What is a nation-state?

A nation-state is defined as a political entity characterized by a centralized government and a defined territory, where the state's borders coincide with the cultural boundaries of a nation. This means that the nation-state is both an organized political community and a homogeneous cultural group, emphasizing the importance of centralized governance in maintaining sovereignty and authority.

The key aspect distinguishing a nation-state from other types of political entities is its combination of national identity and political sovereignty. In a nation-state, the citizens typically share common cultural attributes such as language, religion, or historical experiences, which help foster a sense of belonging and collective identity. This leads to a more unified political structure that can effectively enforce laws and policies over its defined territory.

In contrast, the other options fail to encapsulate the full definition of a nation-state. A unique cultural group with limited government emphasizes cultural characteristics without acknowledging the political framework. A multicultural society refers to diversity within a population and does not imply a centralized political structure. Lastly, a loosely defined group based on shared ethnicity may highlight shared cultural traits but lacks the organized political authority and autonomy essential to the concept of a nation-state.