Conflicts, pandemics, and crises might seem unlikely in daily life, but every generation has faced its own set of societal challenges, and it’s crucial to be prepared. That’s why the Citizenship in the World merit badge helps you understand how decisions made across the ocean can change things in your own community, the causes of world-shifting events, and what it really means to be a responsible global citizen.
When you earn this Eagle-required badge, you build on what you already know from other citizenship badges and school civics classes. You’ll compare the rights and duties of citizens in different countries, study current world events, explore types of governments, and learn how international organizations work. You’ll also research worldwide challenges and practice looking at them from multiple perspectives, all without putting yourself at risk.
In this article, we’ll walk through why Citizenship in the World matters, then break down every requirement with clear difficulty ratings. We’ll also share tips on picking good world events to discuss, understanding international organizations, and using online resources safely and effectively. By the end, you’ll feel much more confident talking about global issues! Ready to start thinking like a world citizen? 🙂
Why The Citizenship In The World Badge Is Important
The big idea behind Citizenship in the World is that our choices and our country’s choices are connected to people everywhere. Borders matter, but global concerns like health, security, trade, and human rights link us together in one unified ecosystem.
As you work on this badge, you’ll start to think beyond just your town and even our nation. You learn how governments interact, how international laws and organizations work, and how culture shapes values and decisions. This helps you become the kind of person who can talk respectfully with people from other backgrounds and support your loved ones in understanding world events.
Citizenship In The World Merit Badge Overview (Eagle-Required)
| Merit Badge Name: | Citizenship In The World |
| Creation Date: | 1972, introduced as part of the modern Eagle-required citizenship series focused on understanding global affairs |
| Badge Difficulty: | 5 – Moderate (discussion-heavy, lots of reading and thoughtful conversation, but little hands-on work) |
| Top 3 Skills Covered: |
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| Fun Fact: | The Citizenship in the World badge underwent a review process that included United Nations staff members to ensure its content reflects today’s international environment. Source: Scouting Magazine. |
| Ideal Ages To Earn: | 14–16 |
| Merit Badge Pamphlet: | Citizenship In The World Merit Badge Pamphlet Link |
What Are The Citizenship In The World Merit Badge Requirements?
I’d suggest using the table below to plan your work. For Citizenship in the World, many Scouts start with requirements 1 and 2, since these are pretty easy and give you a foundation for the rest of the badge.
Then, pick your world event and country for requirement 3 early, because you can keep collecting information over a few weeks. Finally, batch your “research” items for requirements 4 and 7 into one or two focused sessions on the computer or at the library so you are not jumping back and forth between tasks.
| Req # | Requirement Summary | Requirement Group | Difficulty | ScoutSmarts Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1. Explain what citizenship in the world means to you and what you think it takes to be a good world citizen. | Foundations of Global Citizenship | Easy | Write out a short paragraph or bullet list before meeting your counselor so you can organize your thoughts. Think of examples from your own life like how you treat people online, how you use resources, or how you react to news from other countries. |
| 2 | 2. Explain how one becomes a citizen in the United States, and explain the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizenship. Discuss the similarities and differences between the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizens and the citizens of two other countries. | Citizenship & Comparing Countries | Medium | This takes a bit of research. Pick two countries with good English-language websites, such as Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia. Make a 3-column chart: U.S., Country 1, Country 2, with rows for “rights,” “duties,” and “obligations” so it is easy to talk through with your counselor. |
| 3 | 3. Do the following: (a) Pick a current world event. In relation to this current event, discuss with your counselor how a country’s national interest and its relationship with other countries might affect areas such as its security, its economy, its values, and the health of its citizens. (b) Select a foreign country and discuss with your counselor how its geography, natural resources, and climate influence its economy and its global partnerships with other countries. | World Events & Geography | Medium | Choose a single country that connects both parts if possible. For example, if your world event involves Japan, use Japan again in 3b. That way every article or video you watch will help you on both 3a and 3b. |
