Countries
A country is a political entity that occupies a territory and has a government that is responsible for its internal and external affairs. Countries are typically composed of a population of people who share a common culture, history, and language. They may also have a common religion, currency, and legal system.
There are currently 195 countries in the world, according to the United Nations. These countries vary greatly in size, population, and economic development. The largest country in the world is Russia, which covers an area of over 17 million square kilometers. The smallest country in the world is Vatican City, which covers an area of just 0.44 square kilometers.
The most populous country in the world is China, with a population of over 1.4 billion people. The least populous country in the world is Nauru, with a population of just over 10,000 people.
The richest country in the world is Qatar, with a GDP per capita of over $128,000. The poorest country in the world is Burundi, with a GDP per capita of just over $200.
Countries are often divided into smaller administrative units, such as states, provinces, or regions. These units may have their own governments and laws, but they are still subject to the authority of the central government.
Countries interact with each other in a variety of ways. They may trade goods and services, share technology, and cooperate on common challenges. They may also compete with each other for resources or influence.
The relationship between countries is often complex and dynamic. Countries may be allies one day and enemies the next. They may also have a mix of cooperative and competitive relationships.
The study of countries is called country studies. Country studies is a multidisciplinary field that draws on a variety of social sciences, including history, political science, economics, and sociology. Country studies scholars seek to understand the unique characteristics of each country and how they have evolved over time.
Useful Websites and Resources
Related Files
- List of countries by population
- List of countries by area
- List of countries by GDP
- List of countries by GDP per capita