Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

List of sovereign states Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Sovereign States: Classification and Recognition

Cheat Sheet:
Sovereign States: Classification and Recognition Study Guide

Defining Statehood: Theories and Criteria

Proto-states are defined as political entities that meet all criteria for statehood but lack recognition from any other state.

Answer: False

Explanation: Proto-states are defined as unique political entities that fail to meet the established criteria for statehood.

Return to Game

The Montevideo Convention requires a state to have a government that is recognized by the majority of UN member states.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Montevideo Convention establishes criteria for statehood including a permanent population, defined territory, government, and capacity to enter into relations with other states; it does not mandate recognition by a majority of UN member states.

Return to Game

The constitutive theory of statehood posits that a state's existence is contingent upon recognition by other sovereign states.

Answer: True

Explanation: The constitutive theory of statehood holds that a state is only considered a person under international law if it is recognized as sovereign by other states.

Return to Game

The list includes states that satisfy the declarative theory but are recognized only by non-UN members.

Answer: True

Explanation: The list encompasses states meeting the declarative theory criteria, including those recognized only by non-UN members, and acknowledges one state recognized by no other state.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT a criterion for statehood according to the Montevideo Convention mentioned in the text?

Answer: Recognition by the majority of UN member states

Return to Game

How do the declarative and constitutive theories of statehood differ regarding the role of international recognition?

Answer: Declarative theory asserts statehood is independent of recognition, while constitutive theory requires recognition by other states.

Return to Game

What does the inclusion of 'List of micronations' in the 'See also' section imply about the classification of such entities?

Answer: Micronations are distinct from sovereign states and typically excluded.

Return to Game

Global State Classification and Recognition

The list of sovereign states aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all political entities globally, regardless of their recognition status.

Answer: False

Explanation: The list's primary objective is to provide an overview of sovereign states worldwide, detailing their status and recognition, rather than including all political entities irrespective of status.

Return to Game

According to the source, the United Nations system categorizes states into 193 member states, 2 observer states, and 10 states outside these capacities.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source categorizes the states within the UN system as 193 member states, 2 observer states, and 10 states that do not fit these capacities.

Return to Game

The list includes entities considered sovereign states if they are recognized by at least one UN member state.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that entities are included as sovereign states if they consider themselves sovereign and are recognized by at least one UN member state, or satisfy the declarative theory of statehood.

Return to Game

Membership in the International Atomic Energy Agency is used as an indicator of participation in the UN System.

Answer: True

Explanation: Participation in specialized agencies like the International Atomic Energy Agency serves as an indicator of a state's engagement within the broader UN System.

Return to Game

The 'Commonwealth realm' designation signifies that a country shares King Charles III as its head of state while remaining a separate, independent, and sovereign state.

Answer: True

Explanation: Being a Commonwealth realm indicates membership in the Commonwealth of Nations and the shared recognition of the British monarch as head of state, while maintaining full sovereignty and independence.

Return to Game

The 'See also' section lists topics such as dependent territories and states with limited recognition.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'See also' section directs readers to related concepts, including dependent territories and states that possess limited international recognition.

Return to Game

The 'Notes' section provides explanations for various reference markers used throughout the list.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Notes' section serves to elucidate the meaning of the various reference markers employed within the list, thereby clarifying specific categorizations and information points.

Return to Game

Canada, Australia, and New Zealand being Commonwealth realms means they share King Charles III as head of state while remaining independent.

Answer: True

Explanation: The designation of Commonwealth realm for countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand signifies their shared head of state, King Charles III, alongside their independent sovereign status.

Return to Game

What is the primary objective of the comprehensive list of sovereign states provided in the source material?

Answer: To provide an overview of sovereign states worldwide, detailing their status and recognition.

Return to Game

How does the source categorize the 205 listed states concerning their relationship with the United Nations System?

Answer: 193 UN members, 2 observer states, and 10 non-affiliated states.

