Look at the three images below. Are you familiar with the images? What do they symbolize? What do they mean to you?

These images (the American Flag, the Statue of Liberty, and the American bald eagle) are symbols of the United States of America that represent the culture of this nation. This display of American symbols is associated with the pride that many Americans feel for his or her nation.

People of many nation use similar symbols to demonstrate the way they feel about their own countries.

Take a look at the two terms below, nationalism and patriotism. These terms are associated with ways that define the relationship between people and their countries.

Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Nationalism Loyalty and devotion to a nation; especially: a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups.

Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. Patriotism Love for or devotion to one's country.

In other words, nationalism is a feeling of loyalty and pride towards one’s country. Nationalism also involves the belief that one’s country is better than other countries. Patriotism can be defined as simply the love that one feels for his or her country.