Countries That Have Changed Their Names

Many countries have changed their names over time due to independence, political transitions, cultural shifts, or efforts to assert national identity. Some changes are subtle, others more dramatic—but all reflect important historical developments.

Notable Country Name Changes

• Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan, 1971): Became independent after a war with Pakistan.
• Belize (formerly British Honduras, 1973): Renamed before full independence in 1981.
• Benin (formerly Dahomey, 1975): Chosen to represent national unity.
• Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland, 1966): New name at independence.
• Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta, 1984): Means “Land of Incorruptible People.”
• Cabo Verde (formerly Cape Verde, 2013): Portuguese name promoted for international use.
• Cambodia (formerly Kampuchea, reverted in 1989): Returned to the older name after Khmer Rouge era.
• Czechia (short form of Czech Republic, adopted 2016): For easier international use.
• Côte d’Ivoire (formerly Ivory Coast, 1986): Requested the French name be used in all languages.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire, reverted in 1997): Previous name restored after Mobutu’s fall.
• Djibouti (formerly French Somaliland, 1977): Named after the capital city.
• Eswatini (formerly Swaziland, 2018): Chosen by the king to reflect the local language.
• Ghana (formerly Gold Coast, 1957): Adopted at independence from the UK.
• Iran (formerly Persia, 1935): Shifted to reflect the native name “Iran.”
• Kiribati (formerly Gilbert Islands, 1979): Local pronunciation of “Gilberts.”
• Lesotho (formerly Basutoland, 1966): Reflects local identity.
• Malaysia (formerly Malaya, 1963): Formed after federation with Borneo territories and Singapore.
• Malawi (formerly Nyasaland, 1964): New name adopted at independence.
• Myanmar (formerly Burma, 1989): Changed by the military government.
• Namibia (formerly South-West Africa, 1990): Independence from South African rule.
• North Macedonia (formerly Republic of Macedonia, 2019): New name resolved dispute with Greece.
• Suriname (formerly Dutch Guiana, 1975): Adopted at independence from the Netherlands.
• Slovakia (formerly part of Czechoslovakia, 1993): Gained independence through peaceful separation.
• South Sudan (formerly part of Sudan, 2011): Became an independent nation after referendum (not in original list, but often relevant).
• Serbia (formerly part of Serbia and Montenegro, 2006): Gained independence after Montenegro’s separation.
• Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon, 1972): Changed when the country became a republic.
• Thailand (formerly Siam, 1939): Name changed to emphasize national identity.
• Timor-Leste (formerly East Timor, 2002): Adopted Portuguese name after independence.
• Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar, united in 1964): Union formed a new state.
• Tuvalu (formerly Ellice Islands, 1978): Local name adopted at independence.
• Türkiye (formerly Turkey, international name updated in 2022): Reflects Turkish pronunciation.
• Vanuatu (formerly New Hebrides, 1980): Indigenous name adopted at independence.
• Zambia (formerly Northern Rhodesia, 1964): Named after the Zambezi River.
• Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia, 1980): Adopted name at independence from Britain.

Why Countries Change Names

Country name changes can be driven by several factors:

• Independence from colonial rule
• Political transitions or revolutions
• Desire to reflect indigenous language and culture
• International rebranding or standardization
• Unification or separation of states

Conclusion

Changing a country’s name is a significant act, often loaded with meaning. Whether driven by decolonization, national pride, or diplomatic negotiation, these changes tell the evolving stories of nations around the world.