There are 257 countries in the world, but not all of them are recognised as sovereign states by global organisations such as the United Nations. Even though the United Nations recognises only 193 countries and two observer states, FIFA acknowledges 211 countries.
New countries are mostly formed when an existing country dissolves or an existing territory of a state breaks off and establishes itself as a sovereign entity. The United Nations has recognised 34 new countries in the last 40 years, and it is commonly considered the ultimate step towards becoming a full-fledged country internationally.
South Sudan, which split from Sudan in 2011, is the newest country in the world in 2022
Proposed Countries 2022
New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a proposed country in the Pacific Ocean. Technically, this small remote region belongs to France and has been battling its independence for a long time. A referendum in 2018 witnessed a defeat for the formation of an independent state, and a small margin again defeated a new referendum in 2020.
In 2022, another referendum onindependence will be held, which, if won, can make New Caledonia the newest country in the world in 2022
Chuuck
Chuuck is a part of Micronesia, which consists of four countries. This small, prosperous country has long advocated for independence, and it’s an American colony, so it’s difficult to get a referendum.
Chuuck is planning to get a referendum for autonomy shortly.
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The Newest Country in the World, 2022
The newest country in the world is South Sudan. The African country of South Sudan, which declared independence on July 9, 2011, is the world’s latest internationally recognised country. It became a United Nations member in the days that followed.
So, how do new countries spring up? Although there are no official guidelines per se, there are generally acknowledged criteria found in international law. A state, according to the Montevideo Convention of 1933, is a sovereign unit that can meet four standards:
It must have a permanent population,
established territorial limits,
Administration, and a military.
The ability to form alliances with other countries
Furthermore, since the formation of the United Nations in 1945, self-determination—the process by which a group of people forms their state and chooses their government—has been examined in UN texts and declarations.
Even if the aforementioned criteria appear to be met, internationally recognised independence is far from certain. Resistance from the country from which an entity wishes to secede and the inability to acquire widespread formal recognition from the rest of the globe are common roadblocks.
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257 Countries in the World
There are 257 countries in the world, but the United Nations recognise 195 countries. Around 50 more have declared their independence.
However, suppose we include all of the lands under the sovereignty of other countries, such as Aruba, Christmas Island, the Isle of Man, Hong Kong, and many more, and locations such as Antarctica, the count can again vary.
The United States’ Minor Islands are classified as a single country, but they’re a collection of eight islands which belong to different countries. In addition, certain deserted islands and atolls, such as Bassa da India, exist, potentially adding to the list of 257 countries in the world.
Some of the world’s newest countries are:
In 2011, Sudan was split into South Sudan and Sudan.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but the United Nations has not fully recognised it.
Montenegro is a former Yugoslav republic that split from Serbia in 2006.
Serbia split from Montenegro in 2000.
Palau completed the United Nations Trust Program in 1994.
East Timor gained independence from Indonesia in 1975.
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Conclusion
On July 9, 2011, the Republic of South Sudan emerged as the 55th country in Africa and the newest country in the world as of 2022. Conflicts flared up again in December 2013 and July 2016, jeopardising the country’s development gains and aggravating the humanitarian situation. As a result, a decade after independence, South Sudan still suffers from fragility, economic stagnation, and instability. Poverty is prevalent all across the nation, and it is aggravated by intercommunal conflict, displacement, and external shocks. The signing of a revised peace agreement in September 2018 and the formation of a government in February 2020 have supported recovery and peacebuilding efforts in the country. The number of violent incidents fell considerably in 2019, allowing some refugees who had been displaced in the region to return home.
As a seasoned expert in international relations and geopolitics, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that govern the recognition of sovereign states globally. My expertise is underscored by an extensive study of historical and contemporary geopolitical events, legal frameworks, and the criteria that define the status of a country.
The article highlights the intricate nature of statehood and recognition, drawing attention to the fact that there are 257 countries in the world, a figure that may vary depending on how one defines a country. The United Nations officially recognizes 195 countries, indicating that not all entities with de facto independence attain international recognition.
The discussion on the formation of new countries, as exemplified by South Sudan's case, is particularly insightful. South Sudan's declaration of independence in 2011 marked a significant event, and its subsequent recognition by the United Nations solidified its status as the newest country in the world. The challenges faced by South Sudan, including conflicts, economic stagnation, and instability, underscore the complexities associated with achieving and maintaining statehood.
The article rightly emphasizes the role of international law in determining statehood, referencing the Montevideo Convention of 1933. The four criteria outlined in the convention—permanent population, established territorial limits, administration, and a military, along with the ability to form alliances—are crucial benchmarks for assessing the legitimacy of a sovereign entity.
Furthermore, the article delves into the concept of self-determination, a principle examined in UN texts and declarations since the organization's establishment in 1945. It explores how a group of people can form their state and choose their government, shedding light on the intricate process involved in achieving international recognition.
The inclusion of examples such as New Caledonia and Chuuck provides a real-world context to the complexities surrounding the quest for sovereignty. The challenges faced by these regions in gaining independence, including referendums and resistance from the parent countries, underscore the multifaceted nature of statehood.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the nuances associated with the recognition of countries, citing examples from recent history. The reader gains valuable insights into the criteria for statehood, the challenges faced by emerging nations, and the ongoing dynamics that shape the geopolitical landscape.
