As the world continues to evolve, more and more countries are gaining recognition for their sovereignty and independence. As 2021 comes to a close, it is expected that the number of recognized nations will grow. This article looks at the number of countries that are expected to be recognized by the end of 2021.
Recognized Nations in 2021
At the end of 2020, there were 195 countries that were recognized by the United Nations and its member states. This number includes 193 member states and two observer states, the Holy See and the State of Palestine.
This count is expected to increase in 2021, with a few nations in the process of being recognized. These include the Republic of Kosovo, which declared its independence from Serbia in 2008 and is currently recognized by more than 110 United Nations member states. Other nations that are seeking recognition include Somaliland, which declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, and Taiwan, which has been self-governed since 1949.
Global Recognition at Year-End
At the end of 2021, it is expected that the number of recognized countries will have risen to 197 or more. The number of countries that are recognized by the UN and its member states is an important indicator of global recognition and acceptance.
As more countries gain recognition, it is important to consider the implications of this. Recognition of a country can bring about major changes in international relations, as it can facilitate trade, diplomacy and other forms of cooperation between countries.
It is also important to note that recognition of a country does not necessarily mean that the country is a democracy or has the same rights and freedoms that citizens of other countries enjoy. Recognition of a country does not automatically grant it access to international organizations or the same level of international support as other countries.
At the end of 2021, it is expected that the number of recognized countries will have increased. This will be an important milestone in global relations as countries gain recognition and acceptance from the global community. Recognition of a country should not be taken lightly, as it can have major implications for international relations and the rights of citizens.
As 2021 draws to a close, many have been asking what the total number of countries in the world currently is. The reality is that there is no one definitive answer. When discussing the recognized countries of the world, it is important to note that this varies based upon which observer is doing the counting, and which criteria they are using to make their tally.
For the United Nations, the official tally of members currently stands at 193 – this figure being reached when the body admitted South Sudan in July 2011. This tally includes two observer entities, the Holy See (or Vatican City) and Palestine.
However, when it comes to so-called ‘de-facto’ countries or sub-national representatives, like regions or city states, the figure can vary further. This is because, in certain cases, countries will only recognise these places under certain criteria and only when these entities pledge allegiance or make a statement of loyalty towards the parent country. This could be the case for entities such as Abkhazia, a de-facto State located in Northwest Georgia, or for Kurdish areas of Syria and Iraq.
In addition, it is also important to note that countries that are not recognised by the United Nations, such as Somaliland, Republika Srpska, and various other disputed territories, may be seen as proper countries by some non-UN countries.
All of these various criteria means that the total number of countries in the world can be very hard to determine with certainty. Some sources refer to the current tally being between 195-199 countries, while other sources suggest that the current figure could be as high as 206.
Regardless of the total figure, it is without doubt that the year 2021 has brought immense upheaval and unrest to many places in the world, particularly in the Middle East. Despite this, the world remains divided into sovereign nations and, as 2021 comes to an end, the current trend suggests that this number is only set to rise.
This piece has been written with the help of the sources:
The Guardian. 2021. ‘Syria’s Kurds Declare Autonomy in Bid for Control.’
The Daily Telegraph. 2021. ‘Somaliland on Course for Recognition Despite 30 Year Search for Formal Status.’
The United Nations. 2021. ‘Member States.’
GlobalSecurity.org. 2021. ‘Abkhazia.’