List of sovereign states by date of formation
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Below is a list of countries by formation dates, sorted by continent. (This list includes only the 193 internationally recognized sovereign states. For proposed states such as Kosovo, Palestine, or various indigenous nations which consider themselves still under occupation, see list of active autonomist and secessionist movements.)
Nation-building is a long evolutionary process. It is therefore practically impossible to come up with a single date for a nation's "birth". However, most nations have accepted some dates in their respective histories as their symbolic starting points. This is usually done more for nationalistic propaganda than for scientific reasons. For many ancient and medieval nations these starting points are usually the dates when a nation was mentioned in a written document for the first time or simply a date from their national mythology. In Europe, this often coincides with the ruler's conversion to Christianity. For post-colonial nations, starting with the United States, the beginning of statehood is usually considered to be the date when independence was declared, granted and/or recognised.
Independence dates earlier than 1919 should be treated with caution, since prior to the founding of the League of Nations, there was no international body to recognise nationhood, and independence had no meaning beyond mutual recognition of de facto sovereigns (the role of the League of Nations was effectively taken over by the United Nations after the Second World War). See also: disputed territories.
The situation is further complicated by the confusion between two terms commonly used as synonym: nation (generally considered an ethnic or cultural grouping) and state (an independent political entity). Taking this into account a declaration of being the "oldest country" in the world is not fruitful and will inevitably be disputed. The following list contains the formation dates of countries with a short description of those events. For a more detailed description of a country's formation and history please see the main article for each country.
List
Country | Birth of current form of government | Date of acquisition of sovereignty | Date of most recent significant territorial modification | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | |
Algeria | 1962-07-03 | French recognition of Algerian referendum on independence held two days earlier | ||||
Angola | 1975-11-11 | Independence from Portugal. | ||||
Benin | 1960-08-01 | Independence from France | 1894-01-15 | Borders of French Protectorate of Dahomey set at conclusion of Second Franco-Dahomean War | ||
Botswana | 1885-03-31 | Establishment of the Bechuanaland Protectorate by the United Kingdom | 1894 | Extended north into Ngamiland | ||
1966-09-30 | Independence from United Kingdom | |||||
Burkina Faso | 1958-12-11 | Self-government achieved and republic within Franco-African Community | 1947-09-04 | Restoration of colonial boundaries used from 1919-1932 | ||
1960-08-05 | Independence from France | |||||
Burundi | 1966-11-28 | Monarchy replaced by republic | 1962-07-01 | Independence from Belgium | ||
Cameroon | 1960-01-01 | Independence from France | 1961-10-01 | Merger of British Cameroons with Cameroon | ||
Cape Verde | 1975-07-05 | Independence from Portugal | ||||
Central African Republic | 1958-12-01 | Central African Republic becomes autonomous territory in French Republic | ||||
1960-08-13 | Independence from France | |||||
Chad | 1960-08-11 | Independence from France | 1994-02-03 | Aouzou Strip awarded to Chad | ||
Comoros | 1975-07-06 | Independence from France declared | ||||
Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 1884-04-22 | Congo Free State recognized as an independent state | ||||
1960-06-30 | Independence from Belgium | |||||
Congo, Republic of the | 1960-08-15 | Independence from France | ||||
Côte d'Ivoire | 1958-12-04 | Autonomous republic within French Community | ||||
1960-08-07 | Independence from France | |||||
Djibouti | 1977-06-27 | Independence from France | ||||
Equatorial Guinea | 1968-10-12 | Independence from Spain | ||||
Eritrea | 1993-05-24 | Independence from Ethiopia declared. | 2002-04-01 | Badme ruled to be Eritrean by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC after the Eritrean-Ethiopian War. Contested by Ethiopia. | ||
Ethiopia | 1975-03-21 | Monarchy abolished and replaced by republic | ~800 B.C. | Formation of the state of D'mt | 2002-04-01 | Badme ruled to be Eritrean by the Eritrea-Ethiopia Boundary Commission (EEBC after the Eritrean-Ethiopian War. Contested by Ethiopia. |
1941-05-19 | Independence from Italy | |||||
Gabon | 1960-08-17 | Independence from France | ||||
Gambia | 1965-02-18 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Ghana | 1957-03-06 | Independence from United Kingdom | 1956-12-13 | Union of British Togoland with Gold Coast | ||
Guinea | 1958-10-02 | Independence from France | ||||
Guinea-Bissau | 1973-09-24 | Independence from Portugal declared | ||||
1974-09-10 | Independence from Portugal recognized | |||||
Kenya | 1963-12-12 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Lesotho | 1966-10-04 | Independence from United Kingdom | 1868-03-12 | Area that is now present-day Lesotho placed under British rule | ||
Liberia | 1847-07-26 | Independence from the United States | ||||
Libya | 1969-09-01 | Monarchy replaced by republic | 1951-12-24 | Independence from UN Trusteeship (British and French administration after Italian governance ends in 1947) | 1984-02-13 | Aouzou Strip awarded to Chad |
Madagascar | 1958-10-14 | The Malagasy Republic was created as autonomous state within French Community | ||||
1960-06-26 | France recognizes Madagascar's independence | |||||
Malawi | 1964-07-06 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Mali | 1958-11-25 | French Sudan gains autonomy | 1960-08-20 | Senegal secedes from Mali Federation | ||
1960-09-22 | Independence from France | |||||
Mauritania | 1960-11-28 | Independence from France | 1979-08-11 | Mauritania withdraws from Tiris al-Gharbiyya (part of Western Sahara) | ||
Mauritius | 1968-03-12 | Independence from United Kingdom | 1965 | Separation of Chagos Archipelago | ||
Morocco | 1956-03-02 | Independence from France | 1969-01-04 | Return of Ifni to Morocco | ||
1956-04-07 | French protectorate formally relinquished | |||||
Mozambique | 1975-06-25 | Independence from Portugal | ||||
Namibia | 1990-03-21 | Independence from South African rule | 1994-03-01 | Walvis Bay integrated into Namibia | ||
Niger | 1958-12-04 | Autonomy within French Community | ||||
1960-08-03 | Independence from France | |||||
Nigeria | 1960-10-01 | Independence from United Kingdom | 1970-01-15 | Biafra re-integrated into Nigeria | ||
1961-06-01 | Northern Cameroons integrated in Nigeria | |||||
Rwanda | 1962-07-01 | Independence from Belgium | ||||
São Tomé and Príncipe | 1975-07-12 | Independence from Portugal | ||||
Senegal | 1960-08-20 | Independence from France | ||||
Seychelles | 1976-06-29 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Sierra Leone | 1961-04-27 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Somalia | 1960-07-01 | Merger of State of Somaliland (formerly British Somaliland) and Italian Somaliland | ||||
South Africa | 1910-05-31 | Creation of the Union of South Africa from the previously separate colonies of the Cape, Natal, Transvaal and Orange River | 1931-12-11 | Statute of Westminster, which establishes a status of legislative equality between the self-governing dominion of the Union of South Africa and the UK | 1994-04-27 | Reincorporation of the nominally independent bantustans into post-Apartheid South Africa |
1961-05-31 | Republic declared (South Africa no longer a Commonwealth realm) | |||||