Return to Game

Beyond self-perception, what primary criterion does the list employ for including an entity as a sovereign state?

Answer: Recognition by at least one UN member state.

Return to Game

What does the 'Commonwealth realm' designation signify for countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?

Answer: Shares King Charles III as head of state and is independent.

Return to Game

Sovereignty Disputes and Special Status

The source categorizes states based on sovereignty disputes into 188 with undisputed sovereignty, 15 with disputed sovereignty, and 2 with special political status.

Answer: True

Explanation: The classification includes 188 states with undisputed sovereignty, 15 states with disputed sovereignty, and 2 states designated with special political status.

Return to Game

The 'Sovereignty dispute' column indicates whether a state's entire sovereignty is disputed by another state.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Sovereignty dispute' column specifically denotes whether a state's sovereignty is contested by another state.

Return to Game

The Abyei Area is a zone with special administrative status, considered de jure a condominium of South Sudan and Sudan, but de facto administered by competing administrations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Abyei Area holds a special administrative status and is legally considered a condominium of South Sudan and Sudan, though its de facto administration is managed by competing entities.

Return to Game

What specific information is conveyed by the 'Sovereignty dispute' column within the provided table?

Answer: If a state's entire sovereignty is disputed by another state.

Return to Game

What is the specific status of the Abyei Area situated between South Sudan and Sudan?

Answer: It is a de jure condominium but de facto administered by competing administrations.

Return to Game

Case Studies in Statehood and Recognition

As of the source material, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is the government recognized by the UN.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that while the ruling Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has limited recognition, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan remains the government recognized by the United Nations.

Return to Game

The Cook Islands and Niue are described as fully independent states with no special political status.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Cook Islands and Niue are described as states in free association with New Zealand, possessing a special political status rather than being fully independent without qualification.

Return to Game

Armenia's sovereignty is disputed because Pakistan does not recognize its borders.

Answer: False

Explanation: Armenia's sovereignty dispute is noted as 'Not recognised by Pakistan' specifically due to the dispute over the region of Artsakh.

Return to Game

Following the 2020 election, Lithuania recognized Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Coordination Council as the legitimate government of Belarus.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the 2020 election, Lithuania was among the states that recognized Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya's Coordination Council as the legitimate government of Belarus.

Return to Game

Taiwan (Republic of China) is claimed by the People's Republic of China, while the Republic of China government on Taiwan claims sovereignty over mainland China.

Answer: True

Explanation: The People's Republic of China claims Taiwan, while the government of the Republic of China on Taiwan asserts sovereignty over mainland China, creating a complex geopolitical dispute.

Return to Game

Abkhazia and South Ossetia are described as de facto states formed within Georgia and occupied by Russia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Abkhazia and South Ossetia are identified as de facto states that emerged within Georgia, with both regions being occupied by Russia.

Return to Game

The State of Palestine is recognized by 147 UN member states and holds observer status at the UN General Assembly.

Answer: True

Explanation: The State of Palestine is recognized by a significant number of UN member states and functions as an observer state within the UN General Assembly.

Return to Game

Northern Cyprus is recognized solely by Turkey, while the Republic of Cyprus claims sovereignty over the entire island.

Answer: True

Explanation: Northern Cyprus maintains recognition only from Turkey, whereas the Republic of Cyprus asserts its claim over the entire island.

Return to Game

Somaliland is a de facto independent state that has not achieved formal diplomatic recognition from any other sovereign state.

Answer: True

Explanation: Somaliland operates as a de facto independent state but lacks formal diplomatic recognition from any sovereign nation.

Return to Game

The Cook Islands and Niue, while in free association with New Zealand and sharing citizenship, maintain separate memberships in various UN specialized agencies.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Cook Islands and Niue participate in UN specialized agencies independently, despite their free association status and shared citizenship with New Zealand.

