Cittadinanza

Cittadinanza, or citizenship, is the legal bond between an individual and a state. It defines membership in a political community and typically confers a set of rights and responsibilities, including participation in elections and protection by the state, as well as duties such as compliance with laws and, in some contexts, taxation or national service.

Citizenship can be acquired in several ways. By birth or descent (often described as jus sanguinis, or right of blood), a person may obtain citizenship because a parent or ancestor is a citizen. In some countries, birth within the territory (jus soli) also grants citizenship. Naturalization provides citizenship after meeting conditions such as lawful residence for a prescribed period, language or civic knowledge requirements, and a demonstration of good character. Other routes may include marriage to a citizen or special recognition for exceptional contributions.

Citizenship can be lost or renounced in certain circumstances, for example if a person voluntarily acquires a foreign citizenship that is incompatible with their status, or if fraud was involved in the grant of citizenship. Some countries allow dual or multiple citizenship, while others require exclusive allegiance.

Rights and duties linked to cittadinanza include political participation (voting, standing for office), protection by the state when abroad, and access to public services, as well as duties such as adherence to laws, taxation, and, in some systems, military or civic service.

In policy and law, citizenship is distinct from nationality in some legal contexts, though the terms are often used interchangeably in everyday language.