-kun.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BoB 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 Surely Ireland, England Scotland and Wales are different countires, even though 3 of them have limited joint rule? With the recent devolutions Wales and Scotland now have their own parliaments, although the gits still get to send MPs to London to have a say in how we run England :P Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Godwin 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 britain? nobody runs england? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eisenhower 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 What do you mean no one runs england? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamato 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 wot about the parliment thingy ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IconOfEvi 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 Im also thinking with the unstableness in Africa either more or less countries will pop up.... ^_^ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamato 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 more i would think Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IconOfEvi 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 Yeh prob more than 193 ;) ^_^ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cold_fusion 0 Report post Posted July 3, 2004 I read somewhere there were 214 countries <_< Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IconOfEvi 0 Report post Posted July 4, 2004 Well consider how many ppl claim theyre a new country and the number is gonna be in the thousands :unsure: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yamato 0 Report post Posted July 4, 2004 we should just revert to the city states era again lol Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Korona 0 Report post Posted July 4, 2004 Wackos in the deep south of America don't constitute a nation in my eyes. http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/docs/faqs.html here is some info about what American motives over country recognition are. I personally agree that the Vatican should not be seen as a state in the proper sense, but I think Taiwan (given it's blatant autonomy from Chineese control) should be. I would be very happy to return to times of rule by enlightened monarcy like renaisance Italy, to live in citys like Florence and Venice would be very idealic, but sadly I don't see the politicians who I would trust to make this happen. Ah and many countries in Africa should never have gotten independance (Democratic Republic of Congo - Zaiere for example). The political pressure from the US on the old colonial powers after the second world war and beyond to make them give up their teritories is something I frown upon (good intentions, mis-applied) because of the chaotic mess the rush frequently created. I think a slow trasition over say 50 to 100 years would have produced a much better result (India is a good example, the slow process of change - appart from the rush at the end including the creating of Pakistan - worked well) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IconOfEvi 0 Report post Posted July 4, 2004 Yep good ol India ;) - one more reason I like being mostly India But damn British wanted to casue havoc in India so they prob are the reason Pak and In are sepaerated...they incited the religious argument... <_< Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maskawaih 0 Report post Posted July 4, 2004 Hindus and muslims? uuuuuh.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites