How many squares can you count in the given figure?

Let's systematically count the squares present in this symmetrical overlapping layout:
1. Central Matrix Squares:
* The core internal grid forms a standard $2\times 2$ square block layout.
* Number of individual small squares in a $2\times 2$ grid $=2\times 2=4$
* Number of combined large $2\times 2$ squares $=1\times 1=1$
* Total squares from the central structure $=4+1=5$

2. Rotated Overlapping Outer Squares:
* Superimposed at a $45^{\circ }$ angle over the main grid, there are outstanding outer square boxes visible on the corners/edges.
* Counting these distinct tilted square protrusions along the boundary gives exactly $4$ individual outer squares.

3. Intermediate/Intersection Squares:
* Looking closely at the interior intersection regions where the straight lines cross, there are additional medium-sized square boxes formed. Counting these sub-divided squares yields another $5$ clear squares.

Summing all the uniquely identified square segments together:

$$\text{Total Squares}=5+4+5=14$$

Thus, there are $14$ squares in the figure.