There are 195 countries in the world, each with its own unique history, culture, geography, and government. Africa is the second largest continent in the world and is home to 54 countries. It has a rich history of ancient empires, colonial rule, and a diverse mix of cultures. Its landscape ranges from deserts and savannahs to jungles and mountains. Popular African countries include Nigeria, Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Kenya and Tanzania. Asia is the largest continent in the world with 48 countries. It has an incredibly long history of civilizations including China’s dynasties and India’s Mughal Empire. Its geography ranges from deserts to glaciers to tropical rainforests. Popular Asian countries include China, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Europe is home to 51 countries with a mix of modern cities and old-world charm. It is known for its vibrant culture with art galleries, music festivals and historical sites such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Stonehenge in England. Popular European countries include France, Germany, Italy Spain and the United Kingdom. North America consists of 23 independent states that span from Canada to Mexico down through Central America. Its landscape varies from icy tundra up north to tropical rainforests down south. Popular North American countries include Canada , USA , Mexico , Guatemala , Honduras , El Salvador , Nicaragua , Costa Rica , Panama . South America consists of 12 independent states that stretch from Colombia down through Argentina . Its landscape includes everything from Amazonian rainforests to high Andean mountains . Popular South American countries include Brazil , Argentina , Peru , Colombia and Chile . Oceania consists of 14 independent states located across the Pacific Ocean including Australia & New Zealand . Oceania’s geography includes vast deserts as well as lush rainforests . Popular Oceania countries include Australia & New Zealand as well as Fiji & Samoa . Finally there are two non-contiguous island nations known as The Caribbean Islands which consist of over 30 islands situated between North & South America . These island nations have diverse landscapes ranging from coral reefs to volcanic mountains . Popular Caribbean Islands nations include Jamaica , Haiti & Dominican Republic among others .