Throughout history, the names of countries have evolved due to various reasons, including colonial legacy, independence movements, political changes, and cultural revitalization. These changes often symbolize a country’s desire to redefine its identity, break away from past associations, or reflect new political realities. Here is a detailed exploration of some notable countries that have undergone name changes, reflecting the profound shifts in their histories.
1. Burma to Myanmar (1989)
Perhaps one of the most well-known recent examples, Burma officially changed its name to Myanmar in 1989. The name “Burma” was associated with the colonial era under British rule. The ruling military junta at the time sought to replace it with “Myanmar,” which they claimed was more inclusive of the country’s diverse ethnic groups, not just the majority Bamar people. While “Myanmar” is used in official contexts and by many international organizations, some countries and political groups still use “Burma,” often as a form of protest against the ruling regime.
2. Ceylon to Sri Lanka (1972)
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, was known as Ceylon until 1972. The name “Ceylon” was a colonial legacy left by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British who ruled the island over several centuries. Upon becoming a republic within the Commonwealth in 1972, the government adopted the name “Sri Lanka,” which means “resplendent island” in Sanskrit, to shed its colonial past and embrace its cultural heritage.
3. Persia to Iran (1935)
In 1935, Reza Shah Pahlavi requested that the international community refer to the country as “Iran” instead of “Persia.” “Iran” is derived from the word “Aryan” and reflects the name by which the country was known to its inhabitants. The change was part of the Shah’s efforts to modernize the country and emphasize its Indo-Iranian identity, distinguishing it from its ancient past as the Persian Empire, which was often associated with Western perceptions and colonial narratives.
4. Siam to Thailand (1939 and 1949)
Thailand, known as Siam until the mid-20th century, changed its name twice within a decade. The first change occurred in 1939 under the leadership of Prime Minister Plaek Phibunsongkhram, who wanted to promote Thai nationalism and unity. The name “Thailand” means “Land of the Free,” reflecting the country’s pride in never being colonized by a European power. However, the name reverted to Siam in 1945 after World War II, only to be changed back to Thailand in 1949, where it remains today.
5. Zaire to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1997)
The Central African nation now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has undergone several name changes. Originally named the Congo Free State under Belgian colonial rule, it became the Republic of the Congo upon independence in 1960. In 1971, President Mobutu Sese Seko renamed the country “Zaire,” a name derived from a Portuguese misinterpretation of a local word for the Congo River. The name change was part of Mobutu’s policy of “Authenticity,” which aimed to rid the country of colonial influences. However, after Mobutu was overthrown in 1997, the country reverted to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reflecting its desire to reconnect with its post-colonial roots.
6. Rhodesia to Zimbabwe (1980)
Rhodesia was the name of a region in southern Africa named after British imperialist Cecil Rhodes. The region was split into Northern and Southern Rhodesia, which later became Zambia and Zimbabwe, respectively. After a prolonged struggle for independence, Southern Rhodesia declared independence as Zimbabwe in 1980. The name “Zimbabwe” is derived from “Dzimbadzemabwe,” meaning “houses of stone” in the Shona language, referencing the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe, a symbol of the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
7. Upper Volta to Burkina Faso (1984)
Upper Volta, a landlocked country in West Africa, changed its name to Burkina Faso in 1984 under the leadership of President Thomas Sankara. The name “Burkina Faso” combines words from two major local languages: “Burkina” from Mossi, meaning “upright” or “honest,” and “Faso” from Dioula, meaning “fatherland.” The new name reflects Sankara’s vision of creating a proud, independent, and self-reliant nation.
8. Dahomey to Benin (1975)
The West African country now known as Benin was formerly called Dahomey, a name derived from an ancient kingdom that once ruled the region. After gaining independence from France in 1960, the country retained the name Dahomey until 1975 when it was changed to Benin. The new name was chosen to reflect the cultural diversity of the country and avoid regional favoritism, as “Dahomey” was associated with just one part of the nation. “Benin” was chosen after the Bight of Benin, a large bay that borders the country.
9. Czech Republic to Czechia (2016)
In 2016, the Czech Republic officially adopted the shortened name “Czechia” as its official English-language name. While the country’s formal name remains the Czech Republic, “Czechia” was chosen to make it easier to refer to the country in a similar manner to other European nations. The change aimed to promote a more accessible and unified brand for the country in international contexts, though “Czech Republic” is still commonly used in official documents and diplomatic communications.
10. Macedonia to North Macedonia (2019)
The Republic of Macedonia, a country in the Balkan Peninsula, changed its name to North Macedonia in 2019. This change resolved a long-standing dispute with Greece, which has a region called Macedonia. The dispute had hindered Macedonia’s efforts to join international organizations like NATO and the European Union. The name change to North Macedonia was part of the Prespa Agreement, which opened the door for the country’s accession to these organizations and improved relations with Greece.
11. Swaziland to Eswatini (2018)
In 2018, King Mswati III of Swaziland announced that the country would officially be known as Eswatini. The name “Eswatini” means “land of the Swazis” in the Swazi language. The change was made on the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence from British rule and reflected a desire to break from the colonial past and assert a distinct national identity. The name “Swaziland” was often confused with Switzerland, and the change also helped to clear up this confusion.
12. Cape Verde to Cabo Verde (2013)
Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, officially changed its name to Cabo Verde in 2013. The new name is the Portuguese version of “Green Cape,” which reflects the country’s original Portuguese name. The government made the change to preserve the Portuguese linguistic and cultural heritage and to align the country’s name in English with its name in other languages.
Conclusion
The changing of a country’s name is often more than a mere rebranding; it is a profound declaration of identity, sovereignty, and a break from a past that may be linked with colonialism, oppression, or other unwanted associations. These name changes reflect the evolving nature of national identity and the ongoing efforts of countries to shape how they are perceived both by their own citizens and the international community. As the world continues to change, it is likely that more countries will revisit their names to reflect new realities and aspirations.