What’s the difference between nation, country and nation-state?

Similar sounding concepts may have significant differences. This is the case for these three terms: Nation, country and nation-state. More often than not, there is a tendency to use these words interchangeably. It does make sense to use some words and avoid using others for the sake of convenience and in order to ease out day-to-day conversations. But it is important to know what they truly mean, conceptually. These words have very specific meanings in the context of politics, and have their own political vocabulary surrounding them. 

Let’s have a look at what is meant by a nation, a country and a state along with their differences. 

What is a nation? 

• A nation is more of a psychological and emotional concept. It is imagined. 
• It need not have territory or any other physical elements. They are socially constructed, and are not found in nature. 
• A nation is comprised of people who uphold the same cultural identity.  
• They are united by their shared history, languages, institutions, customs and traditions, religion, etc.  
• Not all nations have states, i.e., they may or may not have a ruling authority. 
• National identity and emotional national connect are given extreme importance. 
• For example, Kurdistan is a nation but not state. The people of this nation, the Kurds, have psychological unity to form their nation- they are cultural group. They do not have their own government- they fall under the Iraqi government. 

What is a country or a state? 

• A state or a country has a physical existence. It has its own territory and borders. 
• One of the fundamental characteristics of a state is that it has international recognition. This recognition is, in a way, the approval of its existence by other countries.  
• It is sovereign, i.e., it has its own government which looks after administration and other workings.  
• Unlike a nation, it does not require its members (citizens) to share the same history, ethnicity, cultural heritage, etc. 
• It is possible to become its citizen while holding a citizenship from another state/nation. 

What is a nation-state? 

• It is an extension of a nation. When a nation of people has its own independent State (with a government, territory, boundaries, etc.), it is called a nation-state. 
• You can take France, Germany and Japan, for example.