country表示“全国人民”，用单数形式且表示单数意义，若用作主语，谓语动词通常要用单数（有时也说成 the whole country, the entire country)。如：

The whole country is with the prime minister. 全国上下都拥护首相。

The country was horrified by the killings. 全国上下都对这些凶杀案感到大为震惊。

The entire country was swept up in the excitement. 全国上下都沉浸在兴奋的气氛中。

The country was up, ready to drive out the enemy. 全国人民都动员起来，要把敌人赶走。