The Definitive Answer: How Many Countries Are In North America? (It’s More Than You Think)

The simple question, "How many countries are in North America?" has a surprisingly complex answer, which is why there is so much confusion online. As of today, December 18, 2025, the most widely accepted and geographically comprehensive number of fully sovereign, independent states in North America is 23. However, if you include the numerous non-sovereign territories and dependencies, the total number of political entities in the region soars to over 45, which is often the source of the conflicting numbers you see in different sources.

This article will break down the three distinct geographical and geopolitical definitions of North America to provide you with the definitive list, categorized by the United Nations' standard subregions: Northern America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Understanding these classifications is the key to unlocking the true geographical complexity of the continent.

The 23 Sovereign Countries of North America: The Official List

When geographers and international bodies refer to the continent of North America, they generally include the entire landmass north of the Colombia-Panama border, encompassing the large northern countries, the isthmus of Central America, and the vast archipelago of the Caribbean.

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Under this comprehensive definition, there are exactly 23 sovereign countries. These states are fully independent, recognized by the international community, and hold a seat in the United Nations. Here is the complete list, categorized by their UN subregion:

1. Northern America (3 Sovereign States)

This subregion is often what people think of when they hear "North America." It is dominated by three massive countries that account for approximately 97% of the continent's total sovereign area.

• Canada
• Mexico
• United States of America (USA)

2. Central America (7 Sovereign States)

Central America is the narrow, southernmost isthmus connecting the North American landmass to South America. All seven countries in this region are fully independent.

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• Belize
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Nicaragua
• Panama

3. The Caribbean (13 Sovereign States)

The Caribbean, or the West Indies, is a vast region of islands, cays, and archipelagos. It contains the majority of North America's sovereign countries, though they are generally the smallest in terms of land area and population.

• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Grenada
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago

Why the Number of Countries Is So Confusing

The discrepancy in the number of countries is a classic case of confusing geographical terms with geopolitical definitions. The number you hear depends entirely on which definition is being used:

The Continental vs. Geopolitical Divide

The most common cause of confusion stems from two competing definitions of the continent:

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• The Strict Continental Definition (3 Countries): Some sources—especially those focusing purely on the main landmass—only count Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This view ignores Central America and the Caribbean, which are geologically and politically considered part of the North American continent.
• The UN Geoscheme Definition (23 Countries): The United Nations geoscheme for statistical use (M49) is the most authoritative classification. It defines the continent of North America as the combination of three subregions: Northern America, Central America, and the Caribbean, which totals the 23 sovereign states listed above.

The Role of Dependent Territories and Non-Sovereign Entities

If you count every political entity—including countries and non-sovereign territories—the number of entities rises significantly. There are approximately 23 non-sovereign territories in North America, bringing the total number of political entities to 46.

These territories are not independent countries; instead, they are governed by foreign nations, primarily the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. They possess varying degrees of autonomy but are not recognized as sovereign states.

Major North American dependencies include:

• Greenland: An autonomous territory of Denmark, often mistakenly thought of as an independent country.
• Puerto Rico: An unincorporated territory of the United States.
• Bermuda: A British Overseas Territory located in the North Atlantic.
• Cayman Islands: A British Overseas Territory, famous as a global financial center.
• French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe: Overseas departments and regions of France.
• Curaçao and Aruba: Constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The existence of these territories, each with its own flag, government, and distinct cultural identity, is why some lists inaccurately claim the number of "countries" is 41 or more.

Geographical and Cultural Entities: Beyond the Numbers

To truly gain topical authority on the geography of North America, it is important to recognize the distinct cultural and geographical zones that make up the continent, which are far more diverse than the simple number of countries suggests. The continent spans a vast range of climates, from the Arctic tundra of Canada and Greenland to the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica and the volcanic highlands of Guatemala.

Northern America: The Giants

This region is defined by its massive land area, low population density (outside of major metropolitan areas), and strong economic ties. Key entities include the three sovereign states (Canada, USA, Mexico) and the major dependency of Greenland. The economy here is dominated by the United States, which has the largest GDP in the world, influencing the entire region through trade agreements like USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement).

Central America: The Land Bridge

Central America is a biodiversity hotspot and a critical land bridge. The entire region is characterized by tectonic activity, with numerous volcanoes and a history of earthquakes. The countries here—from Belize to Panama—are culturally rich, blending indigenous, Spanish, and Caribbean influences. Panama, in particular, is a global economic entity due to the Panama Canal.

The Caribbean: Island Diversity

The Caribbean is a mosaic of cultures and languages, including English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and various creoles. The region's economy is heavily reliant on tourism and offshore finance. The 13 sovereign island nations are often grouped with the numerous dependencies, creating a unique and complex geopolitical landscape where small island developing states (SIDS) face unique challenges related to climate change and global trade.

In summary, the next time you hear a debate about the number of countries in North America, you can confidently state that the correct answer is 23 sovereign states, but you must always acknowledge the additional 23 non-sovereign territories that make the region’s geopolitical structure so fascinatingly complex. The continent is a true powerhouse of geographical and cultural diversity.