Sudan | 1956-01-01 | Independence from Egyptian and British rule | ||||
Swaziland | 1968-09-06 | Independence from the United Kingdom | ||||
Tanzania | 1961-12-09 | Independence of Tanganyika from United Kingdom | 1964-04-26 | Merger of Zanzibar with Tanganyika to form Tanzania | ||
Togo | 1958-08-30 | Autonomy within French Union | ||||
1960-04-27 | Independence from France | |||||
Tunisia | 1957-07-25 | Declaration of Republic | 1956-03-20 | Independence from France | ||
Uganda | 1962-03-01 | Self-government granted | ||||
1962-10-09 | Independence from United Kingdom | |||||
Zambia | 1964-10-24 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Zimbabwe | 1965-11-11 | Unilateral declaration of independence by Southern Rhodesia | 1901 | BSAC separates North-Eastern Rhodesia from Southern Rhodesia | ||
1980-04-18 | Recognized independence from United Kingdom as Zimbabwe. |
Country | Birth of current form of government | Date of acquisition of sovereignty | Date of most recent significant territorial modification | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | |
Antigua and Barbuda | 1981-11-01 | Independence from the United Kingdom. | ||||
Argentina | 1810-05-25 | May Revolution installs first local government | ||||
1816-07-09 | Argentine Declaration of Independence | |||||
1821 | Independence recognized by Spain | |||||
Bahamas | 1964-01-07 | Internal self-governance granted | ||||
1973-07-10 | Independence from the United Kingdom | |||||
Barbados | 1966-11-30 | Independence from the United Kingdom | ||||
Belize | 1981-09-21 | Independence from United Kingdom | 1859 | Treaty establishes border between British Honduras and Guatemala | ||
1964-01-01 | Self governing colony | |||||
Bolivia | 1825-08-06 | Bolivian War of Independence | 1903-11-11 | Signing of the Treaty of Petrópolis with Brazil whereby Bolivia gained lands in Mato Grosso in exchange for the territory of Acre | ||
Brazil | 1889-11-15 | Proclamation of the Republic | 1822-09-07 | Independence from Portugal declared | 1903-11-11 | Signing of the Treaty of Petrópolis with Bolivia whereby Brazil is given the territory of Acre in exchange for lands in Mato Grosso |
1825-08-29 | Independence recognized by Portugal | |||||
Canada | 1867-07-01 | Canadian Confederation | 1931-12-11 | Statute of Westminster | 1949-03-31 + 1999-04-01 | Newfoundland and Labrador join Confederation + Nunavut is formed from the Northwest Territories |
Chile | 1810-09-18 | First Government Junta declares Chile an autonomous republic within Spain | 1818-02-12 | Independence declared from Spain | 1929-07-03 | Chile awarded Arica district in Treaty of Lima |
1844-04-25 | Independence recognized by Spain | |||||
Colombia | 1810-07-10 | Independence declared from Spain | 1903-11-03 | Separation of Panama from Colombia | ||
1819-08-07 | Independence recognized by Spain | |||||
Costa Rica | 1821-09-15 | Costa Rica declared independence from Spain | 1824-07-25 | Partido de Nicoya | ||
1838-11-15 | Independence from Federal Republic of Central America | |||||
Cuba | 1868-10-10 | Independence from Spain declared | ||||
Dominica | 1967-02-27 | Became an associated state of the United Kingdom | ||||
1978-11-03 | Independence from United Kingdom | |||||
Dominican Republic | 1865-03-03 | Independence regained from Spain following the Dominican Restoration War | ||||
Ecuador | 1809-08-10 | 1822-05-24 | Independence from Spain of Gran Colombia, of which Ecuador is a part | 1942-02-26 | Rio Protocol ends border dispute with Peru | |
1830-05-13 | Dissolution of Gran Colombia | |||||
El Salvador | 1821-09-15 | El Salvador becomes state in Federal Republic of Central America, which declared independence from Spain | ||||
1841-02-02 | El Salvador declares itself an independent republic, ending the Federal Republic of Central America | |||||
Grenada | 1967-02-27 | Associated state of United Kingdom | ||||
1974-02-07 | Full independence from United Kingdom | |||||
Guatemala | 1821-09-15 | Guatemala becomes state in Federal Republic of Central America, which declared independence from Spain | ||||
1839-04-17 | Independence from Federal Republic of Central America declared | |||||
Guyana | 1966-05-26 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Haiti | 1804-01-01 | The French colony Saint-Domingue gains independence as Haiti. | 1844-02-27 | The Dominican Republic gains independence from Haiti | ||
Honduras | 1821-09-15 | Honduras becomes state in Federal Republic of Central America, which declared independence from Spain | 1972-09-01 | Swan Islands returned to Honduras from United States occupation | ||
1838-10-26 | Independence from Federal Republic of Central America | |||||
Jamaica | 1962-08-06 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Mexico | 1810-09-16 | Independence from Spain declared | 1853-12-30 | Gadsden Purchase | ||
1821-08-24 | Independence recognized by Spain in Treaty of Córdoba | |||||
Nicaragua | 1821-09-15 | Nicaragua becomes state in Federal Republic of Central America, which declared independence from Spain | ||||
1838-11-05 | Independence from Federal Republic of Central America | |||||
Panama | 1903-11-03 | Separation of Panama from Colombia | 1979-10-1 | United States returns Panama the Panama Canal Zone | ||
Paraguay | 1811-05-14 | Independence from Spain declared | 1938 | Paraguay awarded a large portion of the Gran Chaco as a result of the Chaco War | ||
Peru | 1821-07-28 | Independence from Spain declared | 1942-02-26 | Rio Protocol ends border dispute with Ecuador | ||
1879 | Independence from Spain recognized | |||||
Saint Kitts and Nevis | 1967-02-27 | Associated state of United Kingdom | 1980-12-19 | Anguilla separated from Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla | ||
1983-09-19 | Independence from United Kingdom | |||||
Saint Lucia | 1967-02-27 | Associated statehood | ||||
1979-02-22 | Independence from United Kingdom | |||||
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 1969-10-27 | Associated statehood | ||||
1979-10-27 | Independence from United Kingdom | |||||
Suriname | 1954-12-15 | Self government granted | ||||
1975-11-25 | Independence from Netherlands | |||||
Trinidad and Tobago | 1962-08-31 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
United States | 1787-09-17 | Ratification of the United States Constitution replaced the previous Articles of Confederation creating a new system of government | 1776-07-04 | Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain declared | Various + 1959-08-21 | Incremental increases of territory + Admission of Hawaii to the Union |
1783-09-03 | Independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain recognized | |||||
Uruguay | 1825-08-25 | Independence declared, joined in union with United Provinces of the Río de la Plata (current Argentina).(Independence from Brazil declared) Brazil | ||||
1828-08-27 | Treaty of Montevideo signed, recognizing Uruguay's independence( | |||||
Venezuela | 1811-07-05 | independence from Spain declared | ||||
1830-01-13 | President José Antonio Páez declares Venezuela independent from Gran Colombia |
Country | Birth of current form of government | Date of acquisition of sovereignty | Date of most recent significant territorial modification | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | |
Afghanistan | 1919-08-20 | Treaty of Rawalpindi gives Afghanistan control from the United Kingdom over its own affairs | ||||
Armenia | 1918-05-28 | Establishment of the Republic of Armenia | 1990-08-23 | Independence from Soviet Union declared | 1936-12-05 | Establishment of Armenian SSR |
1991-09-21 | Independence recognized by Soviet Union | |||||
Azerbaijan | 1918-05-28 | Establishment of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic | 1991-10-18 | Declaration of independence from Soviet Union | 1920-04-28 | Establishment of Azerbaijan SSR |
