definition
strict definition
state
An internal political division of a country at a level that may be called a state, province, prefecture, or another local term.
States are internal political divisions within countries, and can be an important level of government. This level of classification can go by many names, including provinces and prefectures.
The division forms part of the country rather than being an independent country. It can provide a substantial level of government within that political structure.
The local name can be province or prefecture instead of state. The name used for the division and its position within the country are separate aspects of its description.