we say homeland vs. home country. homeland is the land of

one's origins, ancestors, or cultural roots even if you were not born there. I can say: Although I was born in the US, China (not your PRC though) will always be my homeland. 可以翻译：祖地. Homeland does not have to mean a specific nation, state.

Home country refers to the country where one was born or holds citizenship. It is for legal/national sense. like: He returned to his home country after studying abroad.