Bahrain | 1971-08-15 | Independence from the United Kingdom | 1521-07-01 | Portuguese conquest of current territory | ||
Bangladesh | 1971-03-26 | Independence from Pakistan declared. | ||||
Bhutan | 1885 | Ugyen Wangchuck ends period of civil war and unites Bhutan | 1865-11-11 | Treaty of Sinchula | ||
Brunei | 1984-01-01 | Brunei regains its independence after an agreement with the British on 4 January 1979 | ||||
Cambodia | 1989-09-26 | Becomes free from Vietnamese occupation; it gets back its name instead of People's Republic of Kampuchea | ||||
China, People's Republic of | 1949-10-01 | Establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC) as the Chinese Civil War nears its end | 221 B.C. | Nation firstly unified by Qin Dynasty | 1999-12-20 | Transfer of the sovereignty of Macau from Portugal to the PRC |
1997-06-30 | Transfer of the sovereignty of Hong Kong from United Kingdom to the PRC | |||||
Georgia | 1918-05-26 | Establishment of Democratic Republic of Georgia | 1991-04-09 | Independence from Soviet Union declared | 1992-07-23 | Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia |
1991-11-28 | South Ossetia declared independence from Georgia | |||||
India | 1947-08-15 | Independence from the United Kingdom | 1947 + 1948 + 1950 + 1954 + 1961 + 1975-05-16 | Accession of Machilipatnam, Kozhikode and Surat + Jammu and Kashmir, Hyderabad, and Junagudh + Chandernagore+ Pondichéry+ Goa, Daman, Diu + Sikkim to India | ||
Indonesia | 1945-08-18 | Ratification of the Constitution of Indonesia by the Preparatory Committee for Indonesian Independence | 1945-08-17 | Indonesian Declaration of Independence from Netherlands | 2002-05-20 | Independence of East Timor, formerly administered as a province of Indonesia |
1949-12-27 | Independence from the Netherlands recognized | |||||
Iran | 1979-02-11 | Iranian Revolution ends monarchism and establishes an Islamic Republic | 553 B.C. + 850 B.C. + 3200 B.C. | Nation was unified as part of Persian Empire by Cyrus the Great of Achaemenid Empire + First large state formed by Mannaeans during Iron Age + First civilized state formed by Proto-Elamite in Early Bronze Age | 1988-08-20 + 1980-09-22 + 6 March 1975 + 1970 + 1907 + 27 May 1893 + 1881 + 1857 + 1828 + 1813 + 1639 | Iran-Iraq War ends with Iran liberating all lost territories + Iraq attacks Iran, occupying south-west of Iran + Algiers Accord establishes border with Iraq + Loss of Bahrain to Britain + Anglo-Russian Entente + Loss of regions around Atrek River to Russia + Loss of Merv and Khwarazmia to Russia in Akhal Treaty + Loss of Herat to Britain in Treaty of Paris (1857) + Complete loss of Caucasus to Russia in Treaty of Turkmenchay + Loss of parts of Caucasus in Treaty of Gulistan + Loss of Mesopotamia to Ottoman Empire in Treaty of Zuhab |
Iraq | 2003-03-20 | Iraq defeated and occupied by USA. New gov. formed. | 1932-10-03 | Kingdom of Iraq | 1991-02-28 + 1990--08-02 + 1988-08-20 + 1980-09-22 + 6 March 1975 | Kuwait is liberated by USA + Iraq occupies Kuwait + Iran-Iraq War ends with Iran liberating all lost territories + Iraq attacks Iran, occupying south-west of Iran + Algiers Accord establishes border with Iran |
Israel | 1948-05-14 | Reading of the Declaration of Independence of Israel before the expiration of the British Mandate of Palestine at midnight | 1994-10-26 | Signing of the Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace, whereby most of the disputed 400 square-kilometer area in the Arabah is handed back to Jordan | ||
Japan |
1947-05-03 | Coming into force of the current Constitution of Japan, whereby the emperor is deprived of his powers and a liberal democracy is established | 1952-04-28 | Coming into force of the Treaty of San Francisco, whereby World War II is officially ended and Japan's independence is reinstated | 1972-05-14 | Return of the Ryukyu Islands to Japan and abolition of the United States Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands |
Jordan | 1946-05-25 | End of British League of Nations mandate | 1994-10-26 | Signing of the Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace, whereby most of the disputed 400 square-kilometer area in the Arabah is handed back to Jordan | ||
Kazakhstan | 1991-12-16 | Independence declared from Soviet Union | ||||
Kuwait | 1991-02-28 | End of Iraqi occupation (Gulf War) | 1969-12-18 | Formal division of Saudi-Kuwaiti neutral zone | ||
Kyrgyzstan | 1991-08-31 | Independence from Soviet Union | ||||
Laos | 1949-07-19 | Independence from France | ||||
Lebanon | 1926-05-23 | Lebanese Republic formed | 1941-11-26 | Independence from France declared | 1920-09-01 | France establishes State of Greater Lebanon with current boundaries |
1943-11-22 | Independence from France recognized | |||||
Malaysia | 1957-08-31 | Malayan Independence from the United Kingdom is declared in Independence Square. | 1965-08-09 | Singapore expelled from the federation after the 1964 Race Riots. | ||
1963-09-16 | Malaysia is formed after the merging Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore into one independent state. | |||||
Maldives | 1965-07-26 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Mongolia | 1911-12-29 | Proclamation of Mongolian independence from Qing Dynasty China | ||||
Myanmar | 1948-01-04 | Myanmar (Burma) declares independence from the British Empire. | 1956 | Signing of border treaty with the People's Republic of China. | ||
Nepal | 2008-05-28 | Formation of Republic | 1768-12-21 | Nepali unification | 1815-12-02 | Sugauli Treaty ends the Gurkha War |
North Korea | 1948-09-09 | Declaration of creation of North Korea | 1953-07-27 | Cease-fire in the Korean War creates the southern border along the Military Demarcation Line | ||
Oman | 1650-01-26 | Expulsion of the Portuguese | ||||
Pakistan | 1947-08-14 | Independence from the UK and the Partition of India, creation of the Dominion of Pakistan | 1971-12-16 | De facto : Province of East Pakistan dissolved following the surrender of the Pakistani Army at the end of the Bangladesh Liberation War | ||
1974-02-22 | De jure : Recognition by Pakistan of Bangladesh as an independent country, whereby Pakistan definitely surrenders claims over the former province of East Pakistan | |||||
Philippines | 1935-11-30 | The Commonwealth of the Philippines is established through the provisions of the Tydings-McDuffie Act and the Jones Law.[2] | 1898-06-12 | The First Philippine Republic declares itself independent from the Spanish Empire.[3][4][5] | 1930[7] 1948/1956[citation needed] | The Turtle Islands is returned by the United Kingdom to the Republic of the Philippines as the successor of the Sultanate of Sulu. |
1946-07-04 | The United States recognizes independence on 4 July under the provisions of the Treaty of Manila (1946). The 1935 Philippine constitution remains in effect. | |||||
Qatar | 1971-09-03 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Saudi Arabia | 1932-09-23 | Regions of Al-Hasa, Qatif, Nejd and Hejaz unified to become Saudi Arabia | 1927-05-20 | Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz recognized as independent in Treaty of Jeddah | 2000-06-12 | Border with Yemen finalized by Treaty of Jeddah |
Singapore | 1959-06-03 | Self government under United Kingdom | ||||
1965-08-09 | Separation from Malaysia | |||||
South Korea | 1948-08-15 | First Republic of South Korea established | 1953-07-27 | Cease-fire in the Korean War creates the northern border along the Military Demarcation Line | ||
Sri Lanka | 1948-02-04 | Dominion | ||||
1972-05-22 | Full independence from the United Kingdom | |||||
Syria | 1961-09-28 | End of United Arab Republic | ||||
China, Republic of | 1911-10-10 | After the Xinhai Revolution the Republic of China formally replaced the Qing Dynasty. | 1949-12-07[8] | Republic of China government moved to Taiwan after the Chinese Civil War[9] | 1955-02-25 | Withdrawal of the Republic of China from the Dachen Archipelago. |
