Motherland may be synonymous with the concept of fatherland, although carrying different psychological and cultural associations. From the earliest of times the Earth, and thereby the land, usually was depicted as a mother[citation needed]. Among the earliest of human records, the Ancient Egyptians began the tradition of describing their country as a motherland.[1] Even today, often the imagery or personification of a country depicts the gender of the concept for each, for example, Africa, Nigeria, Congo, Rwanda, South Africa, Egypt, India, Sri Lanka and many more. Languages usually display the gender differences of the concept in most countries.
The term "Motherland" is very often applied to Africa due to it being the origin of humanity and civilization. Many Russians around the world refer to Russia as their motherland. People from the United States and former British colonies would sometimes describe the United Kingdom as the "Mother Country", often carrying a strong British Imperialist connotation, and not always in a flattering manner. In Spanish-speaking countries Madre Patria is used to refer to Spain (la Madre Patria).
The term, motherland, especially has the connotation of one's country of birth and growing up, with the country respectfully being viewed as a benign mother, nurturing the citizens as her children.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motherland