| 4 | 4. Do TWO of the following: (a) Explain international law and how it differs from national law. Explain the role of international law and how international law can be used as a tool for conflict resolution. (b) Using resources such as major daily newspapers, the internet (with your parent or guardian’s permission), and news magazines, observe a current issue that involves international trade, foreign exchange, balance of payments, tariffs, and free trade. Explain what you have learned. Include in your discussion an explanation of why countries must cooperate in order for world trade and global competition to thrive. (c) Select TWO of the following organizations and describe their role in the world. (1) United Nations and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) (2) International Court of Justice (The World Court) (3) International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) (4) World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) (5) World Health Organization (WHO) (6) Amnesty International (7) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) (8) Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere (CARE) (9) European Union | Global Systems & Organizations | Hard | This is one of the longest pieces. For an efficient path, most Scouts pick 4a and 4c. For 4c, choose organizations that have simple, clear websites with “About” pages. Make a short one-page summary for your two picked options and bring it to your meeting so you can refer to it while talking. |
| 5 | 5. Do the following: (a) Discuss the differences between constitutional and nonconstitutional governments. (b) Name at least five different types of governments currently in power in the world. (c) Show on a world map countries that use each of these five different forms of government. | Forms of Government | Medium | Print or open a labeled world map and lightly mark countries with different government types using colored pens or symbols. Practice explaining one example for each type so you are comfortable in your discussion with your counselor. |
| 6 | 6. Do the following: (a) Explain how a government is represented abroad and how the United States government is accredited to international organizations. (b) Describe the roles of the following in the conduct of foreign relations: ambassador, consul, Bureau of Global Public Affairs, United States and Foreign Commercial Service. (c) Explain the purpose of a passport and visa for international travel. | Foreign Relations & Travel | Medium | Look at the U.S. State Department website for simple definitions of ambassador, consul, and the listed offices. Creating note cards with each role on one side and the description on the other can help you remember when you speak with your counselor. |
| 7 | 7. Do TWO of the following (with your parent or guardian’s permission) and share with your counselor what you have learned: (a) Visit the website of the U.S. State Department. Learn more about an issue you find interesting that is discussed on this website. (b) Visit the website of an international news organization or foreign government, OR examine a foreign newspaper available at your local library, bookstore, or newsstand. Find a news story about a human right realized in the United States that is not recognized in another country. (c) Visit with a student or Scout from another country and discuss the typical values, holidays, ethnic foods, and traditions practiced or enjoyed there. (d) Attend or participate in a World Organization of the Scouting Movement (WOSM) event such as the World Scout Jamboree, World Scout Moot, World Scout Congress, Jamboree Over The Air, or Jamboree Over The Internet. Attendance at a national or regional Jamboree sponsored by a WOSM-National Scout Organization is also allowed. (e) Participate in or attend an international event in your area, such as an ethnic festival, concert, or play. | Real-World Global Interactions | Medium | These options involve scheduling and sometimes travel, so plan them early. You can often complete 7a and 7b in one library or computer session. If your troop has international Scouts or contacts, consider 7c during a regular meeting and bring a few questions prepared in advance. |
I shortened a few extra-long sections, so here’s a link to the full Citizenship In The World badge requirements from Scouting America.
Why Scouting America Includes The Citizenship In The World Badge
Citizenship In The World is where you start seeing how everything connects – governments, trade, health, security, and even the news on your phone. As you work through this badge, you learn to pause, think, and understand the bigger picture before jumping to conclusions. That habit alone will help you in pretty much every big decision you make later in life.
On top of all that, this badge teaches you to think long-term. When you talk about things like international trade and national interests, you begin to see how actions today affect people years from now. Learning to think ahead and consider how choices affect others is one of the strongest marks of real maturity and leadership!
Who The Citizenship In The World Badge Is Great For
This badge is perfect for Scouts who are Star rank or higher, usually around age 14 or older, but a motivated younger Scout can handle it too. If you have already completed Citizenship In The Nation, Citizenship in Society, or Citizenship In The Community, Citizenship In The World will feel like the “next level,” where you expand your view beyond your town and country. It is ideal if you enjoy history, social studies, current events, or having thoughtful conversations about what is going on in the world.
Career-wise, this badge lines up well with goals in law, politics, military service, international business, public health, journalism, diplomacy, and even humanitarian work. It also connects with hobbies like Model UN, debate team, world travel, language learning, or following global sports and news. If you’re curious about how decisions in one country can affect people everywhere, this badge is right in your wheelhouse!
