List of Countries by Continent 2026

The United Nations recognizes 195 countries: 193 member states plus two non-member observer states (Vatican City and the State of Palestine).

Totals vary because some would-be countries have declared independence but lack full UN recognition. For example, Kosovo is treated as independent by some UN members but still considered part of Serbia by others, and Taiwan's full country status is blocked by mainland China.

Africa has the most countries of any continent with 54 sovereign nations, followed by Europe with 51 and Asia with 49.

Oceania has the fewest sovereign countries with 14, and Antarctica has none, though seven nations maintain territorial claims there under the Antarctic Treaty System.

The 7 continents are Africa (54 countries), Asia (49), Europe (51), North America (23), South America (12), Oceania (14), and Antarctica (0).

Not all countries agree on seven continents. Some systems combine North and South America into 'The Americas' or merge Europe and Asia into 'Eurasia,' and some exclude Antarctica entirely because it has no countries or permanent residents.

Several countries span two continents geographically, including Russia (Europe/Asia), Turkey (Europe/Asia), Egypt (Africa/Asia), and Kazakhstan (Europe/Asia).

These countries are typically counted with whichever continent holds the majority of their population or land. For example, 78% of Russia's population lives in its European territory, so it is generally considered a European country despite most of its land being in Asia.