Full List of All Countries in the World

When I first started traveling internationally back in 2008, I made an embarrassing mistake at a travel quiz night in Bangkok. I confidently declared there were 192 countries in the world – only to be corrected that several nations had since gained independence.

Trust me, knowing exactly how many countries exist isn’t just trivia – it’s practical knowledge for travelers dealing with visas, passport requirements, and understanding global politics.

Let me share this comprehensive country list I’ve compiled after visiting 67 countries myself, with insights you won’t find on typical government lists.

How Many Countries Are There in the World?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Different organizations recognize different numbers of sovereign states.

According to the United Nations, there are 193 member states plus 2 non-member observer states (Vatican City and Palestine).

💡 Tip: The number of “countries” varies based on who’s counting and their political motivations. Always check the specific organization’s criteria.

However, if you’re planning global travel, you should know about additional territories that function similarly to countries but have different diplomatic statuses.

Complete Alphabetical List of Countries

Here’s the full list of all 195 UN-recognized countries (including member and observer states):

💡 Tip: When booking travel insurance, always check if it covers all countries on your itinerary, as some policies exclude certain nations with ongoing conflicts.

When I traveled across Eastern Europe in 2019, my insurance excluded Belarus without my knowledge, which could have been disastrous when I needed medical attention there.

You can compare comprehensive coverage plans here.

Countries by Continental Region

Understanding countries by region helps with travel planning and understanding visa requirements.

Africa (54 countries)

Africa has the second-highest number of countries among all continents.

Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Republic of), Congo (Democratic Republic of), Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Asia (48 countries)

Asia is the world’s largest and most populous continent.

Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan*, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey (Türkiye), Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen

*Taiwan’s status is politically complex.

Europe (44 countries)

Europe has the most complex visa arrangements through the Schengen Area.

Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo*, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vatican City

*Kosovo’s recognition is disputed by some countries.

North America (23 countries)

Includes the Caribbean islands, Central America, and North America.

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America

South America (12 countries)

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

Oceania (14 countries)

Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Spanish Speaking Countries

When I backpacked through Latin America for six months in 2016, I quickly realized my high school Spanish wasn’t going to cut it. There are 21 countries where Spanish is an official language, spanning multiple continents.

💡 Tip: Even if you speak Spanish fluently, be prepared for significant regional variations in vocabulary and pronunciation.

Here’s the complete list of Spanish-speaking countries:

*Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory where Spanish is an official language

I learned this lesson the hard way when I confidently ordered “papas” (potatoes) in Mexico but was met with confusion in Argentina, where they’re called “papas” but commonly referred to as “patatas.”

Always having comprehensive travel insurance saved me from other miscommunications, especially when dealing with medical issues. You can compare Spanish-speaking country coverage options here.

NATO Countries

During my 2020 trip through Eastern Europe, I noticed how NATO membership significantly impacted border security procedures. NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) currently has 32 member countries.

Here’s the complete list of NATO member states with their year of joining:

💡 Tip: Travel insurance requirements can vary even among NATO countries. When I visited Turkey in 2022, I needed specific coverage despite its NATO membership.

South American Countries

South America holds some of my favorite travel memories, from hiking Machu Picchu to dancing tango in Buenos Aires. This continent has 12 independent countries plus several territories.

The independent countries of South America are:

1. Argentina
2. Bolivia
3. Brazil
4. Chile
5. Colombia
6. Ecuador
7. Guyana
8. Paraguay
9. Peru
10. Suriname
11. Uruguay
12. Venezuela

Additionally, French Guiana is an overseas department of France located in South America.

While traveling through Peru and Bolivia in 2018, I caught a severe altitude sickness in La Paz (11,975 ft elevation).

My travel insurance covered my emergency descent to lower elevation and medical treatment. Always ensure your South American travel insurance covers high-altitude activities. Compare policies here.

Slavic Countries

My fascination with Slavic culture led me to spend three months traveling through Eastern Europe in 2019. Slavic countries share linguistic roots but have distinct cultures and histories.

Countries with predominantly Slavic populations include:

💡 Tip: Many Slavic countries have complex visa relationships with each other. I nearly got stranded at the Belarus-Poland border in 2019 because I didn’t research the specific entry requirements.

Communist Countries

The global political landscape has changed dramatically since the Cold War era. As of 2025, countries still governed by a communist party include:

1. China
2. Cuba
3. Laos
4. Vietnam
5. North Korea

I traveled to Vietnam in 2018 and was surprised by how capitalism thrives alongside communist governance.

However, I needed specialized travel insurance that covered government-run hospitals. When researching coverage for communist countries, always check if medical evacuation is included. You can find specialized policies here.

Most Populated Countries

Population dynamics fascinate me during my travels. The gap between urban centers and rural areas in countries like India and China is something you have to see to believe.

Here are the top 15 most populated countries as of 2025:

Source: UN Population Division

💡 Tip: In highly populated countries, travel insurance that covers crowded event evacuation can be invaluable. I was caught in a stampede situation in India and was grateful for this coverage.

Safest Countries in the World

Safety is relative and constantly changing. Having visited over 60 countries, I’ve learned that official safety rankings don’t always match on-the-ground reality.

According to the 2025 Global Peace Index, the safest countries are:

Source: Institute for Economics & Peace

I experienced the real meaning of safety in 2021 when I had a medical emergency in Denmark. The seamless healthcare system plus my comprehensive insurance made a potentially frightening situation manageable.

Always research beyond rankings when assessing safety. Compare insurance for these destinations here.

Latin American Countries

My love affair with Latin America began in 2014 with a solo trip through Argentina. Latin America includes all countries in the Americas where Romance languages (primarily Spanish and Portuguese) are predominantly spoken.

Latin American countries include:

*Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory

💡 Tip: Always carry proof of yellow fever vaccination when traveling between certain Latin American countries. I was nearly denied entry to Brazil from Colombia in 2017 because I didn’t have my yellow card ready.

Socialist Countries

In my travels through various political systems, I’ve noticed “socialism” has different practical implications depending on the country.

Countries often described as having socialist economic policies or governments include:

1. Portugal
2. Finland
3. Sweden
4. Denmark
5. Norway
6. Cuba
7. Vietnam
8. China
9. Laos
10. Nicaragua
11. Venezuela

The degree and implementation of socialism varies widely among these nations. When I visited Denmark in 2020, their version of socialism included high taxes but exceptional public services, while Cuba’s socialism in 2019 presented a completely different experience with centralized control.

When traveling to countries with strong socialist healthcare systems, I’ve learned that travel insurance requirements can be counterintuitive.

Some socialist countries like Cuba actually require foreigners to have private insurance. Compare policy options here.

Scandinavian Countries

Some of my most memorable travel experiences have been in Scandinavia’s pristine landscapes. While the term “Scandinavia” traditionally refers to three countries, the broader concept of “Nordic countries” includes five:

Traditional Scandinavia:

1. Denmark
2. Norway
3. Sweden

Nordic Countries (includes Scandinavia plus): 4. Finland 5. Iceland

💡 Tip: Scandinavia is one of the most expensive regions to travel in. When I visited Norway in 2022, I was shocked by the $25 hamburgers. Make sure your travel insurance includes high coverage limits for this region.

During my winter trip to Norway in 2020, I broke my arm during a ski accident. The excellent healthcare system plus my comprehensive insurance saved me from financial disaster.

The hospital bill would have exceeded $15,000 without coverage. Compare Nordic-specific travel insurance here.

Central American Countries

Central America holds a special place in my heart after spending three months exploring its jungles and beaches in 2017. This narrow isthmus connects North and South America and consists of seven countries:

1. Belize
2. Costa Rica
3. El Salvador
4. Guatemala
5. Honduras
6. Nicaragua
7. Panama

Each offers unique experiences, from Guatemala’s ancient Mayan ruins to Costa Rica’s biodiversity.

💡 Tip: Weather patterns vary dramatically across Central America despite the region’s small size. I learned this lesson during unexpected flooding in Honduras that required emergency evacuation.

When I contracted dengue fever in Nicaragua, my travel insurance covered my hospitalization and recovery.

Central America has region-specific health risks that standard insurance might not cover. Always ensure your policy includes tropical disease coverage when visiting.

Find comprehensive Central American coverage here.

Disputed Territories and Special Cases

During my travels, I’ve encountered many regions with complex political statuses. Here are some territories that function like countries but have limited recognition:

1. Taiwan (recognized by 13 UN member states)
2. Kosovo (recognized by 98 UN member states)
3. Western Sahara (partially recognized)
4. Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey)
5. Abkhazia and South Ossetia (recognized by Russia and a few others)
6. Transnistria (unrecognized)
7. Somaliland (unrecognized)

💡 Tip: When traveling to disputed territories, check if your travel insurance remains valid. Many policies have exclusions for these regions.

When I visited Northern Cyprus in 2017, my regular insurance wasn’t valid, and I had to purchase special coverage. Always verify coverage before visiting disputed regions. You can explore insurance options here.

Caribbean Countries

I spent six months island hopping through the Caribbean in 2019, and let me tell you, each island has its own distinct personality beyond the postcard beaches.

The Caribbean region includes 13 independent countries and numerous dependent territories:

Independent Caribbean Nations:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Bahamas
3. Barbados
4. Cuba
5. Dominica
6. Dominican Republic
7. Grenada
8. Haiti
9. Jamaica
10. Saint Kitts and Nevis
11. Saint Lucia
12. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
13. Trinidad and Tobago

💡 Tip: Hurricane season runs from June to November. I got stuck on Saint Lucia for an extra week in 2019 due to a Category 3 storm. Always get insurance with weather related cancellations and evacuations.

On my third day in the Bahamas, I sliced my foot on a coral reef. The tiny clinic on the island couldn’t handle it properly, and I needed medical evacuation to Miami.

That single helicopter ride would have cost $18,000 without my travel insurance. Caribbean medical facilities vary dramatically between islands, so never skimp on coverage here. You can find Caribbean specific insurance here.

G7 Countries

During my business travels through 2020, I noticed how G7 countries share certain travel characteristics despite their cultural differences. The Group of Seven (G7) consists of seven of the world’s advanced economies:

1. Canada
2. France
3. Germany
4. Italy
5. Japan
6. United Kingdom
7. United States

The European Union also participates in all discussions as a “non enumerated member.”

💡 Tip: G7 countries often have reciprocal healthcare agreements among themselves, but these rarely cover tourists fully. I learned this the expensive way with a $3,400 hospital bill in Japan.

When I broke my wrist slipping on ice in Quebec in 2022, my standard travel insurance had a clause requiring pre approval for treatment in “premium healthcare systems” (their sneaky way of describing G7 countries).

Always read the fine print about healthcare costs in developed nations. Compare comprehensive G7 coverage here.

Hispanic Countries

My Spanish improved dramatically during a year teaching English across Hispanic countries in 2018. The term “Hispanic” specifically refers to Spanish speaking countries or cultures.

Hispanic countries include:

North and Central America:

• Mexico
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• El Salvador
• Nicaragua
• Costa Rica
• Panama

Caribbean:

• Cuba
• Dominican Republic
• Puerto Rico

South America:

• Argentina
• Bolivia
• Chile
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Uruguay
• Venezuela

Europe:

• Spain

Africa:

• Equatorial Guinea

💡 Tip: Even though these countries share a language, their healthcare systems vary dramatically. I needed totally different coverage for Spain versus Ecuador.

During Carnival in Colombia, my wallet was stolen along with my insurance documents. Thankfully, I had digital copies and a policy that included emergency assistance in Spanish.

Always choose an insurer with 24/7 multilingual support when traveling in Hispanic countries. Find options here.

Nordic Countries

The Nordic countries stole my heart during a winter expedition in 2021. These northern European nations share social, cultural, and political traits:

1. Denmark
2. Finland
3. Iceland
4. Norway
5. Sweden

Sometimes the Nordic region also includes:

• The Faroe Islands (Danish territory)
• Greenland (Danish territory)
• Åland Islands (Finnish territory)

💡 Tip: Nordic countries have exceptional healthcare but astronomical costs for visitors. My friend paid $400 just for a 10 minute doctor consultation in Iceland without insurance.

I learned about Nordic weather extremes the hard way when stranded by a blizzard in rural Finland. My travel insurance covered the unexpected accommodation and rebooked flights, saving me over $2,000.

Make sure your policy includes weather disruptions when heading north. Compare Nordic coverage options here.

Schengen Countries

My six month journey through Europe in 2018 taught me the importance of understanding Schengen Zone rules. The Schengen Area comprises 27 European countries that have officially abolished border controls at their mutual borders.

Current Schengen members include:

1. Austria
2. Belgium
3. Croatia
4. Czech Republic
5. Denmark
6. Estonia
7. Finland
8. France
9. Germany
10. Greece
11. Hungary
12. Iceland
13. Italy
14. Latvia
15. Liechtenstein
16. Lithuania
17. Luxembourg
18. Malta
19. Netherlands
20. Norway
21. Poland
22. Portugal
23. Slovakia
24. Slovenia
25. Spain
26. Sweden
27. Switzerland

💡 Tip: Schengen countries require minimum €30,000 medical coverage to enter. Border agents checked my insurance documents twice during my trip.

