How Many Countries in Europe?

Europe comprises 47 sovereign states (including transcontinental Russia, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and microstates Vatican City, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Malta). Some counts vary (44–50) depending on definitions of Europe's eastern boundary and recognition of partially recognized states (Kosovo, Cyprus, etc.). The Council of Europe has 46 members; the EU has 27. Geographically, Europe is often divided into Western, Eastern, Northern, Southern, and Central regions.