Download Episode! Markus is a Swedish diplomat who has traveled to every country in the world and now is focussing on the Travelers' Century Club which divides the world into 325 places. Markus has been posted to countries such as Nigeria and China during his career as a Swedish diplomat. Markus has a strong desire to travel as he demonstrated when he ventured as a 15 year old to China with a group of strangers he met via a newspaper advertisement. Markus has traveled to the far corners of the earth from places such as Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (in the far east of Russia opposite Alaska) to Tristan da Cunha (considered the remotest, inhabited island of the world). Subscribe to iTunes today! More about Markus Lundgren: Born in: Northern Sweden Passports from: Sweden Favorite travel book: Lonely Planet, to my next destination Favorite travel film: Timbukto, a place I really regret not visiting sooner. Favorite travel site: The Best Traveled Must carry: Passport, money/credit cards, printed tickets - nothing else needed! Favorite food: Japanese cuisine. Favorite Airline: Low cost carriers for price, or gulf airline for comfort. Favorite Hotel: Only stay in hostels! Subscribe to iTunes today!! About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who've spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter's Dance, written, performed, and provided by Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 225 countries and territories. The Century Club states that there are 325 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 875 unique parts of the world. The Best Traveled states that there are 1281 unique places in the world. Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. Disclaimer: I will earn a fee if you order from Amazon/Agoda.