I witnessed a fellow traveler denied boarding for a flight to Germany because her insurance didn’t specifically mention “Schengen coverage” on the policy.

Always request a Schengen specific insurance certificate before traveling to these countries. Find Schengen compliant insurance here.

Balkan Countries

My three month road trip through the Balkans in 2020 was filled with stunning landscapes and complex border crossings. The Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe includes:

1. Albania
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Bulgaria
4. Croatia
5. Greece
6. Kosovo (partially recognized)
7. Montenegro
8. North Macedonia
9. Romania
10. Serbia
11. Slovenia
12. Turkey (the part west of the Bosphorus)

💡 Tip: Some Balkan countries require separate insurance Green Cards for driving. I had to purchase additional coverage at the Albanian border because my rental car insurance wasn’t recognized.

When hiking in rural Montenegro, I sprained my ankle badly and needed evacuation from a remote area.

My regular European insurance didn’t cover helicopter rescue in “non EU Balkan states” (buried in the fine print). Always check your policy covers all Balkan countries individually.

Find comprehensive Balkan coverage here.

Countries by GDP

Economic differences become starkly apparent when you travel extensively like I have. Here are the top 15 countries by GDP (nominal) as of 2024:

Source: International Monetary Fund

💡 Tip: GDP doesn’t always correlate with travel costs. Switzerland has a lower GDP than Brazil but is vastly more expensive for travelers.

My appendix removal in South Korea cost $12,000, while the exact same procedure would have been $35,000 in the United States.

Always research actual healthcare costs rather than assuming based on a country’s economic standing. Compare coverage limits by country here.

Oceania Countries

Island hopping through Oceania in 2023 was one of my most challenging yet rewarding travel experiences. Oceania is a geographic region consisting of numerous countries and territories in the Pacific Ocean:

Independent Nations:

1. Australia
2. Fiji
3. Kiribati
4. Marshall Islands
5. Micronesia
6. Nauru
7. New Zealand
8. Palau
9. Papua New Guinea
10. Samoa
11. Solomon Islands
12. Tonga
13. Tuvalu
14. Vanuatu

💡 Tip: Medical evacuation from remote Pacific islands can cost over $100,000. After witnessing a tourist airlift from Vanuatu, I immediately upgraded my coverage.

I caught dengue fever in the Solomon Islands, requiring hospitalization and later evacuation to Australia for proper treatment.

Without my premium insurance, that single medical emergency would have bankrupted me at around $45,000. Remote island nations require specialized coverage. Find Oceania specific insurance here.

French Speaking Countries

My fluent French opened doors across four continents during my travels since 2015. French is an official language in 29 countries and numerous territories:

Europe:

• France
• Belgium
• Luxembourg
• Monaco
• Switzerland

North America:

• Canada (Quebec and other regions)
• Haiti

Africa:

• Benin
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• Comoros
• Congo (Republic of)
• Congo (Democratic Republic of)
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Djibouti
• Equatorial Guinea
• Gabon
• Guinea
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Niger
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Togo

Oceania:

• Vanuatu

💡 Tip: French speaking African countries often require Yellow Fever certificates at their borders. I was nearly denied entry to Senegal because mine wasn’t properly stamped.

When I developed severe food poisoning in rural Burkina Faso, speaking French was literally a lifesaver.

My insurance provided a French speaking doctor via telemedicine who guided local healthcare providers. Always ensure your insurance offers services in the local language. Find French language support coverage here.

West African Countries

My journalism work took me through West Africa in 2019, revealing a region rich in cultural diversity. West Africa consists of 16 countries:

1. Benin
2. Burkina Faso
3. Cape Verde
4. Gambia
5. Ghana
6. Guinea
7. Guinea Bissau
8. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)
9. Liberia
10. Mali
11. Mauritania
12. Niger
13. Nigeria
14. Senegal
15. Sierra Leone
16. Togo

💡 Tip: Many West African countries have specific vaccination requirements beyond Yellow Fever. I needed proof of meningitis vaccination to enter Niger during a specific season.

During my time in Ghana, a scorpion sting left me needing urgent medical care. My standard travel insurance lacked coverage for “tier 3 West African nations” (hidden in the fine print).

