Which characteristic is essential for a state?

A state must possess both a defined population and a specific territory to be considered legitimate and functional. The population refers to the people who reside within the geographic boundaries of the state, while territory defines the land itself that encompasses a state's governance. Together, these two elements create the basic framework of statehood, as they establish the area over which the state has authority and the individuals it governs.

While a strong military presence, access to natural resources, and a centralized economy may enhance a state’s stability and prosperity, they are not fundamentally required for the existence of a state. A state can exist without a strong military, access to natural resources, or a particular economic structure, as long as it maintains a population and identifiable territory. Thus, having both a defined population and territory are essential characteristics that underpin the very concept of a state.