How many countries are there in the world?
According to the United States State Department,
as of April 2002, there were 191 independent states.
The State Department defines independant states
as "a people politically organized
into a sovereign state with a definite territory recognized as
independent by the US."
nation - 1. the body of inhabitants of a country, united
under an independent government of their own.
2. A people who share common customs, origins, history, and frequently
language; a nationality.
state - A politically organized body of people under a
single government.
A political body, or body politic; the whole body of people who are
united under one government, whatever may be the form of the government;
a nation.
country - a) A nation or state. b) The territory of a nation or state;
land. c)The people of a nation or state; populace.
