In geography, a state refers to an independent political entity with clearly defined boundaries. It is typically governed by its own system of laws and has sovereignty over its territory.
Related terms
Nation-State: A political unit where the boundaries of a nation largely coincide with those of the state.
Sovereignty: The authority and power of a state to govern itself independently without interference from external sources.
Federalism: A system in which power is divided between central (national) government entities and regional (state/provincial) governments.