A country is a distinct territorial body or political entity. It is often referred to as the land of an individual's birth, residence or citizenship.

Are there over 200 countries in the world?

Countries in the World:

There are 195 countries in the world today. This total comprises 193 countries that are member states of the United Nations and 2 countries that are non-member observer states: the Holy See and the State of Palestine.

Are there 197 countries?

By most accounts, 197. There are 193 members of the United Nations (and 2 non-member observer states: the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine). Therefore the number 195 is too often used to represent the number of countries in the world.