List of sovereign states in 2012

This is a list of sovereign states in the 2012, giving an overview of states around the world during the period between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2012. It contains 207 entries, arranged alphabetically, with information on the status and recognition of their sovereignty. It includes 195 widely recognized sovereign states and 12 entities which claim an effective sovereignty but are considered de facto constituents of other powers by the general international community.

The People's Republic of China claims Taiwan, Kinmen, the Matsu Islands, the Pratas Islands and Itu Aba, all of which were governed by the Republic of China. It also claims the Paracel Islands (disputed by the Republic of China and Vietnam), the Spratly Islands (disputed by the Republic of China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei), and South Tibet (controlled by India). The People's Republic of China administered Aksai Chin and the Trans-Karakoram Tract, which were within the disputed region of Kashmir.

France also claims Banc du Geyser (disputed by Madagascar and the Comoros).

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