noun
free state; free country
A country or state that is free, often in a political or ideological sense. May be used in historical contexts (e.g., Free State of Bavaria) or in general discussion of liberty.
自由国では言論の自由が保障されている。
In a free country, freedom of speech is guaranteed.
彼は自由国への移住を夢見ていた。
He dreamed of emigrating to a free country.
共和国 means 'republic', a form of government, whereas 自由国 emphasizes the state of being free rather than the political system.
Compound of 自由 (freedom) + 国 (country). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning 'free state'.