WHAT IS A NATION-STATE?

Vocabulary Nation: a group of people who share the same history, geography, language, customs and sometimes religion. State: a state is a self-governing political entity. The term state can be used interchangeably with country.

What Defines a State or an Independent Country Has space or territory which has internationally recognized boundaries (boundary disputes can be dealt with) Has people who live there on an ongoing basis Has the power of social engineering, such as education

Has economic activity and an organized economy Has economic activity and an organized economy. A country regulates foreign and domestic trade and issues money. Has a government which provides public services and police power. Has a transportation system for moving goods and people.

Has sovereignty. No other State should have power over the country’s territory. Has external recognition. A country has been “voted into the club” by other countries.

What is a Nation Shared language Shared culture and background A group of people with a long history Shared values which are predominantly represented within a specific ethnic group

Countries can be classified as nation-states even if they do not necessarily fit the full criteria. Most nation-states in the world are not ethnically homogenous and accept immigrants, refugees and foreign workers

CANADA Canada is a nation-state. We fit all the criteria of an independent country, however we don’t necessarily fit the criteria of a nation a) multiple ethnicities b) numerous religious practices c) different cultural norms