As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there were 195 recognized sovereign states in the world. These are countries that are members of the United Nations and are generally considered independent and self-governing entities. It’s important to note that the number of recognized sovereign states can change over time due to geopolitical developments, changes in government recognition, and other factors.
In addition to the 195 recognized sovereign states, there are also some entities with limited international recognition, such as Taiwan and Kosovo, which are not universally recognized as independent countries but function as de facto sovereign states in many respects.
For the most up-to-date and accurate information on the number of countries in the world in 2023, I recommend checking with a current and reliable source, such as the United Nations or the U.S. Department of State.