As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, there were 195 recognized sovereign states in the world. This number includes 193 member states of the United Nations and 2 observer states: the Holy See (Vatican City) and Palestine. Please note that the number of countries can change due to geopolitical shifts, recognition of new states, or changes in international relations, so it’s a good idea to verify the current count with a reliable source for the most up-to-date information.