Tajikistan | 1991-09-09 | Independence from the Soviet Union | ||||
Thailand | 1776 | Expulsion of Burmese and reunification of Thailand | 1909-03-10 | Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 | ||
Timor-Leste | 1975-11-28 | East Timor declares its independence but is suppressed by the Indonesian invasion. | ||||
2002-05-20 | Independence is recognized by the international community following the UN-sponsored act of self-determination of 1999. | |||||
Turkmenistan | 1991-10-27 | Independence from Soviet Union | ||||
United Arab Emirates | 1971-12-02 | End of treaty relationship with United Kingdom | 1972-02-11 | Ras al-Khaimah joins the UAE | ||
Uzbekistan | 1991-08-31 | Independence from Soviet Union declared | ||||
Vietnam | 1976-07-02 | Reunification of North Vietnam and South Vietnam | ||||
Yemen | 1990-05-22 | Unification of North Yemen and South Yemen | 1990-05-22 | Unification of North Yemen and South Yemen |
Country | Birth of current form of government | Date of acquisition of sovereignty | Date of most recent significant territorial modification | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | |
Albania | 1912-11-28 | Declaration of independence from Ottoman Empire | ||||
1913-07-29 | Recognition of independence in Treaty of London | |||||
Andorra | 1813 | Reversal of annexation of Andorra by the Napoleonic Empire, through the Peninsular war | ||||
Austria | 1955-05-15 | Austrian Independence Treaty re-established Austria as a sovereign state | 1921-12-14 | City of Sopron moved to Hungary after plebiscite | ||
Belarus | 1990-07-27 | Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic | 1945 | Curzon Line | ||
1991-08-25 | Independence recognized by Soviet Union | |||||
Belgium | 1831-07-21 | King Leopold I of Belgium swears allegiance to the constitution making the country a constitutional monarchy | 1830-10-04 | Independence is proclaimed by the provisonial government | 1919-06-28 | Treaty of Versailles and annexation of the East Cantons |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1992-03-05 | Independence declared | 1943-11-25 | Establishment of Bosnia in Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia | ||
Bulgaria | 1989-11-10 | People's Republic of Bulgaria is replaced by the Republic of Bulgaria | 681 | The Byzantine Empire recognizes Bulgaria. | 1940-09-07 | Under the Vienna Awards, Southern Dobruja is returned to Bulgaria. |
Croatia | 1991-06-25 (before 925 (became kingdom, recognised by pope)) | Declared independence from Yugoslavia | ||||
Cyprus | 1960-08-16 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Czech Republic | 1993-01-01 | Dissolution of Czechoslovakia, creating Czech Republic and Slovakia | ||||
Denmark | 958, or prior. | The Jelling stones, a pair of rune stones considered to be the "birth certificate" of Denmark reads: "King Haraldr ordered this monument made ... who won for himself all of Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Christian." | 1920-06-15 | Sønderjylland was recovered from Germany | ||
Estonia | 1918-02-24 | Estonian Declaration of Independence, whereby a republic was declared. | 1918-02-24 | Independence declared from the Russian Empire. | 1920-07-01 | De jure: Signing of the Estonian-Latvian Border Treaty whereby Valga proper was ceded to Estonia. |
1991-08-20 | Independence (from the Soviet Union) reasserted, end of occupation | 1945-01-01 | De facto: Eastern coast of Narva river and Petseri County were transferred to Russian SFSR. | |||
Finland | 1917-12-06 | Independence from Russian Empire declared | 1956 | Porkkala returned from Soviet control. | ||
1918-01-03 | Independence from Russia recognized by the highest Soviet executive body - VTsIK. | |||||
France | 1870-09-04 | Establishment of a lasting republican form of government, considered uninterrupted in French law | 496 | Kingdom of the Franks becomes the first Christian State after the fall of the Roman Empire | 1947-02-10 | Metropolitan France: Annexation of Tende, La Brigue and other villages formerly in Italy |
1958-10-05 | Establishment of the current semi-presidential system known as the Fifth Republic | 843 | Creation of the Kingdom of France (West Francia), Treaty of Verdun | 1962-07-05 | Overseas France: Loss of the French departments in Algeria following the latter's independence | |
Germany | 1871-01-18 | German Realm (Empire) founded | 1955-05-05 | Federal Republic of Germany (commonly referred to at the time as West Germany) declared fully sovereign | 1990-10-03 | Reunification of West Germany and East Germany |
Greece | 1975 | Greek Third Republic | Mar 4, 1832 | Greek independence from Ottoman Empire | 1947-02-10 | Peace treaty with Italy awards the Dodecanese to Greece |
Hungary | 1001-08-20 | Foundation of the Hungarian state by King Saint Stephen. (Recognized by the pope) | 1849-04-14 | Independence declared from Habsburg Empire | 1947-02-10 | The Treaty of Peace with Hungary returns Hungary to 1920 borders, with small changes |
1991-06-19 | End of 46 years long Soviet occupation. | |||||
Iceland | 930 | The Icelandic Commonwealth established. | 1944-06-17 | Secedes from a Union with Denmark formally as an independent republic. | 1972-09-01 | No territorial changes on land have taken place, however the expansion of the Exclusive Economic Zone was such an important change in territory for Iceland that in merits a special inclusion here. |
1946 | Departure of last US occupation troops | |||||
Ireland | 1919 | Elected Irish Parliament Dáil Éireann declares independence from the United Kingdom. | 1922-12-08 | Northern Ireland is restored to British rule under the Irish Free State (Agreement) Act 1922 | ||
Italy |
1861-03-17 | Italian unification | 1945-04-25 | Disestablishment of the German-backed Italian Social Republic, whereby the unity and independence of the Italian state is restored | 1954-10-26 | Official annexation of the city of Trieste to Italy |
1975-11-10 | Signing of the Treaty of Osimo which definitely divides the Free Territory of Trieste between Italy and Yugoslavia | |||||
Lithuania | 1918-02-16 | Independence declared from Germany and Russia | 1939-10-27 and 1940-08-03 | Eastern Vilnius Region ceded to Lithuania | ||
1990-03-11 | Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania independence (from the Soviet Union) reasserted, end of occupation | |||||
Latvia | 1918-11-18 | Independence declared from Germany and Russia | 1944 | Abrene district ceded to Russian SFSR (modern Russia) | ||
1990-05-04 | Independence (from Soviet Union) reasserted, end of occupation | |||||
Liechtenstein | 1813-10-19 | Dissolution of the Confederation of the Rhine | 1719-01-23 | Purchase of Vaduz | ||
Luxembourg | 1945 | End of German occupation during World War II | 1839-04-19 | Partition of Luxembourg under the Treaty of London | ||
Macedonia | 1991-09-08 | After a referendum, the Socialist Republic of Macedonia declared independence from Yugoslavia | ||||
Malta | 1964-09-21 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Moldova | 1991-08-27 | Independence from Soviet Union | 1940-08-02 | Moldavian SSR formed | ||
Monaco | 1861 | Franco-Monegasque Treaty confirms Monaco's sovereignty (formerly a protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia) | ||||
Montenegro | 2006-06-03 | Declaration of independence from Serbia and Montenegro | ||||
Netherlands | 1648-01-30 | Treaty of Münster signed, independence from Spain | 1945-05-05 | German occupying forces surrender. | 1839-04-19 | The United Kingdom of the Netherlands divided under the Treaty of London (1839). |
Norway | 872 | King Harald I of Norway unifies the Petty kingdoms of Norway. | 1814 | Dissolution of the union between Norway and Denmark and establishment of the Constitution of Norway | 1930-02-27 | Jan Mayen was made part of the Kingdom of Norway. |
