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Nation-State

A state that defines itself in terms of its nation.

nation state

A nation-state is a state that defines itself in terms of its nation, and whose citizens share a common national identity. It is a form of government where the state and nation are congruent.

Pronunciation

/ˈneɪ.ʃən ˌsteɪt/

Etymology

The term originated in the 19th century, combining 'nation' (from Latin natio) and 'state' (from Italian stato).

Explain Like I’m 5

A nation-state is a country where most people share a common culture, language, and history, like France or Japan.

Fun Facts

The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648 is often considered a key moment in the development of the nation-state system
Nation-states are not necessarily based on ethnicity, but can be built around shared values or language
Some scholars debate whether true nation-states exist today

FAQ

What is a nation-state? A state where the political entity and the nation are largely congruent
When did the concept of a nation-state emerge? It gained prominence in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries
Is a nation-state always ethnically homogenous? No, many nation-states include diverse ethnic groups

Hypernyms — Broader Categories

state political system

Hyponyms — Specific Examples

United Kingdom France Germany

Meronyms — Parts or Components

government territory population

Holonyms — Wholes or Groups

international relations political geography

Indexes

governmental political entity

Related

Built by Tim Jones