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Surprisingly, to the question: “How many countries are there in the world?” there is no single answer. The figure varies from 193 to 256. The fact is that there is no generally recognized regulation that can determine whether a state is recognized in the world or not. In addition, the political system of the world is unstable, it is already much rarer, but still changes occur.
Yes, new countries are still emerging. At the end of the XNUMXth century, the term “newly independent states” was even introduced in geopolitics. As a rule, they are formed during the division of some countries as a result of the “parade of sovereignties”.
If you are interested in this topic, read our article. Here you will find the ranking of the youngest countries in the world.
10 North Macedonia (1991)
The territory of the country at different times belonged to different states and empires. After the end of World War II, Macedonia became part of Yugoslavia, which consisted of six republics. In 1991, a declaration was signed on the sovereignty of the country, at that time it was called the Republic of Macedonia. In 2019, it received a new name – North Macedonia. This was a forced measure, since over the three decades of the existence of the state, disputes arose more than once with Greece, where there is an area with the same name.
The country is small – 25 km². In terms of territory, it ranks 333th in the world. The leading industries are textile, winemaking, and tobacco. There are good climatic conditions, which allows residents to engage in agriculture. North Macedonia is a developing country, while it cannot be called economically successful.
9. Croatia (1991)
Croatia It was also part of Yugoslavia and gained independent status in 1991. It is located in the north of the Balkan Peninsula. Its area is twice that of North Macedonia – 56 km².
The Croatian economy suffered greatly after the collapse of Yugoslavia, but after five years the recovery began. The main industries are the food industry, pharmaceutical, chemical, but perhaps one of the most important components of the country’s economy is tourism. Croatia owns 1145 islands, the largest have long been a popular tourist destination.
8. Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992)
A country with an interesting name was formed in 1992. Previously, it was part of the Republic of Yugoslavia, but unlike previous states, the situation here was complicated by military operations. Bosnia and Herzegovina located on the Balkan Peninsula, its area is 51 km².
The state can boast of a medium-developed economy; this is a great achievement for it. More recently, it was on a par with the developing countries of Africa. The leading industry here is agriculture, even though the soils are not very fertile. Heavy industry is important.
7. Eritrea (1993)
A multinational country located in East Africa on the Red Sea coast. Until 1993, it was part of the Federation of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Moreover, the latter has been trying to achieve independence through armed conflicts for 30 years. Both countries have suffered significant losses – too high a price to restore sovereignty.
At the moment Eritrea – perhaps the poorest state in the world. The basis of the economy is the agricultural sector, the extractive industry is developing, on which the authorities have high hopes.
6. Czech Republic and Slovakia
These two states are halves of one whole. Czechoslovakia. The reason for the collapse was inter-ethnic problems and the conflict of inter-ethnic elites. In early 1993, the republic broke up into two new countries.
“Velvet Divorce” – this is how this event is called, during the official separation of the countries not a drop of blood was shed. now and Czech Republicand Slovakia are developed countries with a stable economic situation. Industry remains the leading industry for the Czech Republic, and agriculture for Slovakia. Tourism plays an important role in the development of the economy of these countries.
5. Palau (1994)
A small island state with an area of 458 km². It has long tried to achieve independence. In different periods Palau owned by Spain, Germany, USA. Since 1947, it was part of Micronesia and only in 1994 gained independence.
Palau’s economy is based on tourism, fishing, crafts (mainly art). The country is neither rich nor poor. Calm political environment, low crime rate, excellent beach resorts with the purest water… If you ever decide to go to Palau as a tourist, be sure you will not be disappointed.
4. East Timor (2002)
The state is located in Southeast Asia. In the 1975th century it was colonized by Portugal. Independence was defended in XNUMX, but not for long, Восточный Тимор occupied by Indonesia. Only in 2002 the country received the status of a sovereign state.
The economy of East Timor was destroyed during the civil war that lasted from 1976 to 1999. Now its level is an underdeveloped agrarian state. The main industries are agriculture, oil and gas production, whose deposits were discovered relatively recently. Just one fact describes the real state of affairs in the country – the most common way to earn income here is pearl fishing.
3. Montenegro and Serbia (2006)
After the breakup of Yugoslavia Montenegro и Serbia formed an alliance. Thus, they tried to become the legal successor of Yugoslavia, but did not find support from other states.
The cooperation agreement was signed in 2002, it had many nuances: each country had its own economy, legislation, and state attributes. The authorities have thought through everything to the smallest detail, including the way of retreat. Each state at any time could declare itself independent through a referendum, which happened in 2006. Montenegro was the initiator. This story ended in a big scandal and “property division”.
Now both countries are moving towards a market economy. The main sectors are industry, agriculture and services. The states have the same problems: a scarce resource base, an aging population and a high level of corruption.
2. Kosovo (2008)
Republic Kosovo declared its independence in 2008. However, at the moment it is a partially recognized state. The republic is part of Serbia, but its authorities do not have control over Kosovo.
This small country (with an area of 10 km²) is called the poorest region of Serbia. The unresolved international status of Kosovo makes it difficult to attract foreign investment, the state has a high unemployment rate and a low standard of living.
1. South Sudan (2011)
The youngest state in the world is located in Africa. In 2011, an armed conflict broke out between Sudan and South Sudan, as a result of which the latter received the status of a sovereign state.
Southern Sudan is a vivid example of the phenomenon when independence brings nothing but new problems. Civil war, thousands of dead civilians, loss of economic projects, devastation and famine – South Sudan showed its unwillingness to become an independent state.