valstybi

Valstybi is a Lithuanian linguistic stem closely associated with the concept of statehood. The principal noun for this concept is valstybė, which means “state” or “nation.” Valstybi appears in inflected forms and in compounds related to governance and state institutions, but it is not typically used as a stand-alone noun in ordinary speech.

In political and legal contexts, valstybė denotes a political‑legal entity that possesses a defined territory, a permanent population, and a government capable of maintaining effective control. In international law, statehood is commonly assessed by the Montevideo criteria: a permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Recognition by other states affects practical relations but is not itself a formal criterion of statehood.

States can have different constitutional forms, such as unitary states or federations, and can be governed under a variety of political systems, including democracies and autocracies. The term also covers institutions, processes, and rights associated with governance, such as the executive, legislature, judiciary, and citizenship rights and duties.

Etymologically, valstybė is linked to words for governance and rule, including valdžia (power) and other statehood-related terms. In Lithuanian discourse, valstybė is central to discussions of history, law, and politics.