The Four Criteria for Statehood (Montevideo Convention)

Under international law (Montevideo Convention, 1933), a entity must meet four criteria to be recognized as a sovereign state:

1. Permanent Population: A stable community of people identifying with the territory.
2. Defined Territory: Clear, recognized boundaries (land, sea, airspace).
3. Government: Effective, independent authority exercising control over the territory and population.
4. Capacity to Enter Relations with Other States: (Often termed "External Recognition" or Independence) – Sovereignty to conduct diplomacy, sign treaties, join international organizations.

Recognition by other states is declaratory (acknowledging existing fact) not constitutive (creating statehood), though political recognition is practically crucial.