List of countries of the world

The UN officially recognizes 195 sovereign states worldwide in 2026. Yet, between sports federations and partial diplomatic recognitions, it becomes difficult to keep track of the numbers.

List of countries in the world: Key figures

Region	Number
Africa	54 countries
America	35 countries
Asia	47 countries
Europe	45 countries
Oceania	16 countries
Expanded total	197 entities

This article provides the complete world country list by continent to help you better understand the current political geography. Let’s review together the official data and sovereignty criteria.

1. World country list: how is the official count established in 2026?
2. The 54 independent nations of the African continent
3. America: 35 countries from the Far North to Tierra del Fuego
4. Asia and the emerging powers of the East
5. Europe and the mosaic of EU member states
6. Oceania and the island states of the Pacific
7. A century of changes in the world map

World country list: how is the official count established in 2026?

Africa

Country	Capital
South Africa	Pretoria
Algeria	Algiers
Angola	Luanda
Benin	Porto-Novo
Botswana	Gaborone
Burkina Faso	Ouagadougou
Burundi	Gitega
Cameroon	Yaoundé
Cape Verde	Praia
Comoros	Moroni
Congo	Brazzaville
Ivory Coast	Yamoussoukro
Djibouti	Djibouti
Egypt	Cairo
Eritrea	Asmara
Eswatini	Mbabane
Ethiopia	Addis Ababa
Gabon	Libreville
Gambia	Banjul
Ghana	Accra
Guinea	Conakry
Guinea-Bissau	Bissau
Equatorial Guinea	Malabo
Kenya	Nairobi
Lesotho	Maseru
Liberia	Monrovia
Libya	Tripoli
Madagascar	Antananarivo
Malawi	Lilongwe
Mali	Bamako
Morocco	Rabat
Mauritius	Port Louis
Mauritania	Nouakchott
Mozambique	Maputo
Namibia	Windhoek
Niger	Niamey
Nigeria	Abuja
Uganda	Kampala
Central African Republic	Bangui
Democratic Republic of the Congo	Kinshasa
Rwanda	Kigali
Sao Tomé and Príncipe	Sao Tomé
Senegal	Dakar
Seychelles	Victoria
Sierra Leone	Freetown
Somalia	Mogadishu
Sudan	Khartoum
South Sudan	Juba
Tanzania	Dodoma
Chad	N’Djamena
Togo	Lomé
Tunisia	Tunis
Zambia	Lusaka
Zimbabwe	Harare

America

Country	Capital
Antigua and Barbuda	Saint John’s
Argentina	Buenos Aires
Bahamas	Nassau
Barbados	Bridgetown
Belize	Belmopan
Bolivia	Sucre
Brazil	Brasilia
Canada	Ottawa
Chile	Santiago
Colombia	Bogota
Costa Rica	San José
Cuba	Havana
Dominica	Roseau
Ecuador	Quito
United States	Washington
Grenada	Saint George’s
Guatemala	Guatemala
Guyana	Georgetown
Haiti	Port-au-Prince
Honduras	Tegucigalpa
Jamaica	Kingston
Mexico	Mexico City
Nicaragua	Managua
Panama	Panama City
Paraguay	Asuncion
Peru	Lima
Dominican Republic	Santo Domingo
Saint Kitts and Nevis	Basseterre
Saint Lucia	Castries
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	Kingstown
El Salvador	San Salvador
Suriname	Paramaribo
Trinidad and Tobago	Port of Spain
Uruguay	Montevideo
Venezuela	Caracas

