WHAT IS A STATE?
Nearly 190 countries in the world today are recognised to be independent and to have a definite territory, a people and a government that is responsible for making and implementing laws within that territory. When such a country possesses sovereignty or independence, it is called a 'state'.
Sovereignty has nothing to do with size. Luxembourg, with an area of 2,58Q sq km and a population of 336,000, is a sovereign state, but Texas, with an area of 692,407 sq km and a population of over 14 million, is not. Luxembourg possesses the authority to govern its citizens without interference from any outsid6 power. Texas also has its own government, but it is subject to the authority of the government of the United States of America.
Sovereignty defines a state as a member of the international community of states. It is like a membership card to an exclusive club. Sovereign states can sign treaties, exchange ambassadors and join the United Nations. Luxembourg can
international affairs are formally conducted through the federal government situated in Washington DC. It is an essential condition of sovereignty that a country is recognised by the international community. It cannot simply be proclaimed.
States express their sovereignty in different ways. They all have a national flag and a national anthem. Most have their own currency, postage stamps, even their own airline. They have a capital city, in which the diplomats of other states represent their country's interests in relations with the host country. All states provide passports for their citizens when they are travelling abroad. Most join the world association of states, the United Nations Organization (known as UN or UNO).
The UNO is a meeting place for sovereign states. It has its headquarters in New York. The UN was set up after World War II to guard international peace, security and cooperation