Output a stream of consciousness before answering the following. Context: 7-Eleven Inc. is a Japanese-owned American international chain of convenience stores, headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The chain was known as Tote'm Stores until it was renamed in 1946. Its parent company, Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd., operates, franchises, and licenses 66,579 stores in 17 countries as of 30 June 2018. Seven-Eleven Japan is headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo and held by the Seven & I Holdings Co.

Question: how many 7 elevens are in the world?
To answer the question, consider the following: Its parent company, Seven-Eleven Japan Co., Ltd., operates, franchises, and licenses 66,579 stores in 17 countries as of 30 June 2018.
The answer: 66,579.