> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gitbook.jur.io/jur-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gitbook.jur.io/jur-documentation/key-notions/state-and-nation.md).

# State and Nation

Throughout history, humankind has worked to define forms of human organization to ensure civil coexistence. They have evolved over the centuries. [The modern nation state is a relatively recent concept, arising only in the past three hundred years.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nation_state)

<figure><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DSErplkJi3qdLs_xMzLjIL1hnMOjbNj_DZkUPJSCsVlHiqq1RoQrHQfkR7kfmgrjA7mgrRU0PPh_GlGk5IcQtkRG1mzzOZzFlCRGzyT4Ma6k--yl2gJO7nke95ZpWLMkV2d_bc7CC48iuEVgjWb07Cjjuf2VyQIqcsI5NX_UV2AFx8hQTi0fQJY6VMGD8A" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

A nation is a community that shares a set of common values: **language, norms, tradition, customs, and religion**. Historically nations were defined by an individual's place of birth.

The State is a form of human association distinguished for its purpose–– the establishment of order and security; its methods, the laws and their enforcement; its territory, the area of jurisdiction or geographic boundaries; and finally by its sovereignty.

State and nation are therefore two different concepts: the state implies the existence of an organized political body which exercises power over citizens of a nation, and to which the citizens confer power.