| abstract | - This is a list of sovereign states giving an overview of states around the world with information on the status and recognition of their sovereignty. The list contains 204 entries, as of 2011. The states are divided using two distinct methods: 1.
* The membership within the United Nations system column divides the states into three categories: 193 member states of the United Nations, two states that are not UN member states but are either a UN observer state or a member state of a UN specialised agency, and nine other states. 2.
* The sovereignty disputes column divides the states into two categories: 13 states whose sovereignty is disputed and 191 other states. Compiling a list such as this can be a difficult and controversial process, as there is no definition that is binding on all the members of the community of nations concerning the criteria for statehood. For more information on the criteria used to determine the contents of this list, please see the "criteria for inclusion" section below.
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