* "Governed" is a broad term: Did it mean direct rule, colonial administration, influence, or something else?
* English history is complex: England was a kingdom, then a part of the United Kingdom, which itself had various colonial holdings.
* Definitions of "country" vary: Does a colony count as a country? What about territories, protectorates, or dominions?
However, here are some key points to consider:
* The British Empire: At its peak, the British Empire was the largest in history, encompassing territories on every continent. This included vast colonies in India, Africa, North America, Australia, and many others.
* Direct Rule: England directly ruled many territories through colonial administrations. These varied in governance structures, from direct rule to more autonomous forms.
* Influence: England had a significant influence on many other countries through trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, even in places where it did not have formal rule.
To give a rough estimate, you could say that the English directly governed hundreds of territories, with many more experiencing significant English influence.
Ultimately, a precise number is impossible to determine without defining exactly what "governed" and "country" mean in this context.