There are 195 countries in the world as of 2025. This total includes 193 United Nations member states and 2 non-member observer states, which are Vatican City and Palestine.
Explanation
- The widely recognized number by the United Nations is 193 sovereign member countries.
- Vatican City and Palestine are recognized as observer states at the UN, bringing the total to 195.
- Some other sources or perspectives include slightly different counts (such as 197 or more) when considering other territories or disputed regions, but the standard count remains 195.
Thus, the most universally accepted number of countries in the world today is 195.
