noun / adjective

country

KUHN-tree/ˈkʌntri/

A territory with a distinctive population or character.

Japan is a country with its own flag and government.

A raised map of Japan, with its national territory clearly outlined, its national flag, and a small recognizable National Diet Building physically placed on the main island: territory, national identity, and government shown together.

Etymology

Old French contree meant a region or district. English used the word for one's native land and for geographic areas with political organization, connecting territory with the modern sense of a nation.

In context

VICE News2:23

a military junta arrested burkina faso's president and announced their control of the country on state tv

How Coups Are Derailing the US War on Terror in Africa

More examples

The trail crosses miles of rugged mountain country.
They enjoy quiet country life far from the city.
She listens to country on the drive home.

Forms

country · countries

countryside noun — Rural land away from towns and cities.

Similar words

nation: Emphasizes a politically organized people rather than landscape or terrain.
region: Names a distinct area without implying an independent government.