how many coun

There are generally 195 recognized countries in the world according to the United Nations, which includes 193 UN member states plus 2 non-member observer states (the Holy See/Vatican City and the State of Palestine). Some sources count up to 197 or more countries by including other entities like Kosovo and Taiwan, which are not universally recognized by the UN but meet criteria for sovereign states. In summary, the count ranges from 193 to about 197 or more depending on the criteria used, with 195 being the most widely accepted number for official countries in the world.