Nationality

Nationality, in law, condition or status of belonging to, or having legal identity with, a nation or state. In various political systems a distinction is made between nationality and citizenship; the latter represents a higher political status, usually involving the right to fully participate in governmental affairs. Nationals were classed as citizens and non-citizens in ancient Greece and Rome, with citizens often forming a minority of the population; this distinction still prevails in some countries. See Citizen; Naturalization.