text: Below is an context that describes a sql query, paired with an question that provides further information. Write an answer that appropriately completes the request.  # noqa: E501
  ### Context:
  CREATE TABLE table_19948664_1 (countries_sampled VARCHAR, ranking_la__2_ VARCHAR, world_ranking__1_ VARCHAR)
  ### Question:
  How many countries were sampled for the index in 2nd place in the LA ranking and 23rd in the world ranking?
  ### Answer:
  SELECT countries_sampled FROM table_19948664_1 WHERE ranking_la__2_ = "2nd" AND world_ranking__1_ = "23rd"