The global political map displays a world composed of apparently discretely divided territorial units or states. This paints a deceptively static and solid picture that masks considerable fluidity and contestation. Drawing on a range of examples, this article explores the key geographical features of states through a discussion of territory, borders, sovereignty and identity, themes that have particular salience in light of the results of the 2016 UK referendum to leave the European Union. The idea of territory is bound up with the evolution of the state. Alongside this, borders have emerged as states have endeavoured to demarcate their territory rigidly from that of others. Sovereignty, or the right of a state to rule over its territory, has always been a contested and contingent idea. States also seek to create and reproduce senses of national identity among their citizens.

中文翻译：

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国家、领土和主权

全球政治地图显示了一个由明显离散的领土单位或国家组成的世界。这描绘了一幅看似静态和坚实的画面，掩盖了相当多的流动性和争议。本文利用一系列例子，通过讨论领土、边界、主权和身份，这些主题在 2016 年英国脱欧公投的结果中特别突出，从而探讨了国家的主要地理特征。领土的概念与国家的演变密切相关。与此同时，随着各国努力将自己的领土与其他国家的领土严格划分界限，边界也出现了。主权，或一个国家对其领土的统治权，一直是一个有争议和偶然的想法。