Asia

Country	Capital
Afghanistan	Kabul
Saudi Arabia	Riyadh
Armenia	Yerevan
Azerbaijan	Baku
Bahrain	Manama
Bangladesh	Dhaka
Bhutan	Thimphu
Burma / Myanmar	Naypyidaw
Brunei	Bandar Seri Begawan
Cambodia	Phnom Penh
China	Beijing
North Korea	Pyongyang
South Korea	Seoul
United Arab Emirates	Abu Dhabi
Georgia	Tbilisi
India	New Delhi
Indonesia	Jakarta
Iraq	Baghdad
Iran	Tehran
Israel	Jerusalem
Japan	Tokyo
Jordan	Amman
Kazakhstan	Astana
Kyrgyzstan	Bishkek
Kuwait	Kuwait
Laos	Vientiane
Lebanon	Beirut
Malaysia	Kuala Lumpur
Maldives	Malé
Mongolia	Ulaanbaatar
Nepal	Kathmandu
Oman	Muscat
Uzbekistan	Tashkent
Pakistan	Islamabad
Palestine	East Jerusalem
Philippines	Manila
Qatar	Doha
Singapore	Singapore
Sri Lanka	Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte
Syria	Damascus
Tajikistan	Dushanbe
Thailand	Bangkok
East Timor	Dili
Turkmenistan	Ashgabat
Turkey	Ankara
Vietnam	Hanoi
Yemen	Sanaa

Europe

Country	Capital
Albania	Tirana
Germany	Berlin
Andorra	Andorra la Vella
Austria	Vienna
Belgium	Brussels
Belarus	Minsk
Bosnia and Herzegovina	Sarajevo
Bulgaria	Sofia
Cyprus	Nicosia
Croatia	Zagreb
Denmark	Copenhagen
Spain	Madrid
Estonia	Tallinn
Finland	Helsinki
France	Paris
Greece	Athens
Hungary	Budapest
Ireland	Dublin
Iceland	Reykjavik
Italy	Rome
Kosovo	Pristina
Latvia	Riga
Liechtenstein	Vaduz
Lithuania	Vilnius
Luxembourg	Luxembourg
North Macedonia	Skopje
Malta	Valletta
Moldova	Chișinău
Monaco	Monaco
Montenegro	Podgorica
Norway	Oslo
Netherlands	Amsterdam
Poland	Warsaw
Portugal	Lisbon
Romania	Bucharest
United Kingdom	London
Russia	Moscow
San Marino	San Marino
Holy See / Vatican	Vatican
Serbia	Belgrade
Slovakia	Bratislava
Slovenia	Ljubljana
Sweden	Stockholm
Switzerland	Bern
Czechia	Prague
Ukraine	Kyiv

Oceania

Country	Capital
Australia	Canberra
Fiji	Suva
Cook Islands	Avarua
Marshall Islands	Majuro
Solomon Islands	Honiara
Kiribati	South Tarawa
Micronesia	Palikir
Nauru	Yaren
Niue	Alofi
New Zealand	Wellington
Palau	Ngerulmud
Papua New Guinea	Port Moresby
Samoa	Apia
Tonga	Nukuʻalofa
Tuvalu	Funafuti
Vanuatu	Port Vila

The UN recognizes 193 member states and 2 observers (Palestine, Vatican). The count rises to 197 with the Cook Islands and Niue, while the Montevideo Convention defines the criteria of sovereignty. This legal basis allows diplomatic debates to be settled.

The four criteria of the 1933 Montevideo Convention

Sovereignty rests on four precise legal pillars. A state must have a territory, a population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations. These elements validate the existence of an entity on the international stage.

It is imperative to have a territory delimited by clear borders. The population must reside there permanently. The government exercises its authority over this land. This legal basis remains the global reference.

State sovereignty is a fundamental legal concept. It defines true independence.

Distinction between UN member states and observers

The UN distinguishes full members from permanent observers. The Holy See and Palestine hold this special status. They participate without voting rights in the General Assembly.

Membership requires a recommendation from the Security Council. The General Assembly then votes on the final resolution. It is a often complex and highly political diplomatic process for candidates.

Admission of a state to the United Nations is made by decision of the General Assembly upon recommendation of the Security Council.

Why does the number of countries vary according to sources?

The IOC or FIFA count more members than the UN. These sports organizations include autonomous territories or dependencies. This creates confusion in the overall numbers.

Entities like Taiwan or Kosovo have limited recognition. Some countries accept them, others do not. The count therefore depends on the diplomatic position.

• UN list (193/195)
• IOC list (206)
• FIFA list (211)

The 54 independent nations of the African continent

After setting the overall framework, let’s turn our attention to Africa, the continent that includes the largest number of sovereign states.

List of capitals and ISO 3166-1 codes of Africa

Each African nation has an official capital and ISO codes. These alpha-2 and alpha-3 identifiers facilitate exchanges. They are essential for logistics and diplomacy.