Return to Game

Kosovo declared independence in 2008 and is recognized by 116 UN member states, although its sovereignty remains disputed by Serbia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kosovo's declaration of independence in 2008 has been recognized by 116 UN member states, though Serbia continues to contest its sovereignty.

Return to Game

The Autonomous Republic of Crimea is listed as an autonomous region of Ukraine that is under the control of Russia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Autonomous Republic of Crimea is described as an autonomous region of Ukraine currently under Russian control.

Return to Game

Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are territories administered separately by Pakistan, which manages their defense and foreign affairs, rather than being independent sovereign states.

Answer: True

Explanation: Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are administered by Pakistan, which handles their state functions, distinguishing them from independent sovereign states.

Return to Game

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is recognized by 84 UN member states but is occupied by Morocco.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is claimed and occupied by Morocco, yet it holds recognition from 84 UN member states.

Return to Game

The Cook Islands and Niue participate in UN specialized agencies independently, despite their free association status and shared citizenship with New Zealand.

Answer: True

Explanation: Both the Cook Islands and Niue are members of multiple UN specialized agencies, demonstrating their engagement with the international system independent of full UN membership.

Return to Game

Cyprus's sovereignty dispute is noted as 'Not recognised by Turkey' due to the division of the island and the recognition of Northern Cyprus by Turkey.

Answer: True

Explanation: The designation of a sovereignty dispute for Cyprus is linked to Turkey's non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus and its recognition of Northern Cyprus.

Return to Game

Taiwan (Republic of China) is claimed by the People's Republic of China, but it maintains diplomatic relations with several states.

Answer: True

Explanation: Despite being claimed by the People's Republic of China, Taiwan (Republic of China) maintains diplomatic relations with a number of states.

Return to Game

Which of the following is an example of a state in free association with New Zealand mentioned in the source?

Answer: Cook Islands

Return to Game

How is Armenia's sovereignty dispute specifically noted in relation to Pakistan within the table?

Answer: Pakistan disputes sovereignty over the region of Artsakh.

Return to Game

As per the source material, what is the current status of international recognition for Afghanistan's government?

Answer: The Islamic Republic remains the UN-recognized government.

Return to Game

What is the recognized status of Northern Cyprus according to the source material?

Answer: Recognized only by Turkey.

Return to Game

What is the current situation regarding the international recognition and UN status of the State of Palestine?

Answer: Recognized by 147 states and is an observer state at the UN.

Return to Game

Which of the following entities is described as a de facto independent state but not formally recognized diplomatically by any other state?

Answer: Somaliland

Return to Game

How is the political status of Taiwan (Republic of China) described in the context of its relationship with the People's Republic of China?

Answer: Taiwan is claimed by China, but maintains diplomatic relations with several states.

Return to Game

How does the source describe the political status of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in their relationship with Pakistan?

Answer: They are territories administered separately by Pakistan, which handles their state functions.

Return to Game

Which UN specialized agencies are mentioned as having members that are not full UN member states, specifically regarding the Cook Islands and Niue?

Answer: Both the Cook Islands and Niue are mentioned.

Return to Game

How does the list address the sovereignty dispute between Armenia and Pakistan?

Answer: It specifically relates to Pakistan's non-recognition due to the dispute over Artsakh.

Return to Game

What does the source state about the recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic?

Answer: It is claimed and occupied by Morocco and recognized by 84 UN member states.

Return to Game

Which of the following is true about Kosovo's status?

Answer: It declared independence in 2008 and is recognized by 116 UN member states, though Serbia still claims sovereignty.

Return to Game

What is the described political situation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea concerning Ukraine and Russia?

Answer: It is an autonomous region of Ukraine under the control of Russia.

Return to Game

What is the significance of the 'Sovereignty dispute' designation for Cyprus, particularly concerning Turkey's stance?

Answer: It signifies that Turkey recognizes Northern Cyprus and claims the whole island.