When I earned Citizenship In The World, it completely changed how I looked at the news. Instead of just hearing “countries” as names on a screen, I started seeing patterns and long term consequences behind headlines. That awareness made me a better leader in my troop and more aware in everyday conversations. It taught me that even as a teenager, I could understand complicated issues and speak up in a way that is informed and useful!
– Cole K
Insider Tips to Finish Citizenship In The World Faster
While subjective, I’d say Citizenship In The World is a 5 out of 10 for difficulty. However, it can feel tougher if you do not organize your work. Most of the badge is discussion and research-based, so your best strategy is to plan ahead, “batch” related requirements, and communicate clearly with your counselor. Here is how you can make the whole process smoother and faster:
- Spot the “gatekeeper” requirements early (3, 4, 5, and 6). Requirements 3, 4, 5, and 6 are the big ones that need legit understanding. Read through them before you meet your counselor for the first time and ask which parts they care about most. This keeps you from having to redo long discussions later.
- Batch the “current event” and “website” requirements together. Requirements 3a, 4b, and 7a/7b can all be worked on using the same set of recent world news. Pick one or two major issues (for example, a trade dispute, a global health issue, or a conflict) and use those same topics to explain national interests, world trade, and human rights. Take notes once, use them several times.
- Use a world map for requirements 3b and 5c at the same time. When you are looking at geography, climate, and resources for 3b, have a printed or digital world map handy. As you talk about different types of governments for 5b, label the map for 5c right then. This counts for both requirements and saves you from repeating work.
- Prepare a simple “one-page” sheet for each discussion-heavy requirement. For requirements 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, write short bullet points in your own words. For example, under requirement 2, list: “How to become a U.S. citizen,” “Rights of citizens,” “Duties/obligations,” and then comparisons with two other countries. Bring these to your meeting. Counselors love seeing that you have already thought things through.
- Talk to your counselor about requirement choices before doing extra work. Requirements 4 and 7 give you options. Before you start researching, text or email your counselor and ask, “I’m planning to do X, but do you recommend I choose something different for 4 and 7?” This keeps you from picking the longest or hardest path without realizing it.
- When interviewing or visiting people, treat it like a mini Communication badge. For requirement 7c or if you talk to an ambassador, foreign student, or international professional, prepare 5 to 8 questions in advance. Focus on values, holidays, government differences, and everyday life. Take brief notes, then summarize your conversation in a paragraph you can share with your counselor.
- Use official sources for the “law and government” parts. For requirements 4a, 5, and 6, start with trusted sites like the United Nations, U.S. State Department, and official embassy pages. This gives you accurate information and also impresses your counselor because you are using real-world sources, not random blogs or social media.
- Practice explaining concepts to a younger Scout. If you can explain “international law,” “tariffs,” or “constitutional government” in simple terms to a younger Scout in your troop, you are ready to explain it clearly to your counselor. This also makes the actual discussion feel more natural and less like a test.
- Bring printed or digital proof of what you did for requirement 7. Screenshots of websites, a photo at an event, or a short written summary of who you met help your counselor quickly confirm that you completed your chosen options. The more organized you are, the faster your counselor can sign things off.
The Most Important Skills You’ll Learn
Citizenship In The World is not about memorizing lists of countries, but instead learning how to understand international issues, think ahead, and handle information responsibly. These skills are huge benefits, whether you’re in school or the workforce.
As you work through this badge, try to notice how every requirement is actually training your brain. You are learning how to ask better questions, evaluate sources, and communicate your thoughts clearly. Here are some of the top skills you will build:
- Critical Thinking About Global Issues: You learn to look at world events from multiple angles, including security, economy, values, and health. In life, this helps you avoid snap judgments and make smarter decisions in everything from voting to managing money and choosing who to trust.
- Comparing Systems and Governments: By studying different types of governments and laws, you practice spotting what works and what does not. This helps you become the kind of person who can analyze school policies or team strategies and suggest better options.
- Research and Source Evaluation: Using government sites, news sources, and international pages helps you learn to separate reliable information from junk. In school and online, this protects you from misinformation and makes your homework, presentations, and arguments much stronger.
- Clear, Respectful Communication: Many parts of this badge are discussions. You get practice sharing your opinions without attacking others and listening to viewpoints that are different from your own.
