What are the four key characteristics of a state?

The four key characteristics of a state are sovereignty, population, territory, and government.

Sovereignty refers to the authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions free from external interference. This is a fundamental principle of international law and defines the autonomy that a state has in the conduct of its affairs.

Population signifies that a state must have people living within its defined territory. A state exists to govern and serve its citizens, making a stable population critical for its development and sustainability.

Territory is the defined geographical area that a state claims and controls. This provides a physical space in which the state's governance and policies are applied, establishing borders that are recognized both internally and externally.

Government is the institution through which a state's authority is exercised. It includes the structures and processes for making and enforcing laws, administering public services, and managing relations with other states. A functioning government is essential for maintaining order and providing services to the population.

Together, these four characteristics form the foundation of statehood and are pivotal in international relations as they define what constitutes a state in the global arena.