Return to Game

Internal Governance Structures

Australia is a unitary state comprising a single territory.

Answer: False

Explanation: Australia is a federation comprising multiple states and territories, not a unitary state with a single territory.

Return to Game

Andorra's unique head of state arrangement involves the President of France and the Pope.

Answer: False

Explanation: Andorra's co-princes are the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell, not the Pope directly.

Return to Game

Belgium is structured as a unitary state with administrative regions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Belgium is structured as a federation composed of linguistic communities and regions, not a unitary state.

Return to Game

Bosnia and Herzegovina is politically unified with no constituent entities.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bosnia and Herzegovina is politically divided into two constituent entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, along with the Brčko District.

Return to Game

The United Kingdom has sovereignty over 13 overseas territories, including Bermuda and the Falkland Islands.

Answer: True

Explanation: The United Kingdom exercises sovereignty over 13 overseas territories, which include locations such as Bermuda and the Falkland Islands.

Return to Game

The United States has five inhabited unincorporated territories, such as Puerto Rico and Guam.

Answer: True

Explanation: The United States exercises sovereignty over 13 unincorporated territories, five of which are inhabited, including Puerto Rico and Guam.

Return to Game

China's Special Administrative Regions include Tibet and Xinjiang.

Answer: False

Explanation: China's Special Administrative Regions are Hong Kong and Macao; Tibet and Xinjiang are classified as autonomous regions.

Return to Game

The Faroe Islands and Greenland are self-governing territories within the Kingdom of Denmark, and EU law applies to them.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Faroe Islands and Greenland are self-governing territories within the Kingdom of Denmark, EU law generally does not apply to them.

Return to Game

Mount Athos is an autonomous area within Greece with a special administrative status.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mount Athos is recognized as an autonomous area within Greece, possessing a distinct administrative status.

Return to Game

The Azores and Madeira are described as autonomous regions within Portugal.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Azores and Madeira are recognized as autonomous regions within the political structure of Portugal.

Return to Game

India is a federation comprising 28 states and eight union territories.

Answer: True

Explanation: India's federal structure consists of 28 states and eight union territories.

Return to Game

Italy has five autonomous regions, including Sardinia and Sicily.

Answer: True

Explanation: Italy features five autonomous regions, notably including Sardinia and Sicily, which possess enhanced self-governance.

Return to Game

Poland, Hungary, and Romania are members of the European Union, indicating a transfer of sovereign powers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Membership in the European Union implies a transfer of sovereign powers to supranational institutions, as seen with countries like Poland, Hungary, and Romania.

Return to Game

Spain is divided into 17 autonomous communities and two special autonomous cities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Spain's political organization includes 17 autonomous communities and two special autonomous cities, reflecting a decentralized governance model.

Return to Game

How is Belgium's federal structure characterized in the provided text?

Answer: A federation composed of linguistic communities and regions.

Return to Game

What is the distinctive arrangement for the head of state in Andorra?

Answer: The President of France and the Bishop of Urgell serve as co-princes.

Return to Game

What is the political status of the Faroe Islands and Greenland within the Kingdom of Denmark, particularly concerning the application of EU law?

Answer: The Faroe Islands and Greenland

Return to Game

What is the political status of China's autonomous regions and its Special Administrative Regions (SARs)?

Answer: They are Hong Kong and Macao, distinct from autonomous regions like Tibet.

Return to Game

What does the source indicate regarding the administrative divisions of India, specifically its states and union territories?

Answer: India is a federation comprising 28 states and 8 union territories.

Return to Game

What is the political status of regions within Italy, such as Sardinia and Sicily, highlighting their autonomy?

Answer: Aosta Valley

Return to Game

What is the political status of the Azores and Madeira within Portugal?

Answer: They are autonomous regions.

Return to Game

What is the political status of the regions within Spain, such as the autonomous communities and special autonomous cities?

Answer: They are administrative divisions with significant self-governance.

Return to Game