1905-06-07 | Dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden | |||||
1945-05-08 | German occupying forces surrender. | |||||
Poland | 1989-06-04 | The first partially free Parliament's vote after 45-years long Soviet domination | 1918-11-11 | Józef Piłsudski was appointed Commandier in Chief of Polish Army, the day is celebrated as Independence Day. | 1951-02-15 | Polish-Soviet border adjustment treaty |
Portugal | 1974-04-25 | Carnation Revolution ends the authoritarian Estado Novo | 1139-07-26 | County of Portugal becomes independent from the Kingdom of León after the Battle of Ourique as part of the Reconquista. Recognized by León in 1143 and by the Pope in 1179. | 1801-06-06 | Spain occupies the present day border town of Olivença since the War of the Oranges. |
Romania | 1877-05-21 | Independence declared from the Ottoman Empire | ||||
1878-07-13 | Independence recognized internationally by the Treaty of Berlin | |||||
San Marino | 1243 | Formation of republican government | 0301-09-03 | Traditional founding | 1463 | Added Fiorentino, Montegiardino, Serravalle, and Faetano |
Serbia | 2006-06-05 | Republic of Serbia declared legal successor to Serbia and Montenegro, ending the process of the dissolution of Yugoslavia | 1945-03-08 | Government of Democratic Federal Yugoslavia formed after end of German occupation during World War II | 2008-02-17 | Republic of Kosovo declares independence from Serbia.[10] |
Slovakia | 1993-01-01 | Dissolution of Czechoslovakia, creating Slovakia and Czech Republic | ||||
Slovenia | 1991-06-25 | Declaration of independence from Yugoslavia | ||||
Spain | 21 January 1479 | Dynastic union of Castile and Aragon into the Catholic Monarchy under Ferdinand and Isabella.[11] | 1801-06-06 | Spain takes in Olivenza as a result of the War of the Oranges. | ||
Sweden | 1523-06-06 | Gustav Vasa elected King of Sweden and marking a definite secession from the Kalmar Union. | 1809-03-29 | Loss of Finland to Imperial Russia. | ||
Switzerland | 1848-11-12 | Foundation of the federal state after Sonderbund war | 1815-08-07 | Restoration of the Ancien Régime (federalism), reverting the changes imposed by Napoleon Bonaparte. | ||
Ukraine | 1991-08-24 | Independence from Soviet Union declared | 1954-02-19 | Transfer of Crimea from Russia to Ukraine | ||
United Kingdom |
1707-05-01 | Acts of Union, 1707 put into effect the negotiated Treaty of Union that created a 'United Kingdom of Great Britain' on May 1, 1707.[12] This state then merged with Ireland in 1801 to create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. | 1707-05-01 | Acts of Union, 1707, extended by Act of Union, 1801 | 1922-12-06 | Loss of Southern Ireland following the creation of the Irish Free State agreed upon in the Anglo-Irish Treaty [13] |
Vatican City | 1274 | Birth of current form of government the Papal conclave in 1274 | 1929-06-07 | Ratification of the Lateran Treaty, making the Vatican City a sovereign State | 1929-02-11 | Signing of the Lateran Treaty |
Country | Birth of current form of government | Date of acquisition of sovereignty | Date of most recent significant territorial modification | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | Date[1] | Event | |
Australia | 1901-01-01 | Commonwealth of Australia established as a Dominion of the British Empire. | 1942-10-09 | Statute of Westminster is adopted by Australia | 1975-09-16 | Papua New Guinea becomes formally independent of Australia |
1986-03-03 | Australia Act 1986 eliminated the remaining ties between the legislature and judiciary of Australia and their counterparts in the United Kingdom. | |||||
Fiji | 1970-10-10 | Independence from United Kingdom | ||||
Kiribati | 1979-07-12 | Independence from United Kingdom | 1975-10-01 | Separation of Gilbert Islands (later Kiribati) and Ellice Islands (later Tuvalu) | ||
Marshall Islands | 1979-05-01 | Constitution and local government established | 1986-10-21 | Compact of Free Association with the United States | ||
Micronesia | May 10, 1979 | Constitution ratified | 1986-11-03 | Compact of Free Association with the United States | 1979-05-10 | Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Kosrae unite to form the Federated States of Micronesia |
Nauru | 1968-01-31 | Independence from UN Trusteeship | ||||
New Zealand | 1840-02-06 | Treaty of Waitangi between the British Crown and the indigenous Māori tribes cedes kawanatanga of New Zealand to Queen Victoria. | De facto: from 1856-05-07 |
Formation of first responsible ministry in 1856. | 1840-02-06 | Treaty of Waitangi effectively unites the New Zealand archipelago as a single territory.The Kermadec Islands were incorporated in 1887. |
De jure: 1947-12-10 |
New Zealand Constitution Amendment Act 1947 receives royal assent. | |||||
Palau | 1981-01-01 | Republic of Palau created upon adoption of constitution | 1994-10-01 | Emerged from United Nations trusteeship (administered by the United States). | ||
Papua New Guinea | Dec 1, 1973 | Self governing colony | ||||
1975-09-16 | Independence from Australia | |||||
Samoa | 1962-01-01 | Independence from New Zealand | ||||
Solomon Islands | 1976-01-02 | Self government granted by United Kingdom | ||||
July 7, 1978 | Independence from United Kingdom | |||||
Tonga | 1970-07-04 | Independence from United Kingdom | 1845-12-04 | Unification of what is now the islands of Tonga by George Tupou I of Tonga | ||
Tuvalu | 1975-10-01 | Separation of Gilbert Islands (later Kiribati) and Ellice Islands (later Tuvalu) | 1978-10-01 | Independence from United Kingdom | 1979-02-07 | Treaty with United States recognizing Tuvaluan control over Funafuti, Nukufetau, Nukulaelae, and Niulakita atolls |
Vanuatu | 1980-07-30 | Independence from joint British-French condominium[14] |
Country | Birth of current form of government | Date of acquisition of sovereignty | Date of most recent significant territorial modification | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Event | Date | Event | Date | Event | |
Egypt |
July 23, 1952 | Egyptian Revolution of 1952 | Feb 28, 1922 | Recognition of formal independence by the United Kingdom but continued British military occupation | April 25, 1982 | Withdrawal of last Israeli troops and settlers from Sinai as agreed upon in the peace treaty with Israel |
June 18, 1953 | Republic proclaimed | June 18, 1956 | Withdrawal of last British troops from the Suez Canal Zone | |||
Sep 28, 1961 | De facto disestablishment of the United Arab Republic following a military coup in Damascus | |||||
Russia | June 12, 1990 | Russian SFSR declares sovereignty over its own territory | 1480 | Grand Duchy of Muscovy secures its independence from the Golden Horde | Feb 19, 1954 | Transfer of Crimea from Russia to Ukraine |
Turkey | Oct 29, 1923 | Turkey was declared as a republic. | July 24, 1923 | Treaty of Lausanne recognizes the new Turkish state as the successor state of the Ottoman Empire | June 29, 1939 | Syrian province of Iskanderun transferred by French Mandatory Government to Turkey. Annexed by Turkey as Hatay State |
Sortable list
In this list, "date of last subordination" refers to the last date of control by an external government. In some cases this is the same as the date of independence marking decolonization or dissolution of a political union. In other cases, a sovereign state submitted to foreign military occupation or political subjugation for a period of time and later regained its independence.
Dates refer to de facto rule or occupation, whether or not legitimized by international recognition.
In a union such as Czechoslovakia, the USSR, or the Kalmar Union, one of the constituents can be considered the dominant power - generally where the seat of government was located.
