What is the essence of the state?

A state is an association that has its own territory, and the population of this state lives on it. More broadly, the state unites a group of people who live by common laws, adhere to the same rules and globally have the same goals. And yet these people are united by a common culture, traditions, religion and, most importantly, by a common history. Each state defends its interests, its territory and protects its own citizens.