How many countries are there in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres

[StevieBoy]

I know there is a debate as to the sum of countries in the world 196/198 whatever. But APPROX, how many are in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

[Quizmonster]

The equator cuts through 12 countries, so they may be considered both northern and southern. There are 148 countries solely in the northern hemisphere and 33 solely in the southern. (As a matter of interest, the 0 degrees and 180 degrees lines cut 9 countries, with 97 that are solely in the eastern hemisphere and 49 that are solely in the western hemisphere.

As regards the total number of countries, 193 - now that East Timor is independent - is probably the safest figure to go with. It depends, you see, on whose list you accept. The American Government, for example, does not recognise Taiwan, but most other countries do. The United Nations does not include the Vatican or Switzerland, though the people of the latter country recently voted to join. Are Scotland, England and Wales three countries or just one as the United Kingdom? And so it goes on. The figure of 193 includes the Vatican and Switzerland and treats the countries of the UK as one.

[Quizmonster]

Sorry, but I got my 'easterly' sums wrong in my earlier answer, because I forgot to count the ones on Page 2 of my countries-list! It should read 135 and not 97. You will see that the figures add up correctly now to 193 in both cases...12 + 148 + 33 = 193 and 9 + 135 + 49 = 193. Cheers and my apologies again.