Differences Between a Country, State, and Nation

A territory that contains its own populations and institutions is known as a state. A state is considered to be sovereign when it has its own institutions and populations, as well as its own territory, government, and population that does not migrate. In addition to this, it must possess the authority and capability to enter into treaties and other types of agreements with other states. A large group of people who live in the same area and who share some aspect of their history, culture, or other aspects of their lives are considered to be a nation. A cultural group (a nation) that also functions as a state is referred to as a nation-state (and may, in addition, be a sovereign state).

The Characteristics That Make a Nation, a State, and a Country Distinct From One Another

Country and State are essentially synonymous terms because they both refer to political entities that govern themselves. However, a group of people who share the same culture but do not have their own sovereign state is referred to as a nation.

When the “s” in state is written with a lowercase letter, it indicates that the state in question is part of a larger country, such as the various states that make up the United States of America. When the “S” in “state” is capitalised, it indicates that the state in question is an independent nation.

In the Past, How Did People Distinguish Between Different Countries

When attempting to define a country in the past, many governments relied on one of two diametrically opposed theories: the Montevideo Convention treaty or the constitutive theory of statehood.

A convention on the Rights and Duties of States was held in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1933, and it resulted in the signing of a treaty. According to the terms of the treaty, a state must meet all four of the following requirements: it must have a permanent population, it must have a defined territory, it must have a government, and it must be able to have diplomatic relations with other states.

In addition, the convention stated that the recognition of a state by other states was not necessary for the existence of a state, which meant that a country could exist even if other nations did not recognise it.On the other hand, the constitutive theory of statehood held that a country was only considered existing if it was acknowledged as a sovereign nation by other nations. Therefore, a country is considered to be independent if other countries recognise it as such. This is true even if the country in question does not have control of its territory or a permanent population.

What Characteristics Define a Nation-State or an Independent State in the Modern Era

1. Possesses land and borders that are internationally recognised, despite the fact that there may be border disputes;
2. Has permanent residents;
3. possesses sovereignty, which ensures that no other nation can exert influence over its territory;
4. whose economic activity is organised, which regulates both international and domestic trade, and which issues money;
5. possesses a transportation network capable of moving both people and goods;
6. possesses a method of teaching;
7. Has the recognition of a number of other sovereign states

What is the Total Number of Nations that Make up the World

There are currently 195 sovereign nations or states that are recognised as independent across the globe. The most recent nation to declare its independence was South Sudan in 2011. This makes it the newest country. Countries do not include territories like Hong Kong, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, or Greenland that are administered by another nation. Examples of such territories include:

Explain the Difference Between a Nation and a Nation-State

A group of people who share the same culture, language, institutions, religion, and history is referred to as a nation. A nation is typically composed of a larger number of individuals than a tribe or community. Nation-states are frequently referred to by this name whenever a group of people from a single nation possess their very own sovereign state. While countries like France, Germany, and Japan are examples of nation-states, the Kurds are a nation that does not have its own state.

Conclusion 

When a territory claims to be a country but is not recognised by any other countries, this frequently leads to international conflict. One example is Taiwan, which asserts that it is an independent nation despite China’s position that Taiwan is an integral part of China. As a result, other countries that wish to avoid upsetting China have taken the position of not recognising Taiwan’s independence.