[Maxim Litvinov]

Does it really matter what they are called? Counties? Prefectures? Regions? In the end, a whole bunch of nations have Federal systems - or a federation of "states".

If they have to use a word that is directly related to the English 'state', then you should include Germany on your list straightaway.

[Yeddi]

If they have to use a word that is directly related to the English 'state', then you should include Germany on your list straightaway.

Because it's a Federation?

[Maxim Litvinov]

Because (correct me if I'm wrong), Germany is made up of 'stadt's - directly equivalent to the English 'state'. And, yes, it is a federation.

In fact, when East Germany 'dissolved', all that really happened was that six East German states announced they were joining West Germany.

[Deluxe 007]

the only place as far as i know where they use states as a definition of parts of a nationstate is the US and Australia. Most other countries have counties or some derivation thereof.

Mexico and Brazil are divided in states, too.

[clownboy]

What I dont understand is why Britain has to tag along too.

Because chances are good that colonial Britain CREATED the country having the problem in the first place.