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
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
"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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
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.
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Sep 21, 2023
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.
Fiza Rafique
Sep 21, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Definitions
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International
Beyond national boundaries.
International waters begin 12 nautical miles from the coast.
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International
Involving multiple countries.
International law governs the relations between countries.
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National
Governed by a country's laws.
National parks are protected by federal law.
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International
Global in scope.
The World Health Organization is an international body.
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International
Of, relating to, or involving two or more nations
An international commission.
International affairs.
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International
Extending across or transcending national boundaries
International fame.
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International
Any of several socialist organizations of international scope formed during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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National
Often nationals A contest or tournament involving participants from all parts of a nation.
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International
Participated in by two or more nations
An international competition
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National
Pertaining to a nation or country, especially as a whole; affecting, shared by, or existing throughout all of a nation.
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International
Common to, or affecting, two or more nations.
An international rule
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National
Belonging to or characteristic of a specific nation or country, as opposed to others.
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National
A subject of a nation.
The diplomats were advised not to interact with any foreign nationals except on official duty.
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International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people.
The atmosphere is an international resource.
The international community of scholars.
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National
A tournament in which participants from all over the nation compete.
After winning the regional tournament, the team advanced to the nationals.
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International
Someone who has represented their country in a particular sport.
The United team includes five England internationals.
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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.
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International
(politics) A transnational organization of political parties of similar ideology.
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National
A citizen (of a particular country); as, U. S. nationals are advised to contact their embassy when abroad.
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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.
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National
A country-wide sports competition; for a series of competitions, the plural form is usually used; as, to advance to the nationals.
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National
A person who owes allegiance to that nation;
A monarch has a duty to his subjects
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International
Independent of national boundaries; common to all people; as, the atmosphere is an international resource; the international community of scholars.
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National
Of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country;
National hero
National anthem
A national landmark
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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.
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National
Limited to or in the interests of a particular nation;
National interests
Isolationism is a strictly national policy
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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
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National
Owned or maintained for the public by the national government;
National parks
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International
Concerning or belonging to all or at least two or more nations;
International affairs
An international agreement
International waters
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National
Inside the country;
The British Home Office has broader responsibilities than the United States Department of the Interior
The nation's internal politics
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International
From or between other countries;
External commerce
International trade
Developing nations need outside help
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National
Characteristic of or peculiar to the people of a nation;
A national trait
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International
Pertaining to treaties or agreements.
The international accord was signed by 50 countries.
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National
Unique to a specific nation.
Baseball is considered a national pastime in the United States.
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FAQs
What does national mean?
National refers to something that pertains to a specific country or nation.
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Can a law be both national and international?
No, a law is either national, governing one country, or international, agreed upon by multiple countries.
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What's a national holiday?
A national holiday is observed within a specific country.
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Do national and international laws conflict?
They can, especially if a national law contradicts international agreements.
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Can something be national and international at the same time?
Generally, no. The terms are mutually exclusive in most contexts.
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Sep 21, 2023
What does international mean?
International involves two or more countries or pertains to the global community.
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Are national parks international?
No, national parks are governed by the laws of the country they are in.
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Is national more focused than international?
Yes, national is focused on one country, whereas international involves multiple countries.
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Sep 21, 2023
What's an international holiday?
An international holiday is recognized by multiple countries.
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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.
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What's an example of national cuisine?
Sushi is often considered a national cuisine of Japan.
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Is the United Nations national or international?
The United Nations is an international organization.
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Can sports be both national and international?
A sport can have both national leagues and international competitions.
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Sep 21, 2023
Can a national citizen be international?
A person can be a national citizen of one country and live or work internationally.
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Sep 21, 2023
What's an example of international cuisine?
Fusion cuisine that combines elements from different countries is considered international.
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Sep 21, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content editor 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.
