An unrecognized state, also known as a de facto state or state with limited recognition, refers to a territory that has declared independence and established its own government and institutions but lacks widespread international recognition as a sovereign state.
Unrecognized states often emerge from separatist movements or conflicts within existing countries, where certain regions seek to break away and assert their independence. However, the parent state or the international community may not recognize the legitimacy of the newly declared state.
These entities typically have their own government, constitution, military or security forces, and often issue their own currency. They may also control territory, administer laws, and engage in international relations to some extent, albeit on a limited scale.
Abkhazia: A region within Georgia that declared independence in 1999. Recognized by a few countries, including Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Nauru.
South Ossetia: Another breakaway region of Georgia, which declared independence in 1990. Recognized by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Syria, and Nauru.
Transnistria: A breakaway territory within Moldova, which declared independence in 1990. It has its own government, military, and currency but is not internationally recognized.
Northern Cyprus: The northern portion of Cyprus, which declared independence in 1983. Recognized only by Turkey.
Somaliland: Declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the Somali Civil War but remains unrecognized internationally. It has its own government, military, and currency and is relatively stable compared to the rest of Somalia.
Western Sahara (Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic): A disputed territory in North Africa, claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front. The Polisario Front declared the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in 1976, but it has limited international recognition.
Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic): A region in Azerbaijan with a majority Armenian population. Declared independence from Azerbaijan in 1991 but is not internationally recognized. It has close ties with Armenia.
Taiwan (Republic of China): A self-governing island claimed by the People’s Republic of China as its territory. Taiwan operates as a separate country with its own government, military, and foreign relations but lacks widespread international recognition due to pressure from China.
Palestinian Territories: While the Palestinian Territories are not a fully declared state, the Palestinian Authority governs parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Palestine has received recognition from many countries but is not universally recognized as a sovereign state.
Kosovo: Declared independence from Serbia in 2008. It has been recognized by over 100 countries, including the United States and many European Union members, but faces opposition from Serbia and some other nations.
These are just a few examples of unrecognized or partially recognized territories around the world. The status of these regions often remains unresolved due to complex historical, political, and ethnic factors.