Which continent has the most countries?

Africa is the continent with the most countries, totaling 54 internationally recognized sovereign nations. This significant number can be attributed to various historical, cultural, and political factors. Africa is composed of a diverse range of ethnic groups and languages, which has led to the establishment of numerous nations. The decolonization movement throughout the mid-20th century resulted in many territories gaining independence and recognizing themselves as distinct countries.

In contrast, Asia, while it has a large landmass and population, consists of 49 countries, making it the second highest. Europe and North America have even fewer, with Europe having 44 recognized countries and North America having 23. The sheer number of unique cultures and languages in Africa has greatly influenced its geopolitical landscape, contributing significantly to its status as the continent with the most countries.