Former National Security Agency contractor-turned-whistleblower Edward Snowden has been granted citizenship of:

The Correct answer is Russia.

Key Points

• Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, became globally recognized in 2013 after leaking classified information regarding mass surveillance programs conducted by the NSA and its international partners.
• After facing charges of espionage in the United States, Snowden sought asylum to avoid prosecution and eventually found refuge in Russia.
• In September 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin granted Edward Snowden Russian citizenship.
• Snowden had been living in Russia since 2013, where he was granted asylum and later permanent residency.
• Snowden's decision to remain in Russia has been a topic of significant international debate, particularly regarding issues of privacy, surveillance, and whistleblowing.
• The citizenship allows Snowden to have the same rights and obligations as a Russian citizen, including the possibility of being conscripted into the country's military service, although his lawyers stated that he had not previously served in the U.S. military.
• His case highlights ongoing tensions between privacy advocates and governments regarding the balance between national security and individual freedoms.

 Additional Information

• Sweden
  • Sweden is a country in Northern Europe, known for its progressive policies and emphasis on human rights.
  • It has been a destination for asylum seekers, but Edward Snowden did not seek or receive citizenship in Sweden.
• Poland
  • Poland is a country in Central Europe, part of the European Union and NATO.
  • While Snowden’s revelations were significant in Europe, Poland was not involved in granting him asylum or citizenship.
• Germany
  • Germany, a major European power, has strict data protection laws and was one of the countries critical of NSA surveillance.
  • Despite public debate, Snowden did not receive citizenship or asylum in Germany.