How many countries in the world are not independent?

Answer 1

There are several countries that claim independence but do not have enough recognition to qualify as sovereign:

• Abkhazia
• Kosovo*
• Nagorno-Karabakh
• Northern Cyprus
• Palestine*
• Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
• Somaliland
• South Ossetia
• Taiwan*
• Transnistria

- Kosovo* ~

Kosovo is recognized by all Western nations with the exception of Spain and the Holy See. Many island nations, a few Latin American nations, a number of African nations, and a few Asian countries.

- Palestine* ~

Palestine does have enough recognition to become a sovereign nation and have tried to gain sovereign status. However, most Western nations do not recognize Palestine, but instead, Israel (especially the US, who has just immensely strengthened their ties with Israel). When Palestine bids for statehood in the UN, the US vetoes the bill, making the country unable to become sovereign.

- Taiwan* ~

Taiwan claims China while China claims Taiwan. There is sort of this agreement that a country must recognize either Taiwan or China, not both. China will not trade or have foreign relations with any country that recognizes Taiwan in addition to China. This is why many nations recognize China instead of Taiwan. In fact, many countries used to recognize Taiwan, but within the last half of the 20th century dropped their recognition to support China.

Look at the links below for status of recognition.