Editing Diplomatic recognition (section)

==Unrecognized state==
{{Main|List of states with limited recognition|l1=Unrecognized states}}

Several of the world's [[Geopolitics|geopolitical]] entities lack general international recognition, but wish to be recognized as [[sovereign states]]. The degree of ''de facto'' control these entities exert over the territories they claim varies.

Most are subnational [[Subregion|regions]] with an [[ethnic]] or [[national identity]] of their own that have [[separatism|separated]] from the original parent [[Sovereign state|state]]. Such states are commonly referred to as "break-away" states. Some of these entities are in effect internally [[Autonomous entity|self-governing]] [[protectorate]]s that enjoy military protection and informal diplomatic representation abroad through another state to prevent forced reincorporation into their original states.

The word "control" in this list refers to ''control'' over the area ''occupied'', not ''occupation'' of the area ''claimed''.  Unrecognized countries may have either full control over their occupied territory (such as [[Northern Cyprus]]), or only partial control (such as [[Western Sahara]]).  In the former, the ''de jure'' governments have little or no influence in the areas they claim to rule, whereas in the latter they have varying degrees of control, and may provide essential services to people living in the areas.