From Luanda to Tunis, the political centers reflect local history. These cities concentrate administrative and economic power.

Focus on recent name changes such as Eswatini

Toponymy evolves to erase traces of the colonial past. Swaziland became Eswatini in 2018. This choice reaffirms the nation’s deep cultural identity.

Upper Volta became Burkina Faso in 1984. This name means the land of upright men. These nominal changes are strong political acts. They mark a break with the former administration.

Telephone codes and currencies of the Africa zone

Telephone prefixes range from +27 to +212. They allow reaching mobiles and landlines everywhere. Connectivity is progressing rapidly across the continent.

The CFA Franc, the Naira, or the Rand circulate massively. ISO 4217 currencies structure regional financial markets.

Here are some concrete examples for the list of countries in the world located in Africa:

• Nigeria (+234, Naira)
• Kenya (+254, Shilling)
• Morocco (+212, Dirham)

America: 35 countries from the Far North to Tierra del Fuego

Let’s cross the Atlantic to explore the Americas, a land of contrasts stretching from one pole to the other.

Geographical distribution between North and South

The continent is divided into North, Central, and South blocks. There are 35 clearly distinct sovereign states. The landscapes vary from tundras to tropical forests.

Washington, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires lead. Each capital carries the heritage of a often turbulent history.

We distinguish North America, Central America, and South America. These large geographic regions structure the list of countries of the world on this continent.

ISO codes and national holidays of American states

ISO codes like US or BR identify the giants. National holidays often celebrate hard-won independence. These dates are moments of intense patriotic unity.

July 4th in the United States remains very famous. September 7th marks Brazil’s national holiday. Each country uses its own symbols to honor its freedom. Parades and speeches animate the streets.

Status of territories under special sovereignty

Puerto Rico has the status of a freely associated state. French Guiana is an overseas department. These territories are not fully sovereign states.

The distinction between full sovereignty and autonomy is essential. It defines the political rights of local citizens.

Sovereignty is not shared, but territorial autonomy allows for specific local management.

Asia and the Emerging Powers of the East

Let’s leave the New World for Asia, the most populous continent.

Overview of the 47 States and Their Political Centers

Asia has 47 countries recognized by international bodies. From Tokyo to Riyadh, the capitals manage powerful economies. ISO codes facilitate global trade within the region.

Beijing and New Delhi are home to millions of inhabitants. These political centers are also major technological hubs. The cultural diversity there is absolutely immense. Each state jealously protects its national borders.

Evolution of State Names from Turkey to Myanmar

Turkey has officially requested to be called Türkiye. This change aims to preserve the value of the national brand. Myanmar replaced Burma to assert its own identity.

These transitions often reflect regime changes. They can also express a desire for linguistic decolonization. International organizations adopt these new names. The process is strictly codified by the bodies.

International Calling Codes and ISO 4217 Currencies

The Yen, Yuan, and Rupee dominate exchanges. ISO 4217 codes ensure clarity in banking transactions. Telephone codes connect these markets to the list of countries worldwide.

Calling China requires the prefix +86. For Japan, dial +81 before the number without the initial zero.

• China (+86, CNY)
• Japan (+81, JPY)
• India (+91, INR)

Europe and the Mosaic of EU Member States

Let’s return to our continent, Europe, where political cooperation has redefined the very notion of borders.

The 46 European Countries and the Specificities of the Union

Europe brings together 46 nations with very strong identities. Among them, 27 form the European Union, a unique economic bloc. The capitals collaborate within common institutions.

Brussels, Paris, and Berlin play a leading role. Non-EU countries retain full monetary sovereignty. The diversity of political regimes enriches the continent. Peace remains the primary objective.

Mapping Time Zones and ISO Codes

The continent spans several time zones, from GMT to GMT+3. ISO codes like FR or DE simplify standards. Synchronization is vital for transportation.

Central European Time covers the majority of states. Eastern countries often have one hour ahead. This organization facilitates daily commercial exchanges. IT systems rely on these standards.

National Holidays and the Symbolism of European Sovereignty

July 14th or October 3rd leave a mark. Each national holiday recalls a founding event of the country. Flags proudly fly during ceremonies.

