Thanks - your info has been a big help, and a great starting point. After consolidatidating and checking out your list with my other lists, I have arrived at MY list.  Not saying anyone's right or wrong, just FYI - this is the list I've decided to use.

As for flags, I accept your knowledge and your list  - 255, now 252 it is.
As for countries, my list is 246.  It is the same as your list, except I've added Kosovo and deleted  -  US Minor Outlying Islands, and, South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands.

And I've spent WAY too much time merging lists and validating differences to my satisfaction -  lol. One of the joys of retirement is having the ability to waste a weekend on things like this.  But what an education !!!  (and fun, too)
 

Thanks, but I was asking about countries, not flags, in this instance.

i think there are 351 country flags atm
73
franko