Global Perspectives

Partner Perspectives

The answer to the question depends on what is considered a country

Depending on how you define a country and which set of criteria you apply, that seemingly straightforward question has a number of correct, and wildly different, answers.

How Many Countries Are There in the World in 2017?

<p>This Partner Perspective, first published in 2011, was updated in June 2017. With the permission of Political Geography Now, we have also included supplementary graphics and photographs curated by Stratfor&#39;s Creative Department. Interested in learning more about the countries listed below? Visit<strong> </strong><a href="https://worldview.stratfor.com/region">our Regions page</a>.</p>

Editor's Note

One of the most basic questions for map-lovers is, "How many countries are there in the world?" But anyone who replies with just a number is leaving out part of the story. It actually depends a lot on how you define a "country."

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

How Many Countries Are There in the World in 2017?

Editor's Note

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