Independent Countries in the World — Complete List
There are approximately 195 independent sovereign states in the world, each with its own government, territory, and international recognition. Independence means a state has full sovereignty over its affairs without being subject to another state's authority. The newest independent country is South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
Countries
195
Population
7.97B
% of total
78.0%
continents
5
Complete list
Frequently Asked Questions
How many independent countries are there?
There are approximately 195 independent sovereign states in the world, though the exact number depends on which entities are recognized.