State

A state is an organized political entity that has a defined territory, a permanent population, a government that exercises sovereignty, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. It functions as a sovereign authority, maintaining order, implementing laws, and providing services to its citizens within its borders. Think of it as the highest level of political organization that governs a specific geographic area, ensuring stability and compliance with national and international norms. States are the primary units in the international system, each recognized officially as a sovereign entity.