
The Montevideo Convention
The Montevideo Convention of 1933 is an international treaty that defines what makes a territory a sovereign country. It states that a state must have a permanent population, a defined territory, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. These criteria help determine if a region is recognized as an independent nation under international law. The Convention provides a framework for recognizing new countries and emphasizes effective control and governance as key factors for statehood. It remains an important reference in discussions about sovereignty and international recognition.