Countries

Countries are political units that exercise sovereignty over a defined territory and its population. In common usage, a country is a sovereign state—an entity recognized by other states and capable of entering into international relations. The framework of statehood is often associated with the criteria outlined by the Montevideo Convention: a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states. Recognition by other states is a practical factor in a country’s participation in international organizations such as the United Nations.

Beyond legal status, countries vary in form and practice. Some have unitary governments, others are federal with regional authorities. Ruling systems range from democracies to monarchies and autocracies. Population, language, culture, and institutions shape national identity and everyday life.

Economies differ widely, from resource-based to highly diversified and service-oriented, and are integrated through trade, investment, and finance. Physical geography—coasts, rivers, mountains—affects development and policy. Countries maintain borders and passport-issuing authorities, regulate citizenship and immigration, and deploy defense forces as part of sovereignty.

International relations hinge on diplomacy, treaties, and international law. Some territories are self-governing or dependent on another country, and not all populations have full sovereignty in practice. The concept of a country has evolved through decolonization, autonomy movements, and diplomacy, yielding broadly around two hundred widely recognized sovereign states, plus numerous dependent territories and partially recognized entities.