Nationaliteter

Nationaliteter are the legal and social affiliations between individuals and a nation or state. In legal terms, nationality denotes the official bond a person has with a country, forming the basis for rights such as protection by the state, the ability to hold a passport, and eligibility for certain public duties. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with citizenship, but in practice citizenship refers to a set of rights and responsibilities, while nationality emphasizes the underlying relationship to a nation. Cultural or ethnic nationality, by contrast, describes a sense of belonging based on ancestry, language, or culture, which may exist independently of legal status.

Acquisition and loss of nationality vary by country. Nationality is commonly obtained by birth within a country (jus soli), by descent from a parent with nationality (jus sanguinis), or by naturalization after meeting residency and other requirements. Some states permit dual or multiple nationalities, while others impose restrictions or require renunciation. Statelessness—lacking any nationality—remains a key international concern, and treaties aim to reduce or prevent it.

The legal status of nationality intersects with personal identity and social belonging. It affects access to services, social protections, and the ability to travel or reside abroad, as well as participation in a country’s political life. Nationalities also influence migration patterns, integration, and the way communities understand themselves within or across borders.

Globally, nationality regimes differ widely, reflecting historical, political, and cultural factors. International law addresses issues such as protection of stateless people and the harmonization of nationality rules, while ongoing debates consider immigration, borders, and the evolving meaning of national identity.