Country | First acquisition of sovereignty | Date of last subordination | Previous governing power | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Afghanistan | Aug 19, 1919 | 1989 | USSR | Occupied in 2001 by US-led forces, but these were in support of the UN-recognized government of Burhanuddin Rabbani. Previously occupied by India, Persia, Bokhara, Russia and UK, until 1919 Treaty of Rawalpindi |
Albania | Mar 2, 1444 | Nov 1944[15] | Germany | Unified 1444 under Skanderbeg. Occupied by Ottoman Empire ca 1480-1912, by Italy 1939-43, and by Germany 1943-44. |
Algeria | Jul 3, 1962[16] | Jul 3, 1962 | France | |
Andorra | Sep 7, 1278[17][18] | Nov 1944[19] | France | Acte de paréage 1278; occupied several times by France: 1812-13, 1870, 1914, 1936, 1939 |
Angola | Nov 11, 1975[20] | Nov 11, 1975 | Portugal | Alvor Agreement |
Antigua and Barbuda | Nov 1, 1981[21] | Nov 1, 1981 | United Kingdom | |
Argentina | July 9, 1816[22] | July 9, 1816 | Spain | Congress of Tucumán |
Armenia | 190 BC | Sep 23, 1991[23] | USSR | First independent as Kingdom of Armenia 190 BC – 428 AD |
Australia | Oct 9, 1942 | Oct 9, 1942 | United Kingdom | Dominion status 1907, Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942.[24] |
Austria | Nov 12, 1918[25] | May 15, 1955[26] | World War II Allies | Austrian State Treaty. Previously occupied by Germany. |
Azerbaijan | 1991[27] | 1991 | USSR | |
Bahamas | July 10, 1973[28] | July 10, 1973 | United Kingdom | |
Bahrain | Dec 16, 1971 | Dec 16, 1971 | United Kingdom | Previously ruled by Portugal, by Iran, and by Oman. |
Bangladesh | 1971[29] | 1971 | Pakistan | |
Barbados | Nov 30, 1966 | Nov 30, 1966 | United Kingdom | |
Belarus | 1990 | 1991 | USSR | |
Belgium | Oct 4, 1830 | 1945 | Germany | Part of Netherlands before 1830 |
Belize | Sep 21, 1981[30] | Sep 21, 1981 | United Kingdom | |
Benin | Aug 1, 1960[31] | Aug 1, 1960 | France | |
Bhutan | 1634 | -none- | -none- | Autonomous since at least the 10th century.[32] Unified 1634, after the Battle of Five Lamas. |
Bolivia | Aug 6, 1825 | Aug 6, 1825 | Spain | |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1992 | 1992 | Yugoslavia | |
Botswana | Sep 30, 1966[33] | Sep 30, 1966 | United Kingdom | |
Brazil | Sep 7, 1822[34] | Sep 7, 1822 | Portugal | |
Brunei | 1984 | 1984 | United Kingdom | Previously occupied by Japan |
Bulgaria | 681[35] | 1944 | USSR | Previously occupied by Byzantine Empire (1018-1185) and Ottoman Empire (1393-1878) |
Burkina Faso | Aug 5, 1960[36] | Aug 5, 1960 | France | |
Burundi | July 1, 1962 | July 1, 1962 | Belgium | |
Cambodia | 802 | Sep 26, 1989[37] | Vietnam | Khmer Empire founded 802 according to Sdok Kok Thom Inscription |
Cameroon | 1960 | 1961 | United Kingdom | Northern part gained independence from France in 1960 |
Canada | Dec 11, 1931 | Dec 11, 1931 | United Kingdom | Dominion status 1867, Statute of Westminster 1931.[38] |
Cape Verde | July 5, 1975 | July 5, 1975[39] | Portugal | |
Central African Republic | 1960 | France | ||
Chad | 1960 | France | ||
Chile | Sep 18, 1810 | Feb 12, 1818 | Spain | |
China, People's Republic of | 221 BC | 1945 | KMT; CCP | Unified 221 BC under Qin Dynasty. During Japanese occupation, parts of inland China continued under control of Chinese Nationalist and Communist governments. |
Colombia | Jul 20, 1810 | Aug 7, 1819 | Spain | Battle of Boyacá 1819 |
Comoros | 1975 | France | ||
Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 1884 | 1960 | Belgium | |
Congo, Republic of the | 1960 | France | ||
Costa Rica | Sep 15, 1821 | 1838 | Federal Republic of Central America | Previously part of Mexico 1822-23 and a colony of Spain before 1821. |
Côte d'Ivoire | 1960 | France | ||
Croatia | 925 | 1991 | Yugoslavia | |
Cuba | May 20, 1902 | May 20, 1902 | United States | A colony of Spain until 1898, then occupied but not annexed by USA 1899-1902. |
Cyprus | 1960 | 1960 | United Kingdom | |
Czech Republic | Nov 14, 1918[40] | 1968 | USSR | Successor to Czechoslovakia, previously occupied by Germany and by Austria-Hungary. |
Denmark | 980 | 1945 | Germany | Unified ca 980 by Harald Bluetooth. |
Djibouti | 1977 | France | ||
Dominica | 1978 | United Kingdom | ||
Dominican Republic | 1821 | 1924 | United States | Previously occupied by Spain, France, and Haiti |
Ecuador | May 24, 1822 | May 13, 1830 | Gran Colombia | Previously a colony of Spain |
Egypt | 3150 BC | Feb 28, 1922 | United Kingdom | Unified in 3150 BC by King Menes, founder of the First Dynasty |
El Salvador | Sep 15, 1821 | 1898 | Greater Republic of Central America | Previously a part of the Federal Republic of Central America 1823-38, Mexico 1822-23, and a colony of Spain before 1821. |
Equatorial Guinea | 1968 | Spain | ||
Eritrea | May 24, 1993 | May 24, 1993 | Ethiopia | |
Estonia | Feb 24, 1918[41] | 1991 | USSR | Previously occupied by Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Russia, and Germany. |
Ethiopia | 50 | Dec 1944 | United Kingdom | Aksumite Empire founded ca 50. Occupied 1936-1941 by Italy, then administered by UK until 1944 Anglo-Ethiopian Agreement. |
Fiji | 1970 | United Kingdom | ||
Finland | Dec 6, 1917 | 1918 | Russian Empire | |
France | 843 | 1945 | Germany | 843 Treaty of Verdun established West Francia. |
Gabon | 1960 | France | ||
Gambia | 1965 | United Kingdom | ||
Georgia | 1008 | 1991 | USSR | |
Germany | Jan 18, 1871 | 1955 | World War II Allies | |
Ghana | 1957 | United Kingdom | ||
Greece | 1821 | 1944 | Germany | Previously occupied jointly by Italy, Germany and Bulgaria; before 1821 by Ottoman Empire. |
Grenada | 1974 | United Kingdom | ||
Guatemala | Sep 15, 1821 | 1838 | Federal Republic of Central America | Previously part of Mexico 1822-23 and a colony of Spain before 1821. |
Guinea | 1958 | France | ||
Guinea-Bissau | 1973 | Portugal | ||
Guyana | 1966 | United Kingdom | ||
Haiti | Jan 1, 1804 | 1934 | United States | Previously a colony of France. |
Honduras | Sep 15, 1821 | 1925 | United States | Occupied several times by USA. Previously a part of the Greater Republic of Central America 1896-98, the Federal Republic of Central America 1823-38, Mexico 1822-23 and a colony of Spain before 1821. |
Hungary | Dec 25, 1000 | 1956 | USSR | Ruled by Austria-Hungary before 1918. |
Iceland | 930 | 1946 | United States | Ruled by Danish monarchs from 1380 to 1944, though a Norwegian possession from 1262 to 1814. Regained sovereignty in 1918 as Kingdom of Iceland, current republic founded 1944. Previously occupied by the United Kingdom 1940-41, and the United States from 1941 until withdrawal in 1946. |
India | Aug 15, 1947 | Aug 15, 1947 | United Kingdom | Previously a colony of the British Empire |
Indonesia | 1945 | Netherlands | Previously occupied by Japan. | |
Iran | 3200 BC | 1335 | Ilkhanate | First formation of a civilized state by Proto-Elamite in Early Bronze Age (3200 BC), followed by formation of an empire by Medes in 850 BC |
Iraq | 1932 | United States | Occupied by USA since 2003 | |
Ireland | Jan 21, 1919 | Dec 11, 1931 | United Kingdom | Independence declared 1919, Dominion status 1922, Statute of Westminster 1931. |
Israel | 1948 | 1948 | United Kingdom | |
Italy | Mar 17, 1861 | 1945 | World War II Allies | |
Jamaica | 1962 | United Kingdom | ||
Japan | 660 BC | April 28, 1952 | World War II Allies | Founded 660 BC according to legend. 1952 Treaty of San Francisco ended postwar occupation. |
Jordan | 1946 | United Kingdom | ||
Kazakhstan | 1991 | USSR | ||
Kenya | 1963 | United Kingdom | ||
Kiribati | Jul 12, 1979 | United Kingdom | ||
Kosovo | Feb 17, 2008 | Serbia | ||
Kuwait | 1992 | Iraq | ||
Kyrgyzstan | 1991 | USSR | ||
Laos | 1949 | France | ||
Latvia | Nov 18, 1918[42] | 1990 | USSR | Previously ruled by Lithuania, Sweden, and Russia |
Lebanon | 1943 | France | ||
Lesotho | Oct 4, 1966 | United Kingdom | ||
Liberia | Jul 26, 1847 | Jul 26, 1847 | American Colonization Society | Settled but not claimed by USA[43] |
Libya | Dec 24, 1951 | France/United Kingdom | Previously occupied by Italy and by Ottoman Empire | |
Liechtenstein | 1806 | 1866 | German Confederation | Previously subject to the Confederation of the Rhine. Formed 1719 from Vaduz and Schellenberg, but under the Holy Roman Empire. |
