What does a nation-state imply about its population?

A nation-state fundamentally implies that its population identifies as a cohesive unit, often bound by shared characteristics such as culture, language, history, and social norms. This sense of shared identity is crucial for the concept of a nation-state, as it suggests that the people living within a specific geographic area share a collective consciousness and feeling of belonging to a particular nation.

In contrast, a multinational entity would indicate the presence of multiple national groups within a state, which does not align with the singular national identity characteristic of a nation-state. Similarly, the notion of a population speaking multiple languages can exist within a nation-state, but it does not define the core concept; instead, language diversity might indicate a more complicated social fabric. Lastly, a defined geographic area is essential for a nation-state, as it cannot function as a coherent political entity without territorial boundaries. Thus, the identification of the population as a nation is a defining feature of what it means to be a nation-state.