How many sovereign states are there?

206

It is extremely important to know that there are 206 sovereign states.  It is interesting to know that the states are divided using two distinct methods.  The first method refers to the membership within the United Nations system.  It divides the states into three categories: 193 member states, two observer states, and 11 other states.  Needless to say, the sovereignty disputes column divides the states into two categories: 190 undisputed states and 16 states whose sovereignty is disputed.  There are obviously many controversies when it comes to these two methods.