What characteristics do political geographers look for in order to determine if a territory is a State?

For a territory to be considered as a state it must have the following characteristics:

1. It must have boundaries that are known and recognized by others.

2. It must have a government who drives the affairs of the state.

3. It must be able to make decisions concerning its domestic and foreign policies; it must have sovereignty power.

4. The population of the state can be homogeneous or heterogeneous and it may be variable in size.

For a domain to be considered as a state it must have the accompanying qualities.

Explanation:

1. It must have limits that are known and perceived by others.

2. It must have an administration who drives the issues of the state.

3. It must have the capacity to settle on choices concerning its household and remote approaches; it must have sway control.

4. The number of inhabitants in the state can be homogeneous or heterogeneous and it might be variable in size.