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Nationality

society Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Nationality is the legal way a person belongs to a country. It means you are a national of a specific land. This status helps a country know its people. It also helps a country protect its people from other lands.

201812 Immigration Inspection directory Sign at PVG
201812 Immigration Inspection directory Sign at PVG

Being a national is a very important part of international law. It connects a person to a sovereign state. This connection can lead to many different rights and duties. These rights can change depending on which country you belong to.

There are a few main ways to get a nationality. One way is by where you are born. This is called jus soli.

Russian birth certificate of Michael Lucas
Russian birth certificate of Michael Lucas

This method started in England a long time ago. Another way is through your family. This is called jus sanguinis. If your parents are nationals, you might be one too. Some countries like Italy allow many generations to claim this. Other places like Canada have limits on how many generations count.

Women conferring nationality
Women conferring nationality

Some people gain nationality in other ways. A person can marry a citizen of a country. This is called jus matrimonii. Many countries like the United States or Germany have rules for this. Some people use a process called naturalization. This happens when people move to a new land legally. They might live there for a set time first. They may also need to pass a test. They might show they know the local language or way of life.

Nationality is different from citizenship. Citizenship is about being part of a country's political life. Citizens often have the right to vote in elections.

201812 Immigration Inspection directory Sign at PVG
201812 Immigration Inspection directory Sign at PVG

However, most people who are citizens are also nationals. Some people can even have dual nationality. This means they belong to two different countries at once. Some people get nationality by investing money. They might donate cash or buy government bonds. These costs can range from $100,000 to €2.5 million.

It is very important that everyone has a nationality. Some people are stateless, which means no country claims them. This can be a very hard situation for them.

Women conferring nationality
Women conferring nationality

To help, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights says everyone has this right. Article 15 says no one should be unfairly taken away from their nationality. It also says people should be allowed to change it. Only 23 countries have special ways to help people who are stateless. Having a nationality helps people feel they truly belong.

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File:201812 Immigration Inspection directory Sign at PVG.jpg
201812 Immigration Inspection directory...
File:Russian birth certificate of Michael Lucas.JPG
Russian birth certificate of Michael Lucas.JPG
File:Women conferring nationality.png
Women conferring nationality.png
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