How many independent countries make up europe?

There are 195 or 196 countries in the world today. (Latest addition is South Sudan.)

There are several other parts of existing countries that have declared their autonomy, but have not been recognized by the UN or a large number of the world's countries. There are 193 members of the United Nations, while Kosovo and Vatican City are not members.

*Taiwan is not considered an official country by many, which would bring the count down to 195 countries. Although Taiwan operates as an independent country, many countries (including the US) do not "officially" recognize it as one. Because the People's Republic of China considers Taiwan a breakaway province of China, countries who wish to maintain diplomatic relations with China have had to sever their formal relations with Taiwan (more than 100 countries, however, have unofficial relations with Taiwan).

See the World Nations link below for source and more info.