For instance, the transition from Persia to Iran in 1935 signified a desire to align with national self-identity, similarly, Swaziland’s reversion to Eswatini and Macedonia’s renaming to North Macedonia illustrate efforts to assert cultural heritage and regional distinction.These name changes reveal deeper narratives of sovereignty and evolution. In this article, we will take a look at some of the ten countries that changed their names.
Why do countries change their names?
Many place names are also subject to change, reflecting shifts in political or cultural landscapes. Governments globally have recently renamed numerous cities, towns, streets, mountains, and national parks, with further changes anticipated.
These renamings can serve various purposes: to disassociate from a disgraced figure or to commemorate a new one, to mark a new beginning, or to address historical grievances. While such changes aim to redefine or correct past perceptions, they often evoke unease and controversy, challenging familiar identities and historical associations.
Countries old and new names
Countries that changed their names
In 1989, the ruling military junta in the Southeast Asian country known as Burma changed its name to Myanmar. This decision sparked international controversy and opposition, as many viewed it as an effort to legitimise the junta’s authority. Countries like the United States continued to use the name Burma, citing concerns over human rights abuses and the absence of a democratic transition.
In 1972, the island nation of Ceylon adopted the name Sri Lanka, derived from the Sinhalese language, and proclaimed itself a republic. This change was intended to better represent the nation’s multicultural identity and move away from its colonial history under British rule. “Sri Lanka,” meaning “resplendent land” in Sinhalese, highlights the country’s natural beauty.
- East Pakistan to Bangladesh
In 1971, East Pakistan declared independence from West Pakistan after a devastating conflict, leading to the formation of the new nation of Bangladesh. This transition signified the end of the Bangladesh Liberation War and highlighted the distinct cultural, linguistic, and political differences between the two regions.
- Czech Republic to Czechia
Although the Czech Republic remains an official name, the government now prefers the shorter title Czechia. Authorities argue that Czechia is more convenient for recognition in international events such as sports competitions and tourism marketing campaigns.
“I use the word Czechia because it sounds nicer and is shorter than the formal Czech Republic,” President Miloš Zeman remarked in 2019.
In 2022, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan notified the United Nations that the country’s name should be referred to as “Türkiye” in all languages. “The word ‘Türkiye’ best represents and expresses the culture, civilization, and values of the Turkish nation,” stated President Erdogan. He also mentioned that this name offers a more accurate representation of the nation, as opposed to being associated with the name of a bird.
Thailand was known as Siam until 1939, when it officially adopted its new name. This change was intended to reinforce the nation’s unity and identity amid growing Western colonial influence in Southeast Asia. The name “Thailand,” meaning “Land of the Free,” was chosen to highlight the country’s independence and the national pride of the Thai people.
Iran boasts one of the most intriguing and unique histories of any nation, yet many people overlook it due to contemporary conflicts and recent wars. Understanding that Iran was formerly known as Persia is crucial. While Iranians had called their country Iran since 1000 BC, it wasn’t officially adopted until 1935. This change aimed to align Western references with the name used by its citizens.
If you’re curious about the reasons behind this formal name change and its implications, you’re in the right place. The process was both fascinating and politically charged, offering a new perspective on Iran’s rich history.
In 2018, the southern African kingdom of Swaziland celebrated its 50th year of independence by discarding its anglicised colonial-era name. King Mswati III decreed the nation be renamed Eswatini, which means “Land of the Swazis” in the native language. Beyond shedding colonial associations, the king wanted to avoid confusion with a European country. In his speech announcing the change, he explained, “Whenever we go abroad, people refer to us as Switzerland.”
Holland had often been used interchangeably with the Netherlands, but in 2019, the Dutch government officially retired the outdated name. This decision was part of an effort to rebrand the country as an “open, inventive, and inclusive nation,” distancing it from associations with Amsterdam’s Red Light District, which authorities felt the name Holland evoked.
Technically, Holland refers to only a part of the Netherlands, specifically the provinces of Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland, so it wasn’t entirely accurate to use it for the entire country.
- Republic of Macedonia to Republic of North Macedonia
In February 2019, the Republic of Macedonia officially changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. This change aimed to facilitate the country’s accession to NATO and to distinguish itself from Greece, which has a region with the same name.
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