What Are They?

Define a Nation-State

A nation-state is a group of people under one government that share the same culture, language, and ethnicity.

People in a nation-state feel connected.

Some characteristics of a nation-state are culture, history, government, religion, and land.

Culture: Everyone shares the same way of life, social behavior, and customs; the same food, dress, and traditions.

History: There is a common past with similar experiences.

Government: The nation follows one government. They rule themselves.

Religion: Everyone shares the same beliefs and religion.

Land: The border is defined by where the ethnic group settles or by rivers and mountains. It is their territory.

This image shows the state boundary between Germany and Austria on top of the Alpine Mountain ridge.

Language can also be unique to certain nation-states.

For example, in Iceland the language spoken is only found in Iceland. People speak Icelandic, which is a North Germanic language based on native roots.

Unlike the United States that is very diverse with ethnicities from all over the world, a nation-state is built around a homogenous group of people having the same ethnic background.