- Cultural Awareness and Empathy: When you talk with a Scout or student from another country or attend an international event, you learn to see that people can live differently and still care about the same basic things. This helps you treat others with respect and work well in diverse groups.
- Big-Picture Planning and Long-Term Thinking: Understanding national interests teaches you to think beyond what is easy right now. In life, this translates to planning for long-term goals instead of only focusing on short-term comfort.
- Confidence in Discussing Serious Topics: After you have talked about world events with an adult counselor, class discussions and school projects feel less intimidating. You build the confidence to ask questions and share your perspective, even on complex issues.
If you keep these skills in mind while earning Citizenship In The World, you will get a lot more out of it than just another badge. You will start noticing that the same thinking patterns you use here can guide you in your future! Now, we’re ready to go over FAQs so you are prepared for any questions that may come up as you complete this badge!
Citizenship In The World Merit Badge FAQs
Is Citizenship In The World an Eagle-required merit badge?
Yes. Citizenship In The World is one of the Eagle-required badges in the Citizenship group. It is usually considered a medium difficulty badge, especially for Scouts around Star or Life rank. Because it is Eagle-required, your counselor will expect real understanding, not just memorized lines, so be ready to think and talk through the topics.
What is the hardest requirement for Citizenship In The World?
Most Scouts find requirement 4 (especially 4a and 4b) to be the toughest. Explaining international law and understanding trade, tariffs, and global cooperation can feel pretty advanced at first. The key is to use simple examples: think about how rules between friends or teams compare to rules between countries, and how trading between friends is similar to trade between nations. Once you connect the ideas to real life, the requirement becomes much more manageable.
What age or rank is best to start this badge?
The sweet spot is usually around First Class to Star and age 14 to 16, when you have had some history or civics in school. That said, a focused younger Scout can still succeed if they are willing to read, ask questions, and have patient discussions with their counselor. Having completed Citizenship In The Nation or Citizenship In The Community first can make this badge feel smoother.
How much current-events research do I really need to do?
You do not need to follow every single news story. Pick one or two big international issues that interest you and track them for a little while using reliable news sources. Use those events to answer requirements 3a, 4b, and possibly 7a or 7b. Quality matters much more than quantity. Your counselor will care that you understand the issues, not that you spent hours scrolling headlines.
Do I have to physically travel to another country to earn this badge?
No. There is no requirement to leave the country. You can complete everything using maps, websites, news sources, and local or online international events. For requirement 7, talking with a Scout or student from another country, attending an international festival, or participating in an online WOSM event like Jamboree On The Internet is enough.
How should I prepare for the conversations with my merit badge counselor?
Write short bullet points or a simple outline for each major requirement (especially 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). Bring a notebook, worksheet, or printed notes to your meeting. Be ready to explain things in your own words instead of reading a script. If you are nervous, practice once with a parent, leader, or another Scout so you feel more comfortable before talking with your counselor.
What happens if my opinions are different from my counselor’s?
That is completely okay. This badge is about understanding and thinking, not about agreeing with any specific view. As long as you are respectful, listen well, and can explain your reasoning clearly, a good counselor will respect your perspective. In fact, learning to disagree calmly and thoughtfully is one of the best parts of Citizenship In The World.
Resources For Earning Your Citizenship In The World Badge
Helpful Citizenship In The World Resources
These links will support your work on the Citizenship In The World merit badge.
Try reading a few articles on a single global issue and using that same topic for multiple requirements to save time and build a deeper understanding.
Well done, Scout! You’re ready to take on one of the core Eagle-required badges that truly shapes how you see the world. As you work through these requirements, remember that every discussion, article you read, and map you study is sharpening skills you will use for the rest of your life. Be curious, ask honest questions, and do not be afraid to say, “I am not sure yet, but here is what I think.” That kind of honest thinking is what strong citizens and leaders are built on.
If you want extra help, you can pick up the official Citizenship In The World merit badge pamphlet on Amazon so you have a clear, official reference in your hands. Then, use the full ScoutSmarts Citizenship In The World Merit Badge Guide to walk through each requirement step by step. Put in the effort, stay organized, and you will not only earn this badge – you will come away with a stronger sense of who you are and how you fit into the wider world!