So, we are clear about the number of continents, aren't we? Let's just think about the countries then. The moment you start researching about the same you'll understand that the whole world is confused about numbers. The number of countries change depending on one thing - "who's counting?". According to the Super Power, the US Department of State, there are 195 independent states. Switzerland recognizes 194, Russia 172, UK has over 200 diplomatic posts, and Germany also recognizes well over 200. So, what are we supposed to believe? Let's just assume that the number will be anywhere between 168 and 254.
Most of the current World Almanacs use 183 sovereign countries, which is probably the best answer, but what about Kosovo? (disclaimer) Palestine? Greenland? Western Sahara? Or now, South Sudan?
On Saturday, July 9, 2011, southern Sudan declared itself the independent country of South Sudan. Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia had come in February 2008. Palestine declared its independence on November 15, 1988, and is seeking membership of the United Nations. But as per the US Department of State (as on February 23,2012), it is not yet listed as a sovereign country. Greenland, the world's largest island, is not officially a continent or a country. Geographically Greenland belongs to the North American continent and politically it belongs to Europe (Denmark). Since the eighteenth century, Greenland has been a territory controlled by Denmark. In June 2009, however, Greenland has regained a considerable level of autonomy from Denmark. Since Denmark retains ultimate control for foreign affairs and defense of Greenland, it has not yet been declared as a country. A mainly desert territory in north-west Africa, Western Sahara is the subject of a decades-long dispute between Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front. The legal status of the territory and the question of sovereignty remain unresolved and is considered a non self-governed territory by the United Nations.
Going ahead with the 183 sovereign countries list, there were only 171 sovereign countries till 1989, featuring Namibia in the 171stposition. However, the north and south Yemen and East and West Germany joined hands in May 1990 and October 1990 respectively, thereby bringing down the number to 169 at the end of 1990. But the 15 Union Republics in the USSR didn't seem to like the number 169. They just disintegrated in the end of 1991 and made the number of sovereign countries come up to 183. Since it's not our concern to think about the reason behind the dislike to the number 169, we'll just leave it, what say? But don't you think we really have to dig deep into the reasons for that distegration? Let's discuss about that in detail sometime later. Now, let's try not to deviate from the topic.
The picture given above just gives an idea about the flags these countries use. I just found another image which tels you some other details, which, I think, will be more interesting. Just check it out.
I think I am not confusing you with all these. So, which is the largest country? It's Russia (17,075,000 sq.km) and the smallest is Vatican (0.44 sq.km).
Most of the current World Almanacs use 183 sovereign countries, which is probably the best answer, but what about Kosovo? (disclaimer) Palestine? Greenland? Western Sahara? Or now, South Sudan?
On Saturday, July 9, 2011, southern Sudan declared itself the independent country of South Sudan. Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia had come in February 2008. Palestine declared its independence on November 15, 1988, and is seeking membership of the United Nations. But as per the US Department of State (as on February 23,2012), it is not yet listed as a sovereign country. Greenland, the world's largest island, is not officially a continent or a country. Geographically Greenland belongs to the North American continent and politically it belongs to Europe (Denmark). Since the eighteenth century, Greenland has been a territory controlled by Denmark. In June 2009, however, Greenland has regained a considerable level of autonomy from Denmark. Since Denmark retains ultimate control for foreign affairs and defense of Greenland, it has not yet been declared as a country. A mainly desert territory in north-west Africa, Western Sahara is the subject of a decades-long dispute between Morocco and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front. The legal status of the territory and the question of sovereignty remain unresolved and is considered a non self-governed territory by the United Nations.
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| The Countries and the colours and shapes they prefer. |
Going ahead with the 183 sovereign countries list, there were only 171 sovereign countries till 1989, featuring Namibia in the 171stposition. However, the north and south Yemen and East and West Germany joined hands in May 1990 and October 1990 respectively, thereby bringing down the number to 169 at the end of 1990. But the 15 Union Republics in the USSR didn't seem to like the number 169. They just disintegrated in the end of 1991 and made the number of sovereign countries come up to 183. Since it's not our concern to think about the reason behind the dislike to the number 169, we'll just leave it, what say? But don't you think we really have to dig deep into the reasons for that distegration? Let's discuss about that in detail sometime later. Now, let's try not to deviate from the topic.
The picture given above just gives an idea about the flags these countries use. I just found another image which tels you some other details, which, I think, will be more interesting. Just check it out.
I think I am not confusing you with all these. So, which is the largest country? It's Russia (17,075,000 sq.km) and the smallest is Vatican (0.44 sq.km).
