While the terms "nation" and "state" are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings:

Nation:

Refers to a cultural identity shared by a group of people.
Defined by characteristics like:
    Common language
    History
    Culture
    Traditions
    Shared aspirations
Doesn't necessarily have a defined territory or formal government.
Examples: The Kurdish people, the Roma people

State:

Refers to a political entity with:
    Defined territory and borders
    Formal government institutions like laws and leadership
    Sovereignty (independence) in international relations
May contain one or more nations within its borders.
Examples: The United States, India, China

Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
Feature Nation State
Definition Cultural identity Political entity
Key characteristics Language, history, culture, traditions Territory, government, sovereignty
Defined territory Not necessarily Yes
Formal government No Yes

It's important to note that not all nations have their own state, and not all states perfectly align with a single nation. In the real world, these concepts can overlap and become complex. For example, the United States is often considered a nation-state, where a single dominant nation (Americans) occupies the territory of the state (the United States). However, the US also has diverse populations with distinct cultural identities within its borders.