Have you ever wondered and heard different numbers about how many countries you find in Africa?
Well look no further. We are here to clear up the confusion for you.
54, not 56
There are 54 countries and 2 contested areas.
The 54 countries are here: the 54 countries
2 contested areas that are not recognized as nations
About Western Sahara and Somaliland
Why Western Sahara is not an African country?
Formerly the Spanish colony of Spanish Sahara, Western Sahara is a disputed territory which has been claimed by both the Kingdom of Morocco and the Popular Front for the Liberation of the Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario Front). The latter is an independent movement based in Algeria.
Western Sahara is listed by the United Nations (UN) as a non-decolonised territory and is thus included in the United Nations list of Non-Self-Governing Territories.
Why Somaliland is not an African country?
Officially known as the Republic of Somaliland, it is a self-declared state and recognised internationally as an autonomous region of Somalia. The government of Somaliland regards itself as the successor state to the former British Somaliland protectorate which, after a brief independence period, united with the Trust Territory of Somaliland (formerly Italian Somaliland) to form the Somali Republic.
The disputed territory is governed by a democratically-elected government that self-proclaims its independence. However, Somaliland is not recognised by any country or international organisation as an independent country of Africa.
