The Nation-State

A nation-state is a political entity where a specific nation—defined by common culture, language, history, and identity—has its own independent government and defined territory. This state functions as the political organization representing the nation’s people, with sovereignty over its borders and laws. Essentially, it combines the idea of a nation (people with shared bonds) with that of a state (a sovereign political region), creating a unified entity where national identity and political authority are closely linked. Examples include countries like Japan, France, or Mexico.