How many countries are there in the world?

                      How many countries are there in              

                         the world?

The United Nations (UN) recognizes 193 countries. They all have international land borders (though these are sometimes disputed) and an independent government. Countries usually have their own flag, official emblem, and national anthem. Size doesn't matter: the Vatican City, in Italy, the world's smallest country, is no bigger than a city block, and has a tiny population, too - about 1,000.

Largest Countries

1. Russia - 17,175,400 sq km (6,591,000 sq miles)

2. Canada - 9,970,610 sq km (3,848,655 sq miles)

3. USA - 9,161,923 sq km

(3,537,438 sq miles)

4. China - 9,596,960 sq km

(3,705,406 sq miles)

5.Brazil - 8,511,965 sq km

(3,285,618 sq miles)

 Smallest Countries:

1. Vatican - 0.4 sq km (0.2 sq miles)

2. Monaco - 1.95 sq km (0.75 sq miles)

3. Nauru - 21 sq km (8 sq miles)

4.Tuvalu - 26 sq km (10 sq miles)

5. San Marino - 61 sq km (24 sq miles)