Citezenship in the best country explained by ducks

Your citizenship at birth was chosen for you. Which citizenship would you have chosen?

Ok, so first we have to define citizenship, the Merriam-Webster defines citizenship as the ‘status of being a citizen,’ but philosophically, it represents the intersection of individual liberty and state protection.

So now I have to decide what country I am from. This would be hard enough by itself so let’s explain it with ducks!

Why ducks? Well, this is already an interesting enough concept, so why not make it even more interesting by adding a pinch of Anas platyrhynchos into this!

So to better understand the logic of citizenship, let us utilize a thought experiment involving a rational observer-Daquavis.

Daquavis was born on a plane, in the middle of the ocean, so no one knew where he lived. 

His parents bring him to the duck king to decide where he would be from. 

Now logically, the duck would generally be considered a citizen of the country where the aircraft is registered, but we are talking about ducks, so logic is out of the question here. 

The duck king said “QUACK QUACK QUACK!” which translated to english is “LET HIM DECIDE!”. 

This was probably quoted by the duck king because John Locke believed that government is a “Social Contract.

So the decision was made, Daquavis, the nerd duck, would decide his citizenship.

The duck started thinking, luckily he knew english so we could tune into his thoughts.

Daquavises thoughts: I don’t know what country I am in right now, so I must use the knowledge that I have.

He knew that Japan was number 2 in the rankings for best country with its GDP Per Capita of PPP $50,207 and its exceptional safety, high quality of life, and efficient public infrastructure.

But that was in second, he needed the first place one.

The king sat there staring at him,

“QUACK QUACK QUACK, QUACK?” which translates to “What’s your answer, Huh?” in english.

“Well, based on the ¹HDI and economic stability metrics, Switzerland emerges as the superior choice.”

“QUACK?” the duck king shouted out, which means “WHY?” in english.

This is what he said to the king duck, “Switzerland is considered an optimal place to live due to its high quality of life, driven by high salaries, low unemployment, strong economy, political stability, and excellent public services like world-class healthcare, education, and public transport. Residents benefit from stunning natural beauty, low crime rates, a strong work-life balance, and a central location in Europe, fostering a safe, clean, and prosperous environment with ample opportunities for recreation and professional growth.”

Nerdiness is really instrumental in these types of situations.

“QUACK QUACK QUACK!” The duck king said, translating to “I NEED MORE REASONING!”

“Well, ¹GDP is considered a crucial metric for living in Switzerland because it directly reflects the nation’s immense economic strength, resulting in one of the world’s highest ¹GDP per capita levels. This translates into exceptionally high standards of living, robust public services, low unemployment, and significant stability, which are key to maintaining the country’s high quality of life.”

He took a breath.

“And also, I would choose Switzerland, although it has high prices, becausehe high costs are often viewed by travelers as a direct reflection of unparalleled quality, safety, and efficiency. While expensive, many find the investment “worth it” due to several unique factors.”

“QUACK.” The duck king shouted out loud, translating to, “Ok, fine smart individual, your decision shall be considered.”

So it was decided, he was now declared “Daquavis The Switzerland Duck”.

Daquavis’s choice reminds us that while birth is an accident of geography, citizenship is a deliberate commitment to a set of values.

¹World Bank Data, 2025.