It's not status as a nation, it's recognizability as a distinct place.
When someone asks where you're from, you're likely to reach for the most specific unit that you think that they will recognize.
In some conversations that will be the nation. In other conversations that will be the region. In other conversations that will be the city or even the neighborhood.
One major factor that affect how recognizable a placename is is population size.
> When someone asks where you're from, you're likely to reach for the most specific unit that you think that they will recognize.
Agreed. Considering this thread was international in scope, I've been disappointed by the apparent lack of awareness some people have of the way the rest of the world sees their nation.
When someone asks where you're from, you're likely to reach for the most specific unit that you think that they will recognize.
In some conversations that will be the nation. In other conversations that will be the region. In other conversations that will be the city or even the neighborhood.
One major factor that affect how recognizable a placename is is population size.