National vs. International — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
"National" pertains to a single country or nation and its affairs, whereas "international" involves multiple countries or the global community. National is inward-looking, focusing on domestic matters; international is outward-looking.
Difference Between National and International
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"National" refers to anything that is connected to a particular country. For instance, national laws are legal frameworks that govern the actions and rights within a specific nation. "International," on the other hand, extends beyond one country's borders and involves relationships between two or more nations. International laws, therefore, are rules agreed upon by multiple nations.
The term "national" often emphasizes elements like culture, history, or governmental structures that are unique to a particular country. When speaking of national cuisine or a national holiday, it is understood that these aspects are intrinsic to that specific nation. "International," however, implies a more global perspective, often concerning diplomacy, trade, or global issues that multiple nations address together. International treaties or international cuisine showcase this broader perspective.
In sports and competitions, "national" usually indicates a contest where participants are from the same country, such as a national championship. In contrast, "international" competitions like the Olympics or FIFA World Cup feature participants from across the globe. Here, the primary difference between national and international is the scope of inclusion.
When it comes to business, a national company operates within a single country, adhering to that nation's regulations and catering to its citizens. An international company, however, has operations in multiple countries and must navigate a more complex landscape of laws, cultures, and economies.
Comparison Chart
Scope
Within one country
Across multiple countries
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Laws
Governed by domestic law
Governed by treaties/agreements
Cultural Focus
Emphasizes native culture
Involves multicultural aspects
Scale in Sports
Domestic competitions
Global competitions
Business Operations
In one country
In multiple countries
Compare with Definitions
National
Domestic in scope.
The national news focuses on local events.
International
Beyond national boundaries.
International waters begin 12 nautical miles from the coast.
National
Pertaining to a single country.
The national debt has been rising.
International
Involving multiple countries.
International law governs the relations between countries.
National
Governed by a country's laws.
National parks are protected by federal law.
International
Global in scope.
The World Health Organization is an international body.
National
A citizen of a specific country.
She is a national of France.
International
Across nations.
He is an international student from India.
National
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a nation
A national anthem.
International
Of, relating to, or involving two or more nations
An international commission.
International affairs.
National
Of or relating to nationality
Their national origin.
International
Extending across or transcending national boundaries
International fame.
National
Of or maintained by the government of a nation
A national landmark.
International
Any of several socialist organizations of international scope formed during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
National
Devoted to one's own nation or its interests; patriotic.
International
Of or having to do with more than one nation.
National
A citizen of a particular nation
A British national.
International
Between or among nations
An international discussion
National
Often nationals A contest or tournament involving participants from all parts of a nation.
International
Participated in by two or more nations
An international competition
National
Pertaining to a nation or country, especially as a whole; affecting, shared by, or existing throughout all of a nation.
International
Common to, or affecting, two or more nations.
An international rule
National
Belonging to or characteristic of a specific nation or country, as opposed to others.
International
Serving two or more nations
An international airport
National
Nationalistic; patriotic.
International
Of or concerning the association called the International.
National
A subject of a nation.
The diplomats were advised not to interact with any foreign nationals except on official duty.
International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people.
The atmosphere is an international resource.
The international community of scholars.
National
A tournament in which participants from all over the nation compete.
After winning the regional tournament, the team advanced to the nationals.
International
Foreign; of another nation.
An international student
National
A national newspaper.
International
Someone who has represented their country in a particular sport.
The United team includes five England internationals.
National
Of or pertaining to a nation; common to a whole people or race; public; general; as, a national government, language, dress, custom, calamity, etc.
International
A game or contest between two or more nations.
National
Attached to one's own country or nation.
International
(politics) A transnational organization of political parties of similar ideology.
National
A citizen (of a particular country); as, U. S. nationals are advised to contact their embassy when abroad.
International
Between or among nations; pertaining to the intercourse of nations; participated in by two or more nations; common to, or affecting, two or more nations.
National
A country-wide sports competition; for a series of competitions, the plural form is usually used; as, to advance to the nationals.
International
Of or concerning the association called the International.
National
A person who owes allegiance to that nation;
A monarch has a duty to his subjects
International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people; as, the atmosphere is an international resource; the international community of scholars.
National
Of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country;
National hero
National anthem
A national landmark
International
The International; an abbreviated from of the title of the International Workingmen's Association, the name of an association, formed in London in 1864, which has for object the promotion of the interests of the industrial classes of all nations.
National
Limited to or in the interests of a particular nation;
National interests
Isolationism is a strictly national policy
International
A member of the International Association.
National
Concerned with or applicable to or belonging to an entire nation or country;
The national government
National elections
Of national concern
The national highway system
National forests
International
Any of several international socialist organizations
National
Owned or maintained for the public by the national government;
National parks
International
Concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations;
International affairs
An international agreement
International waters
National
Inside the country;
The British Home Office has broader responsibilities than the United States Department of the Interior
The nation's internal politics
International
From or between other countries;
External commerce
International trade
Developing nations need outside help
National
Characteristic of or peculiar to the people of a nation;
A national trait
International
Pertaining to treaties or agreements.
The international accord was signed by 50 countries.
National
Of or relating to nationality;
National origin
National
Unique to a specific nation.
Baseball is considered a national pastime in the United States.
Common Curiosities
What does national mean?
National refers to something that pertains to a specific country or nation.
Can a law be both national and international?
No, a law is either national, governing one country, or international, agreed upon by multiple countries.
What's a national holiday?
A national holiday is observed within a specific country.
Do national and international laws conflict?
They can, especially if a national law contradicts international agreements.
Can something be national and international at the same time?
Generally, no. The terms are mutually exclusive in most contexts.
What does international mean?
International involves two or more countries or pertains to the global community.
Are national parks international?
No, national parks are governed by the laws of the country they are in.
Is national more focused than international?
Yes, national is focused on one country, whereas international involves multiple countries.
What's an international holiday?
An international holiday is recognized by multiple countries.
Can a company be both national and international?
A company can have a national presence in one country and an international presence if it operates in multiple countries.
What's an example of national cuisine?
Sushi is often considered a national cuisine of Japan.
Is the United Nations national or international?
The United Nations is an international organization.
Can sports be both national and international?
A sport can have both national leagues and international competitions.
Can a national citizen be international?
A person can be a national citizen of one country and live or work internationally.
What's an example of international cuisine?
Fusion cuisine that combines elements from different countries is considered international.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
