A nation can become a state when it meets four key criteria: a settled or permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. These criteria are internationally recognized and were originally set out in the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States.
Key Criteria for Statehood
- Permanent population: A group of people who intend to inhabit the territory permanently.
- Defined territory: A geographical area with recognized boundaries.
- Government: A political organization capable of exercising effective control over the territory and population.
- Capacity to enter into relations with other states: The ability to engage in diplomatic or international relations independently.
These four requirements form the baseline by which entities are generally recognized as states under international law, although recognition by other states and organizations such as the United Nations can also play a crucial role in practical terms.