Lithuania | 1253[44] | Mar 11, 1990 | USSR | Kingdom of Lithuania; Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania |
Luxembourg | 1815 | 1945 | Germany | Independent from France 1815 but in personal union with Netherlands until 1890 |
Macedonia | 1991 | 1991 | Yugoslavia | |
Madagascar | Jun 26, 1960 | France | ||
Malawi | Jul 6, 1964 | United Kingdom | ||
Malaysia | 1957 | United Kingdom | ||
Maldives | 1965 | United Kingdom | ||
Mali | Sep 22, 1960 | Mali Federation | Previously a colony of France | |
Malta | Sep 21, 1964 | Sep 21, 1964 | United Kingdom | |
Marshall Islands | Oct 21, 1986 | United States | Compact of Free Association | |
Mauritania | Nov 28, 1960 | France | ||
Mauritius | Mar 12, 1968 | United Kingdom | ||
Mexico | Sep 16, 1810 | 1863 | France | Parts of northern Mexico continued under control of Benito Juarez. Previously a colony of Spain |
Micronesia, Federated States of | Nov 3, 1986 | United States | Compact of Free Association | |
Moldova | 1991 | 1991 | USSR | |
Monaco | 1297 | 1945 | Germany | Previously occupied by Italy and France. Subject to Sardinia 1815-1861. |
Mongolia | Mar 13, 1921 | China | ||
Montenegro | 1878 | 2006 | Serbia and Montenegro | Independent from Ottoman Empire in 1878, union with Serbia/Yugoslavia 1918-2006. Occupied by Austria-Hungary, Italy, and Germany. |
Morocco | 1956 | France | ||
Mozambique | 1975 | Portugal | ||
Myanmar | 1948 | Japan | ||
Namibia | 1990 | South Africa | ||
Nauru | 1968 | Australia/New Zealand/United Kingdom | ||
Nepal | 1768 | -none- | -none- | Autonomous throughout its recorded history, and certainly since its 1768 unification.[45] |
Netherlands | Jul 26, 1581 | 1945 | Germany | Independent from Spain in 1581; occupied by France under Napoleon. |
New Zealand | Nov 25, 1947 | Nov 25, 1947 | United Kingdom | Dominion status 1907, Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947.[46] |
Nicaragua | Sep 15, 1821 | 1933 | United States | Previously a part of the Greater Republic of Central America 1896-98, the Federal Republic of Central America 1823-38, Mexico 1822-23, and a colony of Spain before 1821. |
Niger | Aug 3, 1960 | Aug 3, 1960 | France | |
Nigeria | Oct 1, 1960 | Oct 1, 1960 | United Kingdom | |
North Korea | Aug 15, 1945 | Japan | ||
Norway | 872 | May 1945 | Germany | Unified ca 872 at Battle of Hafrsfjord. For a long time in unions with Denmark and with Sweden (until 1905). Occupied by Germany 1940-45. |
Oman | 751 | 1743 | Persia | Previously occupied by Great Seljuq Empire, Ottoman Empire, Portugal (1508–1650), etc. |
Pakistan | Aug 14, 1947 | Aug 14, 1947 | United Kingdom | Previously a colony of the British Empire. |
Palau | Oct 1, 1994 | Oct 1, 1994 | United States | Previously ruled by Spain, Germany, Japan. |
Panama | Nov 3, 1903 | 1990 | United States | A colony of Spain until 1821, then a dependency of Colombia until 1903. Occupied by USA 1989-90. |
Papua New Guinea | 1975 | Australia | ||
Paraguay | May 14, 1811 | 1876 | Brazil | Occupied 1870-1876 by Brazil, in Triple Alliance with Argentina and Uruguay.[47] Colony of Spain before 1811. |
Peru | July 28, 1821 | July 28, 1821 | Spain | |
Philippines | July 4, 1946 | December 10, 1898 | United States | Spanish colony 1565–1898; declared independence from Spain in 1898; sovereignty passed from Spain to the U.S. in 1898; waged an unsuccessful war of independence against the U.S. 1899–1902; accepted U.S. sovereignty April 19, 1901; occupied by Japan 1942-1944. |
Poland | 960 | 1945 | USSR | Unified ca 960 by Mieszko I. Partitioned several times between Germany and USSR. |
Portugal | July 25, 1139 | 1808 | France | Convention of Sintra ended French occupation of Lisbon. Independent from Kingdom of León in 1139. |
Qatar | Sep 3, 1971 | Sep 3, 1971 | United Kingdom | |
Romania | Jul 13, 1878 | 1956 | USSR | |
Russia | 860 | 1480 | Golden Horde | Rurik Dynasty founded ca 860. Great stand on the Ugra river in 1480 marked end of Mongol/Tatar rule. |
Rwanda | July 1, 1962 | July 1, 1962 | Belgium | |
Saint Kitts and Nevis | Sep 19, 1983 | Sep 19, 1983 | United Kingdom | |
Saint Lucia | Feb 22, 1979 | Feb 22, 1979 | United Kingdom | |
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Oct 27, 1979 | Oct 27, 1979 | United Kingdom | |
Samoa | 1962 | United Kingdom | ||
San Marino | 301 | 1945 | World War II Allies | Previously occupied by Roman Empire, and briefly by Rimini (1503), and Papal States (1739). |
Sao Tome and Principe | 1975 | Portugal | ||
Saudi Arabia | 1744 | Jan 1919 | Ottoman Empire | First Saudi State independent 1744-1818; last Ottoman troops evicted from Medina by Kingdom of Hejaz 1919; Hejaz incorporated 1926 into Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd, precursor to Saudi Arabia |
Senegal | 1960 | France | ||
Serbia | 1817 | 1945 | Germany | Serbia, independent from Ottoman Empire in 1817, formed the core of Yugoslavia 1918-2003 |
Seychelles | 1976 | United Kingdom | ||
Sierra Leone | 1961 | United Kingdom | ||
Singapore | 1965 | United Kingdom | ||
Slovakia | Jan 1, 1993 | Jan 1, 1993 | Czechoslovakia | |
Slovenia | 1991 | Yugoslavia | ||
Solomon Islands | 1978 | United Kingdom | ||
Somalia | 1960 | United Kingdom and Italy | ||
South Africa | Dec 11, 1931 | Dec 11, 1931 | United Kingdom | Dominion status 1910, Statute of Westminster 1931. |
South Korea | Oct 3, 2333 BC | Aug 15, 1945 | Japan | Gojoseon kingdom founded 2333 BC according to legend. |
Spain | 1492 | 1814 | France | Union of Kingdom of Castile and Kingdom of Aragon in 1492. Previously occupied by Roman Empire, etc. |
Sri Lanka | 1972 | United Kingdom | ||
Sudan | 1956 | United Kingdom and Egypt | ||
Suriname | 1975 | Netherlands | ||
Swaziland | 1968 | United Kingdom | ||
Sweden | unknown[48] | Jun 6, 1523 | Denmark | No exact date for consolidation of Sweden. In Kalmar Union 1397–1523. |
Switzerland | 1291 | 1815 | Austria | Old Swiss Confederacy formed 1291. Occupied by France 1798, then Austria 1813. 1815 Congress of Vienna restored independence. |
Syria | Sep 28, 1961 | United Arab Republic | ||
Tajikistan | 1991 | USSR | ||
Tanzania | 1961 | United Kingdom | ||
Thailand | 1238 | 1768 | Burma | Independent from Khmer Empire in 1238. |
Timor-Leste | 2002 | Indonesia | ||
Togo | 1960 | France | ||
Tonga | 1970 | United Kingdom | ||
Trinidad and Tobago | 1962 | United Kingdom | ||
Tunisia | 1956 | France | ||
Turkey | 1243 | Mongol Empire | Battle of Köse Dağ[49] | |
Turkmenistan | 1991 | USSR | ||
Tuvalu | 1978 | United Kingdom | ||
Uganda | 1962 | United Kingdom | ||
Ukraine | 1991 | USSR | ||
United Arab Emirates | 1971 | United Kingdom | ||
United Kingdom | May 1, 1707 | 1707 (Kingdom of Great Britain) | Duchy of Normandy | Union of Kingdom of England and Kingdom of Scotland in 1707. Previous partial occupations by Duchy of Normandy, vikings, Roman Empire. Autonomous since unification. |
United States of America | Jul 4, 1776 | 1781 | United Kingdom | |
Uruguay | Aug 25, 1828 | Brazil | ||
Uzbekistan | 1991 | USSR | ||
Vanuatu | July 30, 1980 | United Kingdom and France | ||
Vatican City | Feb 11, 1929 | Italy | ||
Venezuela | Jul 5, 1811 | Jan 13, 1830 | Gran Colombia | Previously a colony of Spain |
Viet Nam | 1953 | 1976 | France | |
Yemen | Nov 1, 1918 | Nov 30, 1967 | United Kingdom | North Yemen independent from Ottoman Empire 1918; South Yemen from UK in 1967; unified 1990 |
Zambia | 1964 | United Kingdom | ||
Zimbabwe | 1980 | United Kingdom |
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Please use the Wikipedia:Manual of Style (dates and numbers) for dates
- ^ 1935 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, CorpusJuris.com
- ^ CIA Factbook
- ^ COUNTRY PROFILE: PHILIPPINES (PDF), U.S. Library of Congress – Federal Research Division, 2006
{{citation}}
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ignored (help) asserts, "The Philippines attained independence from Spain on June 12, 1898, and from the United States on July 4, 1946.", implying that the cession of the Philippines to the U.S. by Spain on December 10, 1898 via the Treaty of Paris was invalid. Other sources (e.g. The CIA Factbook) assert that the philippine islands were ceded to the US by Spain in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. - ^ Republic of the Philippines, Philippine Government website.
