Since World War II, the number of recognized states has:

Since World War II, the number of recognized states has risen steadily due to several geopolitical developments, including decolonization, the dissolution of larger political entities, and the emergence of new nations.

In the post-war era, many territories in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean gained independence from colonial powers, leading to a dramatic increase in the number of sovereign states. Additionally, the breakup of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s resulted in the creation of multiple new nations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The trends of globalization, shifting political alliances, and the recognition of independence movements further contributed to the rise in the number of recognized states.

This continuous growth reflects changing political realities and the evolving understanding of statehood in international law and relations. As countries emerge and are recognized on the international stage, the overall total of recognized states has increased, marking a significant post-World War II trend.