Country

A country is a distinct territorial body or political entity. It typically has sovereignty, meaning it has the supreme and independent authority over its territory. This includes the power to govern its own affairs without interference from outside bodies, although in practice, sovereignty can be limited by international treaties, alliances, and global organizations.

The people of a country share a sense of national identity, which might be based on shared history, culture, language, or ethnicity, though this is not always uniform, especially in multicultural nations.

Features

Government

A country has its own government, which exercises control over its territory and populace. This government makes laws, manages public administration, and can enter into relations with other countries.

Territory

It has defined borders, though these can sometimes be in dispute. The territory includes land, water (like rivers, lakes, and territorial seas), and sometimes claims over air space.

Population

A country is inhabited by a permanent population. The people living within its borders might share a common identity, culture, language, or history, though many countries are multicultural.

Types

Nation state

Nation state are where the borders of the country align relatively well with a single national or ethnic identity. Japan is often cited as an example.

Multinational state

Multinational state are countries comprising multiple nations or ethnic groups, like Belgium or Switzerland.

City state

City states are sovereign states that consists of a single city with its dependencies, like Singapore or historically, Vatican City.

Microstates

Microstates are very small countries, often with limited resources or population, like Monaco or San Marino

Recognition

For a territory to be considered a country in the international system, it often requires recognition by other countries. This is where the concept of de jure (by law) versus de facto (in practice) sovereignty comes into play. Some territories might function as countries but lack widespread international recognition.

Definitions

Montevideo Convention

The Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States (1933) states that a country should possess:

• permanent population
• defined territory
• government
• the capacity to enter into relations with other states