same country; same province
Refers to the country or province previously mentioned or understood from context. Often used in news reports to avoid repetition.
両選手は同国の出身だ。
Both athletes are from the same country.
同国の法律では、それは禁止されている。
Under the laws of that country, it is prohibited.
the country in question; the said country
Used anaphorically to refer back to a country already mentioned, similar to 'the country' or 'that country' in English. Common in formal or journalistic contexts.
同国政府は声明を発表した。
The government of the said country issued a statement.
He is known as a soccer player from that country.
The government of that country announced a new economic policy.
A large-scale demonstration occurred within that country.