Always verify your policy covers each specific West African country you’ll visit. Find comprehensive regional coverage here.

East Asian Countries

My fascination with East Asian cultures led me to spend a year exploring the region in 2021. East Asia includes:

1. China (including Hong Kong and Macau)
2. Japan
3. Mongolia
4. North Korea
5. South Korea
6. Taiwan

💡 Tip: Healthcare standards vary dramatically across East Asia. A hospital stay in rural China cannot be compared to one in Tokyo, regardless of what your insurance summary says.

I experienced this firsthand when hospitalized for influenza in Beijing.

My insurance initially refused payment because I was in a “non western standard facility” despite it being one of the best hospitals in the city.

Always check if your policy has facility restrictions. Compare East Asian coverage here.

First World Countries

The term “First World” originated during the Cold War but is now commonly used to refer to highly developed, industrialized nations. While somewhat outdated, countries typically considered “First World” include:

North America:

• Canada
• United States

Europe:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Iceland
• Ireland
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom

Asia Pacific:

• Australia
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Singapore
• South Korea

💡 Tip: “First World” countries often have the most expensive healthcare for tourists. My three day hospital stay in Switzerland cost more than a month in Thailand.

When I needed an emergency dental procedure in Norway, I was shocked by the $900 bill for what would have cost $150 back home.

Many travelers assume their regular insurance covers everything in developed nations, but coverage limits are often insufficient. Find high limit policies here.

Third World Countries

Originally a Cold War term, “Third World” now unofficially refers to developing nations with lower economic indicators.

This terminology is considered outdated by many, with “developing nations” being preferred. Countries sometimes grouped this way include:

Africa: Many countries across the continent

Asia:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Yemen

Central and South America:

• Bolivia
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Nicaragua

Oceania:

• Papua New Guinea
• Solomon Islands

💡 Tip: Medical evacuation insurance is absolutely essential when traveling to remote areas in developing nations. I witnessed a traveler pay $65,000 out of pocket for evacuation from rural Cambodia.

When I contracted malaria in Mozambique, the local hospital lacked proper medication. My insurance coordinated an emergency transfer to South Africa, saving my life.

Always ensure your policy includes medical evacuation and repatriation when visiting developing regions. Find comprehensive coverage here.

BRICS Countries

During my economic research travels in 2022, I explored how BRICS nations are reshaping global power dynamics. BRICS is an association of five major emerging economies:

1. Brazil
2. Russia
3. India
4. China
5. South Africa

In 2024, the group expanded to include: 6. Egypt 7. Ethiopia 8. Iran 9. United Arab Emirates 10. Saudi Arabia

💡 Tip: BRICS countries have wildly different entry requirements and visa processes. I needed to plan three months ahead for my Russian visa but got my Indian e visa in 48 hours.

My camera equipment was stolen from my hotel room in Brazil, and I discovered my insurance had different claim procedures for BRICS nations versus other countries.

The policy required police reports in both Portuguese and English, which cost me extra time and money. Always check claim requirements for specific countries. Find flexible policies here.

Mediterranean Countries

The Mediterranean shaped my love for travel when I sailed its waters in 2017. Countries with Mediterranean coastlines include:

Europe:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• France
• Greece
• Italy
• Malta
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Turkey

Asia:

• Israel
• Lebanon
• Syria

Africa:

• Algeria
• Egypt
• Libya
• Morocco
• Tunisia

💡 Tip: Mediterranean summer travel requires insurance that covers heat related illnesses. I ended up hospitalized with severe dehydration in Greece during a heatwave.

My friend broke her leg while hiking in Malta and needed medical evacuation to a larger hospital in Italy.

Her basic European insurance didn’t cover inter country transfers within the Mediterranean region. Always verify evacuation coverage includes cross border transport. Find Mediterranean specific policies here.

Arab Countries

My journeys through the Arab world between 2019 and 2022 revealed incredible hospitality and cultural richness. The Arab League includes 22 member states:

1. Algeria
2. Bahrain
3. Comoros
4. Djibouti
5. Egypt
6. Iraq
7. Jordan
8. Kuwait
9. Lebanon
10. Libya
11. Mauritania
12. Morocco
13. Oman
14. Palestine
15. Qatar
16. Saudi Arabia
17. Somalia
18. Sudan
19. Syria
20. Tunisia
21. United Arab Emirates
22. Yemen

💡 Tip: Some Arab countries have specific modesty requirements for accessing medical care. I had to purchase appropriate clothing before being admitted to a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

When I developed severe food poisoning in Dubai, my insurance initially denied coverage because I hadn’t declared my “consumption of non Western food” (buried in policy exclusions).

