Country names can seem permanent, but many nations have changed what they call themselves as politics, independence, and national identity evolved.
1. Persia Became Iran
For centuries, much of the world called the country Persia. In 1935, the Iranian government asked foreign governments to use “Iran,” a name long used within the country. The change reflected a preference for its historical and indigenous identity.
2. Siam Became Thailand
The country now known as Thailand was officially called Siam until 1939. The government adopted Thailand as part of a broader effort to promote national identity and unity.
3. Ceylon Became Sri Lanka
After gaining independence from Britain, Ceylon eventually adopted the name Sri Lanka in 1972, when it became a republic. The change marked a further break from its colonial-era identity.
4. Rhodesia Became Zimbabwe
The country now called Zimbabwe was known as Rhodesia during the final years of colonial rule and its unilateral independence period. After independence in 1980, the new government adopted Zimbabwe, reviving a name connected to the region’s precolonial history.
5. Burma Became Myanmar
In 1989, Burma’s military government changed the country’s English name to Myanmar. The decision remains politically controversial, with some governments and groups continuing to use Burma.
6. Swaziland Became Eswatini
In 2018, King Mswati III announced that Swaziland would become Eswatini, meaning roughly “land of the Swazi.” The change was presented as a move away from the country’s colonial-era name.