Which continent of the world has the smallest number of independent countries?

Introduction / Context:
Continents differ in size, population, and number of countries. Knowing which continent has the fewest sovereign states is a simple but important fact in political geography. This question highlights the special status of Antarctica among the continents.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the continent with the least number of countries.

• Options are Africa, South America, Antarctica, and Europe.

• Antarctica is governed by an international treaty system and does not have recognised independent countries.

• Other continents have multiple sovereign states.

Concept / Approach:
Antarctica is unique because it has no permanent population and no recognised sovereign states. The Antarctic Treaty System reserves the continent for peaceful purposes and scientific research, and territorial claims are held in abeyance. In contrast, Africa has more than fifty countries, Europe and South America each have several independent states, and none of these has fewer countries than a continent with zero countries.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Antarctica has no independent countries and is instead regulated by international agreements. Step 2: Remember that Africa has a large number of countries, more than any other continent. Step 3: Note that South America has several distinct sovereign states such as Brazil, Argentina, and others. Step 4: Recognise that Europe also contains many independent countries despite being smaller in area than some other continents. Step 5: Therefore, the continent with the smallest number of countries is Antarctica, which has none.

Verification / Alternative check:
Lists of countries by continent show many entries under Africa, Europe, and South America, but none under Antarctica. While various nations have research stations there and some maintain territorial claims, these do not constitute fully recognised independent states under the usual diplomatic system. This confirms that Antarctica is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Africa has the highest number of countries of any continent, not the least.

• South America has relatively few countries compared to Africa, but it still has more than Antarctica, which has zero.

• Europe has many countries, including both large and small states, and cannot be considered the continent with the fewest.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes overlook Antarctica because it has no permanent population or might think the question refers only to inhabited continents. Others may guess South America because it has fewer countries than Africa or Europe. To avoid this mistake, always remember that Antarctica is indeed a continent and that it has no independent countries at all.

Final Answer:
The continent with the least number of countries is Antarctica.