Country/Catalogs: Difference between revisions
imported>Anthony Argyriou (fix apostrophe abuse) |
imported>Anton Sweeney (Copyedits) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
The word '''country''' is not defined easily. In its simplest form, a country is just | The word '''country''' is not defined easily. In its simplest form, a country is just an area of land. However, it is also commonly used to refer to the State that controls the land or to refer to the nation that lives on the land. This is often additionally confused since the territory, state (government) and nation frequently share the same name. So we could consider a country to be the entity that is formed by all three parts, State (government), Nation (people) and territory (land). | ||
However, complications can arise. For example the territory of the island of Ireland is not coterminous with the territory controlled by the State of Ireland. The borders of the country may be disputed but | However, complications can arise. For example the territory of the island of Ireland is not coterminous with the territory controlled by the State of Ireland. The borders of the country may be disputed but it still contains a large area of land that is undisputed so remains a country in the wider sense of the word. In other cases, such as the American aboriginals, the nation remains but has been stripped of its territory. Without territory, it cannot be considered a country. | ||
This list tries to use an inclusive definition. For the most part it contains internationally recognised | This list tries to use an inclusive definition. For the most part, it contains internationally recognised countries with a fully autonomous and independent state with recognised territory that is home to the population of that State. However, at the bottom of the page we have also listed some states or territories that are disputed. We have also tried to explain in brief the reason for the dispute. | ||
Some territories commonly referred to as countries, make up part of a larger country through union. For example Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are all commonly known as countries. However, they are not independent of each other. While Scotland and Wales have a level of autonomy through recent devolution of powers, they remain a constituent part of the United Kingdom. Other territories display a high level of autonomy but are considered to belong to or be dependant upon a larger state. We have not listed such territories in column 1 of the table but rather listed them as a division of the parent state. | Some territories, commonly referred to as countries, make up part of a larger country through union. For example Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are all commonly known as countries. However, they are not independent of each other. While Scotland and Wales have a level of autonomy through recent devolution of powers, they remain a constituent part of the United Kingdom. Other territories display a high level of autonomy but are considered to belong to or be dependant upon a larger state. We have not listed such territories in column 1 of the table but rather listed them as a division of the parent state. | ||
<!-- For the purposes of this directory, a "country" is a nation state recognised by international law, typically through representation at the [[United Nations]]. Be aware, however, that some nation states are composed of countries that may be only culturally recognised or may have formal recognition only within that nation state. The most notable example of this would be the [[United Kingdom]], which is composed of four widely recognised countries ([[England]], [[Scotland]], [[Wales]] and [[Northern Ireland]]) that, for example, compete in many sports separately at international level. | <!-- For the purposes of this directory, a "country" is a nation state recognised by international law, typically through representation at the [[United Nations]]. Be aware, however, that some nation states are composed of countries that may be only culturally recognised or may have formal recognition only within that nation state. The most notable example of this would be the [[United Kingdom]], which is composed of four widely recognised countries ([[England]], [[Scotland]], [[Wales]] and [[Northern Ireland]]) that, for example, compete in many sports separately at international level. | ||
Revision as of 16:25, 3 May 2007
The word country is not defined easily. In its simplest form, a country is just an area of land. However, it is also commonly used to refer to the State that controls the land or to refer to the nation that lives on the land. This is often additionally confused since the territory, state (government) and nation frequently share the same name. So we could consider a country to be the entity that is formed by all three parts, State (government), Nation (people) and territory (land).
However, complications can arise. For example the territory of the island of Ireland is not coterminous with the territory controlled by the State of Ireland. The borders of the country may be disputed but it still contains a large area of land that is undisputed so remains a country in the wider sense of the word. In other cases, such as the American aboriginals, the nation remains but has been stripped of its territory. Without territory, it cannot be considered a country.
This list tries to use an inclusive definition. For the most part, it contains internationally recognised countries with a fully autonomous and independent state with recognised territory that is home to the population of that State. However, at the bottom of the page we have also listed some states or territories that are disputed. We have also tried to explain in brief the reason for the dispute.
Some territories, commonly referred to as countries, make up part of a larger country through union. For example Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland are all commonly known as countries. However, they are not independent of each other. While Scotland and Wales have a level of autonomy through recent devolution of powers, they remain a constituent part of the United Kingdom. Other territories display a high level of autonomy but are considered to belong to or be dependant upon a larger state. We have not listed such territories in column 1 of the table but rather listed them as a division of the parent state.
Widely Recognised Counties
Other less well recognised countries
Some territories effectively behave as independent countries but have, for one reason or another, not received wide recognition, or they are disputed or claimed by another country.
| Name | Capital | Currency | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holy See | Vatican |
|
|
| Palestine |
|
||
| Kosovo |
|
||
| Taiwan |
|
||
| Western Sahara |
|
||
| Northern Cyprus |
|
Notes and References
- List of recognised counties sourced form UN member states list
- Population data sourced form [# | Add address here]