How many continents are there on Earth, including the most recently discovered one?

The current widely accepted count of continents on Earth is seven. These include Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Australia (Oceania), and South America. The idea of an eighth continent, often referred to as Zealandia, has gained some attention among geologists. Zealandia is largely submerged beneath the ocean and includes New Zealand and New Caledonia. While its classification as a continent is still debated among scientists, it can be considered a significant geologic entity.

Based on these factors, seven is recognized as the traditional number of continents, making it the more accurate answer in the context of common understanding. The classification of Zealandia doesn't change the overall count in the way that the concept of continents is typically communicated in educational settings.