Statehood and Elements of State

Article 1 of the Montevideo Convention on Rights and Duties of States 1933 has identified following qualifications of statehood:

1. a permanent population
2. a definite territory
3. a government, and
4. a capacity to enter into relations with other states.

Elements of State

• A state has space or territory that has internationally recognized boundaries (boundary disputes are OK).
• A state has people who live there on an ongoing basis.
• A state has economic activity and an organized economy.
• A state regulates foreign and domestic trade and issues money.
• A state has the power of social engineering, such as education.
• A state has a transportation system for moving goods and people.
• A state has a government that provides public services and police power.
• A state has sovereignty. No other State should have power over the country’s territory.
• A state has external recognition. It has been “voted into the club” by other countries.