National symbols coexist with European emblems. This dual identity defines the modern citizen of the Union.

National and European identity thus structure the list of countries in the world on our soil.

Oceania and the Pacific Island States

Let us now head towards the vastness of the Pacific, where states are counted in archipelagos.

The 16 nations and the free association status

Oceania comprises 16 nations, often small in size. Some states like Palau practice free association. They delegate their defense to a major power.

This legal concept allows for stable financial aid. Citizens retain their own nationality and government. It is a very original model of shared sovereignty. It ensures the security of isolated archipelagos.

Alphabetical list of capitals and ISO codes

From Canberra to Suva, government seats are varied. Micro-states also have their own standardized ISO codes. These identifiers guarantee their existence on the international stage.

The alphabetical list helps locate these distant islands. Codes like AU for Australia are universal. Each territory, even tiny, complies with ISO standards. It is a mark of global recognition.

Telephone codes and currencies of the Pacific

Prefixes like +61 or +679 are common. Local currencies are often linked to the Australian dollar. This monetary stability promotes regional tourism.

Communicating with isolated islands remains a technical challenge. Satellites now ensure a constant connection with the world.

Currency and telecommunications are the invisible threads that connect the archipelagos to the rest of the globe.

A century of changes in the world map

Finally, let us take a bit of historical perspective to understand how our world map became what it is today.

Historical evolution of the number of states since 1945

In 1945, the UN had only 51 members. Decolonization caused this number to explode. The breakup of the Soviet bloc continued this trend.

New countries are still emerging today. The world map is never definitively fixed. Each conflict or agreement can create a new entity. It is a continuous historical process.

List of dependencies and overseas territories

Many territories remain under special foreign administration. The Virgin Islands or Réunion are examples. They differ from fully sovereign states.

These areas often have broad internal autonomy. Their foreign policy, however, depends on a distant metropolis. This hybrid status meets specific needs. The list of these dependencies is long.

The Role of Global Organizations in Stability

The UN tries to freeze borders to prevent wars. International recognition provides crucial legal protection. Regional organizations reinforce this overall stability.

Future challenges concern persistent territorial claims. International law will need to adapt.

The role of the UN is central. International recognition remains the pillar of peace.

Mastering the list of countries in the world allows understanding the 195 sovereign states and their legal recognition criteria. Use now these ISO and diplomatic data to secure your international projects. Identify each nation precisely to navigate calmly through our constantly evolving global geography.

FAQ

How many countries are officially counted in the world in 2026?

The official count generally relies on UN standards, which recognizes 195 states. This figure includes the 193 member states as well as two non-member observer states: the Holy See (Vatican) and the State of Palestine.

However, this number can vary depending on recognition criteria. If entities like the Cook Islands or Niue are included, the total rises to 197, while sports organizations like FIFA or the IOC count even more members by including autonomous territories.

What are the legal criteria to define a sovereign state?

According to the 1933 Montevideo Convention, state sovereignty rests on four pillars: a defined territory, a permanent population, an effective government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states.

These customary law criteria mean that a country’s political existence is theoretically independent of recognition by others. In practice, international recognition remains crucial to fully participate in global diplomacy and treaties.

What is the distribution of countries by continent?

Africa is the continent with the largest number of nations with 54 sovereign countries. Asia follows with 47 states, while Europe has 46, including 27 members of the European Union.

The American continent consists of 35 countries, stretching from the North to Tierra del Fuego. Finally, Oceania closes the list with 16 nations, often made up of archipelagos and island states in the Pacific.

Why are some territories not considered countries?

Many territories, such as Puerto Rico, French Guiana, or the Virgin Islands, have a status of dependency or territorial collectivity. Although they sometimes have broad internal autonomy, they do not possess full international sovereignty.

Their foreign policy and defense depend on a metropolitan country. To be counted as a country in the official list, a territory generally must enjoy full independence and meet UN criteria.

How does the UN observer status work?

Permanent observer status is granted by the General Assembly to non-member states, such as the Vatican or Palestine. This allows them to attend meetings and access documentation, but without having voting rights.

This status is also open to intergovernmental organizations such as the European Union or the African Union. Certain specific entities, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross or the IOC, also benefit from this diplomatic recognition.

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