Overview
Country (国, kuni) primarily refers to a nation (an independent state), but also to a region of varying size and independence. Most country names are followed by republic or kingdom, and unless there is another country with the same name, the name omitted is used as the common name.
In Japan before prefectures were established, the name "country" was used as a regional division within the country → Provinces of Japan, the so-called old country name. The place of birth is sometimes described as a country, but in this case it means hometown.
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Continent Region Town Hometown Country Side