The terms “country” and “nation” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings in political and sociological contexts. A country is a political entity defined by borders, sovereignty, and government. It exists in the realm of law and politics, recognized as an independent state with control over its internal and external affairs. A nation, however, transcends borders.
It is a sociocultural concept—a group of people united by a shared sense of identity, culture, language, or history. Nations can exist without political sovereignty, as seen in the numerous stateless nations around the world. In other words, a country is a politically recognized territory with defined borders and sovereignty while a nation is a group of people sharing a common identity, which may or may not be politically organized into a state (country). This crucial distinction raises thought-provoking questions: How do people define their sense of belonging? Is identity tied to a political entity or to deeper cultural ties?
The concept of the nation-state, when the boundaries of a nation align with a country, may seem straightforward, but it is relatively modern. It emerged in the mid-17th century with the Peace of Westphalia, which cemented the idea of territorial sovereignty. Before this, the political map of the world was far more fluid, with empires, kingdoms, and territories often disregarding cultural or ethnic boundaries. Today, the nation-state is the standard, though it is an imperfect one.
Consider San Marino, the world’s oldest republic, founded in 301 AD. It became a modern nation-state in the true sense of the word in the 19th century when it adopted its constitution in 1600, long before many other modern nation-states formed. Despite its size, which is only 61 sq km, San Marino has retained its sovereignty throughout various periods of European upheaval.
On the other hand, the United States represents a newer form of the nation-state, one founded not on ethnicity or ancient history but on revolutionary principles of freedom and democracy. Since 1776, the U.S. has been a pioneering force, inspiring movements for self-determination around the globe. Its influence on modern democratic governance remains undeniable.
This begs the question: Is a nation merely a political construct, or does it reside in the hearts of its people? As we study global nationalism and identity politics, the answer could reshape our understanding of both nationhood and statehood.