Questions answered here  world map Now that is a question that's
somewhat difficult to answer, as there is no one right answer.
Many sources offer different answers, and depending on the
source, there are 189, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195 or 196
independent countries in the world today.  NOTE: On Saturday,
July 9, 2011, southern Sudan declared itself the independent
country of South Sudan. This is the culmination of a six-year
process that ended a long, brutal civil war that caused the
deaths of millions. In many ways this is still a controversial
event, and the country's status could possible change in the
future.  As of May 1, 2008, the United Nations has 192 official
members (including Montenegro and Serbia - the two newest
nations). That number does not include the Vatican, and it
doesn't (yet) include Kosovo (disclaimer).  Most of the current
World Almanacs use 193 countries, which is probably the best
answer, but what about Kosovo? (disclaimer) Palestine?
Greenland? Western Sahara? Or now, South Sudan?  The