Allodial title constitutes ownership of
real property (land, buildings and
fixtures) that is independent of any superior landlord. Allodial title is related to the concept of land held "in allodium", or land ownership by occupancy and defense of the land. Historically, much of land was uninhabited and could therefore be held "in allodium". In the modern
developed world, true allodial title is only possible for
nation state governments. Although the word "allodial" has been used in the context of private ownership in a few states of the
United States, this ownership is still restricted by governmental authority; the word 'allodial' in these cases describes land with fewer but still significant governmental restrictions.