country

A country is a political and geographic entity that is typically synonymous with a sovereign state in international law. It is defined by four features: a fixed territory, a permanent population, a government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. The term is also used more loosely to refer to a nation or a region without full sovereignty. In political science, "state" denotes the legal-political unit, while "country" is often the geographic or colloquial term; a "nation" refers to a people sharing a common identity. A country may be a nation-state where one nation largely coincides with the state, or it may contain multiple nations.

Sovereignty is the core attribute: a country has ultimate authority over its territory and affairs, subject to international law. A country's government administers public services, enforces laws, controls borders, and conducts diplomacy. International participation commonly requires recognition by other states and organizations, with the United Nations serving as a principal arena for interaction. Membership is not universal; some entities function as de facto states while lacking broad recognition.

Borders define a country's extent and can be altered by treaties, conflict, or referendums. Some regions are disputed or partially administered, leading to ongoing negotiations or separatist movements. Economically, countries vary widely in development, resources, and institutions, yet they typically maintain a system of law, taxation, and governance designed to support security and welfare. Culturally, countries host diverse languages, traditions, and identities, reflecting historical migrations, colonial legacies, and modern globalization.