What are the most important things when creating a fictional nation?

Hello, people! I've found myself wanting to learn how to create a fictional country, so I can have a setting for the stories I want to write. I'm having a hard time finding a template to follow, so I wonder what's the essential things to know about when creating a fictional nation. What should be the first things I should know about your fictional nation?<br><br>PD: Sorry if this post is in the wrong place, but I'm just learning to navigate and getting to know the community. Also, English is not my native language, so I apologize for any errors I may commit to make.<br>E: I see this kind of post has been done before, so I would love if you could point out any differences between this and the ones that have been posted before. For example, I don't want just a list of what I should know, I would rather know what would be the best starting point.