Can countries be seen looking at Earth from outer space?

Answer 1

No, and this has been shown time and again by photographs taken by astronauts. Although built environments such as towns and cities can be made out, no political boundaries of any kind are observed looking at Earth from outer space. Political boundaries are man-made social constructs, not physical or natural ones. Countries or sovereign states are artificial social entities also created by people and not physical or natural ones which can be observed directly. Astronauts have often commented on the natural beauties of our planet such as the oceans, lakes, rivers, forests, mountains, and clouds.