- ^ Convention regarding the boundary between the Philippine Archipelago and the State of North Borneo (PDF), United Nations Treaty Collection, January 2, 1930 and July 6, 1932
{{citation}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Bautista, Lowell B. (3 September 2009), "The Historical Context and Legal Basis of the Philippine Treaty Limits" (PDF), Aegean Review of the Law of the Sea and Maritime Law: 21, doi:10.1007/s12180-009-0003-5, ISSN (Print) 1864-9629 (Online) 1864-9610 (Print) 1864-9629 (Online),
The Boundaries Treaty of 1930 clarifies those islands in the region belonging to U.S. and those to the State of North Borneo and delimits the boundary between the Philippine Archipelago (under U.S. sovereignty) and the State of North Borneo (under British protection). [...] When the Boundaries Treaty of 1930 was finalized, an exchange of notes supplemented the Treaty. Pursuant to the notes, sovereignty over these islands was transferred to the U.S., and it was agreed that Great Britain should continue to administer these islands until the U.S. gave notice to the contrary.
{{citation}}
: Check|issn=
value (help); External link in
(help); line feed character in|author=
|quote=
at position 212 (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) [6] - ^ The government of the Republic of China, which currently administers Taiwan, was the generally recognized sovereign power over Mainland China beginning in 1 January 1912 (also the first year of the Taiwanese calendar "民國"). Sovereign control of Taiwan by this government began on 25 October 1945 (Retrocession Day).
- ^ The PRC acquired de facto control in Mainland China on 1 October 1949. The Republic of China continued to be generally recognized as the legitimate government of China until 25 October 1971, when the PRC was admitted to the United Nations. Currently, due to the PRC's One-China policy, only 25 states recognize the Republic of China, although many more retain unofficial relations.
- ^ International recognition of Kosovo's independence is International reaction to the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence, number growing.
- ^ Spain, britannica.com
- ^ Welcome parliament.uk, accessed 1 January, 2009
- ^ In order to reflect the loss of Southern Ireland, the full name of the United Kingdom was changed from United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland through the Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927.
- ^ Profile: Republic of Vanuatu, U.S. Department of State
- ^ An Outline of the People's Republic of Albania. 8 Nëntori. 1978. p. 47.
- ^ Shillington, Kevin (2005). Encyclopedia of African history. CRC Press. p. 60. ISBN 1579584535.
- ^ Blaustein, Albert P. (1977). Independence documents of the world. Brill Archive. p. 11. ISBN 0379007940.
{{cite book}}
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suggested) (help) - ^ Whittlesey, Derwent (1934). "Andorra's Autonomy". The Journal of Modern History. 6 (2): 147–155.
{{cite journal}}
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ignored (help) - ^ Archambault, G.H. (Nov 16, 1944). "Andorra Occupied by French Police; De Gaulle Acts Under Historic Authority to Keep Order in Pyrenees Republic". New York Times. p. 5. Retrieved April 25, 2009.
- ^ "1975: Divided Angola gets independence". BBC On This Day. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
- ^ "Background Note: Antigua and Barbuda". US Department of State. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
- ^ "Congress of Tucumán". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved 2009-07-04.
- ^ "Armenia: Independence". Britannica.com. Retrieved 2009-08-17.
- ^ "Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942". National Archives of Australia: Documenting a Democracy. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dateformat=
ignored (help) - ^ "Austria". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
- ^ "Vienna". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
- ^ "Azerbaijan". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2009-05-11.
- ^ Kurian, George Thomas (1987). The Encyclopedia of the Third World (3rd ed.). Facts on File. p. 115. ISBN 0816011184.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|vol=
ignored (|volume=
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- ^ "Background Note: Belize". US Department of State.
- ^ "Background Note: Benin". US Department of State.
- ^ Rose, Leo E. (1977). The Politics of Bhutan. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. p. 24. ISBN 0-8014-0909-8.
[T]here can be no doubt that since at least the tenth century no external power has controlled Bhutan, although there have been periods when various of its neighbors have been able to exert a strong cultural and/or political influence there.
- ^ "Botswana". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2009-07-18.
- ^ "Brazil". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2009-07-18.
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- ^ "Burkina Faso". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2009-07-18.
- ^ Tucker, Spencer (1999). Vietnam. Routledge. pp. 196–197. ISBN 1857289226.
- ^ "Statute of Westminster: Canada's Declaration of Independence". The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 19, 2009.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dateformat=
ignored (help) - ^ "Background Note: Cape Verde". U.S. Department of State. June 2008. Retrieved 26 July 2009.
- ^ "Czechoslovakia". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
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Liberia ... was neither a sovereign power nor a bona fide colony of any sovereign nation. ... the United States refused to claim sovereignty over Liberia.
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Nepal is of special interest, partly because it is an Asian country that was never reduced to colonial status.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
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- ^ "Paraguay". Britannica.com. Retrieved 2009-06-26.
- ^ Hadenius, S; Nilsson, T and Åselius, G. (1996:13): "Hur och när det svenska riket uppstod vet vi inte. Först under 1100-talet börjar skriftliga dokument produceras i Sverige i någon större omfattning [...]" "How and when the Swedish kingdom appeared is not known. It is not until the 12th century that written documents begin to be produced in Sweden in any larger extent [...]"
- ^ Köprülü, Mehmet Fuat (1992). The origins of the Ottoman empire. SUNY Press. p. 33. ISBN 0-7914-0819-1.
It can be said that this war had a decisive effect on the fate of the Seljuk Empire. Afterwards Anatolia fell, in effect, under Mongol rule; although the peace which was made — on condition that a heavy annual tax be paid to the Mongols — left a theoretical semi-independence to the Seljuk sultan.
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See also
- Independence Day
- List of former national capitals
- List of active autonomist and secessionist movements
- List of countries by continent
- List of countries in chronological order of achieving statehood
- List of former European colonies
- List of European countries by date of independence
- Timeline of country and capital changes