Citizenship in the World Merit Badge

Citizenship in the World and the Trail to Eagle

Citizenship in the World is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges. There is no substitute for it. Every scout who earns Eagle must complete Citizenship in the World, along with the other 12 required badges and 8 electives, for 21 merit badges in total. See the full breakdown in our Eagle Scout requirements guide.

Citizenship in the World Merit Badge Requirements

Summary of the 7 main requirements for Citizenship in the World. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.

1
Explain what citizenship in the world means to you and what you think it takes to be a good world citizen.
2
Explain how one becomes a citizen in the United States, and explain the rights, duties, and obligations of U.S. citizenship.
3
Do the following:
1. a.Pick a current world event and discuss how a country's national interest and its relationship with other countries might affect various areas.
2. b.Select a foreign country and discuss how its geography, natural resources, and climate influence its economy and global partnerships.
4
Do TWO of the following: explain international law, explain the purpose of the United Nations, explain international trade agreements, or describe the role of two international organizations.
5
Discuss constitutional and non-constitutional governments. Name at least five different types of governments currently in power.
6
Explain how a government is represented abroad and the roles of ambassadors, consuls, and other diplomatic personnel.
7
Do TWO of the following: visit the U.S. State Department website, visit a foreign news organization's website, visit with a student or Scout from another country, attend a world Scout jamboree, or participate in an international event.

Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.

How to Earn the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge

1. Get a blue card and a counselor

Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Citizenship in the World, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.

2. Plan around the setting

Citizenship in the World is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.

3. Budget the time

Expect about 2 months for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.

4. Track every requirement

Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 9 Citizenship in the World requirements for you.

Citizenship in the World Merit Badge FAQ

Is the Citizenship in the World merit badge required for Eagle Scout?

Yes. Citizenship in the World is one of the 13 Eagle-required merit badges every Eagle Scout must earn.

How long does the Citizenship in the World merit badge take?

Most scouts finish Citizenship in the World in about 2 months, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.

Where do scouts usually earn the Citizenship in the World merit badge?

Citizenship in the World is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Citizenship in the World can sign off requirements.