One of the smallest and most exclusive clubs in the world belongs to states. The US Department of State puts the number of independent recognised states at 197, while others count 200.
The United Nations, meanwhile, has 193 member states. This number has grown rapidly since the second world war, from the 51 original members, to 99 by 1960, and then 189 by 2000.
But UN membership is not determinative of statehood. Switzerland famously held out on joining the UN until 2002, due to concerns over compromising its neutrality.
