The country was united under the first Fire Lord after a long period of violent warlord rule, ushering into a period of religious government headed by the Fire Sages. Historically, the Fire Nation experienced a substantial amount of internal strife. Before the foundation of the United Republic and the following global technological revolution, it was also the strongest and most advanced country in the world.

The Fire Nation is the second-largest nation in terms of area, following the Earth Kingdom, while its economy is the most powerful in the world its strong industrial sector and extensive technological developments not only enabled the Fire Nation to create an extremely powerful military, but also initiated worldwide modernization and globalization. The people of the Fire Nation are referred to as 'Fire Nationals'. Its capital is simply known as the Fire Nation Capital. Geographically, the nation is located along the planet's equator in the western hemisphere and is composed of several islands, named the Fire Islands. It is an absolute monarchy led by the Fire Lord and home to most firebenders.

The Fire Nation is one of the world's four nations and five sovereign states.