Citizenship

Citizenship, legal relationship between an individual and the country of nationality, usually acquired by birth or naturalization. Though laws regarding citizenship by birth vary from country to country, such citizenship is generally based on place of birth or the nationality of one or both parents. Some countries grant citizenship by marriage, adoption, long residence, land purchase, entrance into public service, or annexation of territory. It is possible for an individual to be a citizen of more than 1 country or to possess no citizenship at all. Citizenship implies both rights (to a passport, to the protection of the government when appropriate, to constitutional rights) and duties (to pay taxes, to serve in the armed forces) between the citizen and the country.