nation ( P ) Pronunciation Key (nshn) n. A relatively large group of people organized under a single, usually independent government; a country. The territory occupied by such a group of people: All across the nation, people are voting their representatives out. The government of a sovereign state. A people who share common customs, origins, history, and frequently language; a nationality: Historically the Ukrainians are an ancient nation which has persisted and survived through terrible calamity (Robert Conquest). A federation or tribe, especially one composed of Native Americans. The territory occupied by such a federation or tribe. So I suppose you could class Scotland as a nation. A nation doesn't have to be classed as under a government as I'm guessing you're classing it under. It can be calssed under a people, but I don't think it should be degenerated into what is and isn't a nation.