In the context of citizenship, what does the term 'naturalization' mean?

The term 'naturalization' refers specifically to the legal process through which a person who is not a citizen of a country becomes a citizen. This process typically involves meeting certain criteria established by that country, which may include residency requirements, language proficiency, and knowledge of the country's history and government. It often culminates in the individual taking an oath of allegiance to the country, officially granting them the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

In contrast, being born a citizen pertains to the concept of 'jus soli' (right of the soil) or 'jus sanguinis' (right of blood), which grants citizenship automatically at birth. Rights of citizens refer to the privileges granted to individuals who hold citizenship, such as voting or receiving protection under the law, while loss of citizenship addresses the circumstances under which citizenship can be revoked or relinquished. Thus, naturalization is the distinct and formal pathway through which non-citizens gain citizenship in a nation.