The nine states. This refers to a section of Japan from a long time ago that was presumably made up of nine states. Now it's just one big island, though, and that island is Kyuushuu. Go take a look at a map and find this giant island, it's a cool part of Japan!

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well.