A city-state is an independent, sovereign entity consisting of a city and its surrounding territory, functioning as an autonomous political, economic, and cultural unit. Historically, city-states like those in ancient Greece (e.g., Athens and Sparta) operated as independent centers with their own governments, laws, and economies. Today, examples of city-states include Singapore, Monaco, and Vatican City, which possess full sovereignty and govern themselves independently of other countries.
Characteristics of a City-State
- It has sovereignty over a contiguous territory, including the city and its surrounding lands.
- It operates independently with its own government and legal system.
- It is the political, economic, and cultural center of its territory.
- Historically and contemporarily, it can engage in diplomacy, trade, and sometimes military actions.
Historical and Modern Context
- Originated in ancient Greece as poleis, city-states were central to Greek civilization.
- In medieval Europe, city-states like Venice and Florence emerged as powerful economic centers.
- Modern city-states include fully sovereign entities such as Singapore and Vatican City.
- Some cities within federal systems, like Berlin in Germany, are considered city-states with combined municipal and state functions.
In essence, a city-state combines the functions of a city and a sovereign state within a limited geographic area.