Here are some key characteristics of a city-state:
* Self-governing: It has its own government, independent of any other larger political entity.
* Independent: It is not part of a larger state or empire, and it makes its own decisions about foreign policy and defense.
* Urban center: The city is the dominant feature of the city-state, housing most of its population and acting as the center of administration, trade, and culture.
* Control over surrounding land: The city-state typically controls a surrounding territory for agricultural production and resources.
Examples of historical city-states include:
* Athens and Sparta (Ancient Greece)
* Florence and Venice (Renaissance Italy)
* Singapore (modern example)
Key Differences from Modern Nation-States:
* Smaller size: City-states are typically much smaller in size than modern nation-states.
* Greater focus on the city: City-states are centered around the city, while modern nation-states have a more decentralized focus.
* More limited power: City-states usually have less power and influence than modern nation-states, especially on the global stage.
While city-states are less common in the modern world, they can provide valuable insights into the history of political organization and offer unique examples of self-governance.