a large body of people, associated with a particular territory, that is sufficiently conscious of its unity to seek or to possess a government peculiarly its own

• nation-state
• nation
• state
• country

an organized political community living under a single system of government commonly referred to as a country

• nation-state
• nation
• state
• country

Theoretically an area where the cultural boundaries match up with the political boundaries. The ideal is that the state incorporates people of a single ethnic stock and cultural traditions

• state
• nation
• nation-state
• country

 naturally occurring barrier between two areas. Rivers, mountain ranges, oceans, and deserts can all serve as examples.

• river boundary
• state boundary
• political boundary
• natural boundary

These lines, more often called borders, are created by people to separate areas governed by different groups

• river boundary
• state boundary
• political boundary
• natural boundary

the political direction and control exercised 
over the actions of the members,citizens, or inhabitants of 
communities, societies, and states; direction of the affairs of a state, 
community, etc.; political administration:

• government
• administration
• cabinet
• secretary of state

the total number of persons inhabiting a country, city, or any district or area

• government
• territory
• population
• sovereignty

an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state

• government
• population
• territory
• sovereignty

 a country's independent authority and right of self-control.

• government
• population
• territory
• sovereignty

examine methodically and in detail the constitution or structure of (something, especially information), typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation

• analyze
• compare
• interpret
• define