What Is a Country? – Definitions and Grey Areas

At first glance, the concept of a country might seem straightforward. But when you look closer, the definition of what constitutes a country is more complex than it appears. Different organizations, governments, and institutions use different criteria, leading to variations in what is recognized as a country.

Countries and the United Nations

The most commonly accepted list of countries is based on the 193 member states of the United Nations. These are sovereign states that have been formally recognized and admitted to the UN General Assembly. In addition, the UN recognizes two observer states: the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine.

States That Function Like Countries

Some territories meet most or all of the criteria for being a country—such as having a defined territory, permanent population, government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states—but are not universally recognized. Examples include:

• Taiwan: Has its own government and economy but is not a UN member due to pressure from China.
• Kosovo: Recognized by over 100 UN members but not admitted to the UN due to opposition from countries like Serbia and Russia.
• Western Sahara: Claimed by Morocco, but also considered a state by some countries and the African Union.

De Facto vs. De Jure States

A de facto state functions independently and controls its territory but lacks widespread international recognition (e.g., Northern Cyprus, Transnistria, Somaliland). A de jure state is recognized in law but may not have actual control over its territory, such as Palestine in parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Dependent Territories and Constituent Countries

Some areas are not considered fully sovereign countries but have a high degree of autonomy. Examples include:

• Greenland (part of the Kingdom of Denmark)
• Puerto Rico (an unincorporated territory of the United States)
• Scotland (a constituent country within the United Kingdom)

How Many Countries Are There?

The answer depends on your definition. Most sources agree on around 195 countries: 193 UN members plus 2 observer states. But if you include partially recognized states and de facto states, the number could be closer to 200 or more.

The question “What is a country?” does not have a single, universally agreed-upon answer. Political, historical, and diplomatic considerations all play a role in how we define and recognize countries around the world.