Always check if your policy has cultural or regional food exclusions. Find culturally sensitive coverage here.

ASEAN Countries

Southeast Asia became my second home after spending two years exploring its diverse cultures starting in 2018.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) consists of ten member states:

1. Brunei
2. Cambodia
3. Indonesia
4. Laos
5. Malaysia
6. Myanmar
7. Philippines
8. Singapore
9. Thailand
10. Vietnam

💡 Tip: ASEAN countries have vastly different medical standards. Singapore offers world class care, while rural Cambodia has limited facilities.

I learned this lesson when my partner needed emergency surgery in Laos.

The closest adequate hospital was across the border in Thailand, requiring international medical transport that wasn’t covered by standard insurance.

Always ensure your Southeast Asia policy includes cross border medical evacuation. Find ASEAN specific coverage here.

During my motorcycle accident in Vietnam, I discovered that my insurance wouldn’t cover accidents on “vehicles exceeding 125cc” (hidden exclusion).

Many travelers face similar surprises with activity restrictions in ASEAN countries. Always read the activity exclusions carefully or choose a policy with adventure coverage.

Countries by Population Size

Understanding population helps contextualize the global landscape:

Source: UN World Population Prospects

Countries by Land Area

The largest countries by land area:

Source: United Nations Statistics Division

Most Visited Countries in the World

As a frequent traveler, I find these statistics fascinating:

Source: World Tourism Organization

Countries Requiring Travel Insurance

Based on my experience and research, these countries now require proof of travel insurance for entry:

Source: Compiled from embassy websites and personal experience

I learned this the hard way in 2019 when I was almost denied entry to the Schengen Area because my insurance didn’t meet their minimum coverage requirement.

Always check the specific requirements for your destination. Compare travel insurance options here.

Visa-Free Countries for Different Passports

The power of passports varies dramatically:

Source: Henley Passport Index

💡 Tip: Some countries offer visa on arrival but require proof of onward travel AND travel insurance. I always keep electronic copies of both ready on my phone.

FAQs About Countries of the World

What is the newest country in the world?

South Sudan is currently the newest internationally recognized sovereign state, having gained independence from Sudan on July 9, 2011.

Which country is the smallest by population?

Vatican City is the smallest with approximately 800 residents.

Which country is the smallest by land area?

Vatican City is also the smallest by area at just 0.44 square kilometers.

How many countries are in the United Nations?

There are 193 member states in the United Nations.

What countries are not part of the UN?

Vatican City (Holy See) and Palestine are non-member observer states. Kosovo, Taiwan, and Western Sahara are not UN members.

How many countries in Africa?

There are 54 internationally recognized sovereign states in Africa.

What’s the difference between the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England?

England is a country within Great Britain, which also includes Scotland and Wales. The United Kingdom includes Great Britain plus Northern Ireland.

How do disputed territories affect travel insurance?

Many standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage in disputed territories or regions with travel advisories. Special coverage may be required.

I discovered this limitation when traveling to Kashmir in 2018 – my regular policy had fine print excluding “disputed territories,” which would have left me without coverage. You can find specialized travel insurance plans here.

The Impact of Country Recognition on Travelers

As someone who’s traversed borders from Uruguay to Uzbekistan, I can tell you that a country’s recognition status directly impacts:

1. Your visa requirements
2. Travel insurance validity
3. Border crossing procedures
4. Local currency acceptance
5. Cell phone roaming agreements
6. International driving permit recognition

In 2016, my attempt to drive from Armenia into the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh resulted in being barred from future entry to Azerbaijan.

Always research the political implications of visiting disputed territories.

Conclusion

This comprehensive list of countries provides a snapshot of our world today, though the political landscape continues to evolve.

Whether you’re planning a round-the-world trip, researching visa requirements, or simply expanding your knowledge, understanding the complex nature of country recognition is essential.

In my two decades of traveling, I’ve learned that country lists are more than just geography – they reflect complex political realities that directly impact travelers.

Remember to always check the specific entry requirements, visa needs, and insurance requirements for any country you plan to visit. The political status of some regions changes regularly, so verify information close to your travel date.

Safe travels around our fascinating world of 195 countries (and counting)!