LeJon Seeke

The number 51 is a common figure used for the total number of countries in Europe, but it's important to understand what this count includes. This number typically accounts for all sovereign states whose territory is either entirely or mostly within the geographical and/or geopolitical continent of Europe. This includes transcontinental countries like Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, where a significant portion of their land and population lies in Asia. The count of 51 also includes microstates like Vatican City, Monaco, and San Marino, and often includes Kosovo, whose declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008 is recognized by a majority of UN member states but not all. It's a number that tries to balance geographical reality with complex political recognition. The exact number can be a subject of debate depending on whether one uses a strict geographical definition or a geopolitical one.