Nationalité

Nationalité, or nationality, is the legal bond between an individual and a state. It establishes who is officially recognized as belonging to that state and typically confers certain rights, protections, and duties, such as the ability to live, work, vote, and access social services, as well as obligations like allegiance and sometimes taxation or military service. Nationalité is a legal status, not a definition of ethnicity, language, or culture.

Acquisition and loss: Most states grant nationality by jus soli (right of soil) to those born on the territory, or by jus sanguinis (right of blood) to those with a parent or ancestor who is a national. Many states also allow naturalization after residence or marriage, or other criteria (language, integration, good conduct). Nationality can be lost by renunciation, deprivation, or failure to meet ongoing conditions; some states allow suspension or revocation for specific reasons. Dual or multiple nationality is permitted by many countries, though policies vary.

International law treats nationality as a tool to regulate rights and protections; it influences consular protection when abroad, access to public services, and eligibility to participate in politics. Statutory schemes aim to prevent statelessness; the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and other human rights instruments set standards to avoid arbitrary loss or denial of nationality. Statelessness affects millions worldwide and remains a humanitarian concern.

Regional and practical aspects: In the European Union, nationality intersects with freedom of movement and citizenship of the Union. Nationality regimes differ widely in criteria and procedures, shaping migration patterns, family reunification, and the transmission of nationality across generations.