noun
mercantile nation; trading nation
Refers to a country whose economy is heavily dependent on international trade. Often used in economic or geopolitical contexts.
日本は資源が少ないため、商業国として発展してきた。
Because Japan has few natural resources, it has developed as a trading nation.
Compound of 商業 (commerce, trade) and 国 (country). The term is a straightforward modern coinage reflecting the concept of a nation whose economy is centered on commerce.