Source: [Website page](https://www.smartworldmap.com/learn/how-many-countries-in-the-world/) One question · several definitions # How many countries? Start with the definition. The United Nations has 193 member states. Adding its two non-member observer states—the Holy See and the State of Palestine—gives the commonly used count of 195. An atlas may also include territories and other places. [Start exploring ↓](https://www.smartworldmap.com/learn/how-many-countries-in-the-world/#the-counts) [Meet the app →](https://www.smartworldmap.com/guide/) The scope tells the story **193 + 2 ** UN members + non-member observer states One common convention: 195 ## Three numbers, three different meanings. **193** ### UN member states The number of states that are members of the United Nations. **195** ### A common country count The 193 members plus the Holy See and the State of Palestine, the two non-member observer states. **260** ### Profiles in the app Smart World Map & Countries includes countries and territories. This is a coverage total, not a sovereign-state count. The UN membership and observer-state distinction is documented by the [United Nations membership overview](https://www.un.org/about-us) and its [non-member states directory](https://www.un.org/en/node/123012). ## Why do country lists disagree? Different lists answer different questions. A membership list counts organizations’ members. A geographic reference may include dependent territories, separately coded places and disputed entities. A school exercise may use a particular convention for recognition. Before comparing totals, ask what each list includes. A longer list does not necessarily identify more independent states, and a shorter list may still be complete for its stated purpose. Use the list’s scope and source alongside the number. ## What does “260 countries and territories” mean here? The app’s 260 profiles are reference entries for countries and territories across its six continent groups. The website preview uses a separate dataset with 236 entries, including Antarctic places. The two totals describe different collections. Neither total should be presented as a count of universally recognized sovereign states. You can [browse the website’s country and territory directory](https://www.smartworldmap.com/countries/) to see exactly which names its preview covers. ### Read the label. “Countries and territories” is a broader scope than “UN member states.” Keeping those labels clear makes the numbers useful. ## A useful answer for a geography exercise If a quiz asks for the number of countries without explaining its definition, check the teacher’s or publisher’s convention. A helpful answer states the scope: “193 UN member states,” or “195 when the two non-member observer states are included.” For country research, follow a named source and its date. Membership and recognition are different concepts, so the purpose of the list matters as much as the total. ## A few good questions **Why do many references say 195 countries?** That count adds the two UN non-member observer states to the 193 UN member states. It is a commonly used convention. **Does the app claim there are 260 independent countries?** No. Its coverage total explicitly includes countries and territories. It is a count of app profiles. **Why does the website have 236 entries?** The website’s interactive preview and directory use a separate, smaller reference dataset. The mobile app provides 260 profiles. Smart World Map & Countries resource library · Updated 10 October 2026. Follow your curiosity ## Your next discovery. Keep exploring ### [Countries of the World](https://www.smartworldmap.com/countries/) Explore 236 country and territory names and flags by continent. Read Japan, Brazil and Türkiye guides and discover 260 profiles in the mobile atlas app. Keep exploring ### [Countries and Capitals](https://www.smartworldmap.com/learn/countries-and-capitals/) Learn 24 country and capital pairs across six continents. Check common capital-city mix-ups and practice with eight answer-reveal cards. Keep exploring ### [App guide](https://www.smartworldmap.com/guide/) Country profiles, learning, offline access and support. Take the atlas with you ## A whole world. In your pocket. 260 country and territory profiles, geography games and Atlas AI. Free to download, with optional Premium purchases. Features and access may vary by platform. [Download on the **App Store**](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6751170721) [Get it on **Google Play**](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=oz.mustafa.kitalarveulkeler) ## Downloads, support and credits [Smart World Map & Countries](https://www.smartworldmap.com/) [Countries](https://www.smartworldmap.com/countries/) [Learn geography](https://www.smartworldmap.com/learn/) [Offline atlas](https://www.smartworldmap.com/offline-world-atlas/) [Atlas AI](https://www.smartworldmap.com/atlas-ai/) [App guide](https://www.smartworldmap.com/guide/) [Text version](https://www.smartworldmap.com/learn/how-many-countries-in-the-world/index.md) [Contact support](mailto:thehelloworld.apps@gmail.com) [iOS privacy](https://thehelloworld.app/all-countries-app-ios-privacy-policy.html) [iOS terms](https://thehelloworld.app/all-countries-app-ios-terms-of-use.html) [Android privacy](https://thehelloworld.app/all-countries-app-privacy-policy.html) [Android terms](https://thehelloworld.app/all-countries-app-terms-of-use.html) © 2026 Smart World Map & Countries