Ambassador facts for kids

An ambassador is a special person sent by one country's government to another country. They are the official representative of their home country. An ambassador's main job is to talk with officials in the host country about any important matters or problems between the two nations. They work to build good relationships and solve disagreements peacefully.

What is an Ambassador?

For a long time, it took days or even weeks for countries to communicate with each other. Because of this, it was very important to have a person in each foreign capital city. These people, called ambassadors, could hold meetings and make negotiations directly. Today, communication is much faster. Governments can often talk to each other instantly. However, many important issues still need face-to-face meetings. This is why ambassadors are still very much needed. They help countries understand each other better and work together.

Where Do Ambassadors Work?

An ambassador usually lives in the foreign country for several years. Their home and office is called an embassy. Embassies are almost always located in the capital city of the host country. An ambassador often brings a team of people to help them. These helpers work at the embassy. Some of the most important people on the team are called embassy officials. They assist the ambassador with their duties.

Special Protections for Ambassadors

It is a long-standing tradition and a rule that ambassadors and many embassy officials have something called diplomatic immunity. This means they cannot be arrested or charged with crimes in the foreign country. If an ambassador or official breaks a law, the only thing the host country can do is ask their home country to send them back. This special protection helps ambassadors do their job without fear of being unfairly treated by the host country.

Images for kids

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  Ambassador Daoud Zadour of Persia

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  Arrival of the English Ambassadors by Vittore Carpaccio, painted between 1495 and 1500—though ostensibly part of a series of paintings on the life of Saint Ursula, this actually depicts the developing diplomatic practices of the Republic of Venice in the painter's own time

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  Before taking office, an ambassador's credentials must be accepted, such as when South African Ambassador Harry Schwarz handed his credentials to U.S. President George H. W. Bush in 1991.

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  Maria-Pia Kothbauer, Princess of Liechtenstein and ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Czech Republic, presenting her credentials to Václav Klaus

See also

In Spanish: Embajador para niños