Final answer:
A nation-state combines a culturally unified nation with an organized state, exemplified by France and Japan, where the population shares a common identity and the state exercises sovereignty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of a nation-state is often described as the union of a nation, which shares a common cultural or ethnic identity, with the state, which holds institutional power over a defined territory. Countries like France and Japan are excellent examples of nation-states, where the vast majority of the population shares the same national identity, corresponding to the formal boundaries of the state. Such homogenous nation-states exist where a centralized government and a homogeneous population with a common culture, language, and heritage coincide within a sovereign state’s boundaries.
In Europe, the movement towards forming nation-states can be seen in Italy for Italians and Germany for Germans. However, in cases of ethnic or cultural diversity within a state, forming a pure nation-state can be complicated. Conversely, stateless nations like the Kurds lack a recognized sovereign state despite their strong national identity, placing them at a disadvantage in international relations and governance.