Countries That Changed Their Names: The Stories Behind 11 Historic Renamings

Countries do not always keep the same names throughout history. Political independence, constitutional changes, cultural identity, decolonization, and efforts to establish a new national image have all led governments to adopt different names. Some changes happened decades ago, while others were introduced relatively recently.

Here are the stories behind 11 notable country name changes.

1. Turkey → Türkiye — 2022

In 2022, the United Nations began using Türkiye as the country’s official name following a request from the Turkish government. The change was intended to reflect the Turkish spelling and pronunciation of the country’s name and to strengthen the country’s preferred international identity.

The country remains officially known as the Republic of Türkiye.

2. Persia → Iran — 1935

For centuries, much of the outside world referred to the country as Persia, a name strongly associated with its ancient civilizations, empires, literature, and culture.

In 1935, the government requested that foreign countries use Iran, a name already used domestically. Iran is derived from an ancient Iranian term associated with the land and peoples of the region.

The change did not erase Persian history; rather, it established Iran as the country’s modern international name.

3. Ceylon → Sri Lanka — 1972

The island nation now known as Sri Lanka was internationally called Ceylon for a long period, including during the British colonial era.

When the country became a republic in 1972, it adopted the name Sri Lanka. The new name reflected a stronger connection with the island’s historical and cultural traditions.

The word Ceylon nevertheless survives in several historical and commercial references.

4. Zaire → Democratic Republic of the Congo — 1997

The country in Central Africa was known as Zaire from 1971 until 1997 under the government of Mobutu Sese Seko.

Following the overthrow of Mobutu in 1997, the country returned to the name Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo).

This was more than a simple change of terminology. It represented a major political transition and the end of the Mobutu era.

5. Burma → Myanmar — 1989

In 1989, Myanmar’s government officially adopted Myanmar as the English-language name of the country, replacing Burma in official usage.

The change remains politically sensitive because it was introduced by the military government of the time. Some governments, organizations, and individuals have continued to use Burma, while others use Myanmar.

Both names have historical connections to the country and its people.

6. Rhodesia → Zimbabwe — 1980

Before independence, the southern African country was known as Rhodesia, a name connected to Cecil Rhodes and the colonial period.

After internationally recognized independence in 1980, the country became Zimbabwe.

The new name came from the historical Great Zimbabwe civilization and its famous stone structures, giving the independent nation a name rooted in African history rather than its colonial past.

7. East Pakistan → Bangladesh — 1971

East Pakistan was geographically separated from West Pakistan and developed a distinct Bengali linguistic and cultural identity.

After a devastating political and military conflict in 1971, East Pakistan became the independent nation of Bangladesh.

The name Bangladesh is commonly understood as meaning “Land of Bengal.” Its adoption marked the emergence of a sovereign Bengali-majority state.

8. Bechuanaland → Botswana — 1966

During the colonial period, the territory that is now Botswana was known as the Bechuanaland Protectorate.

When it achieved independence in 1966, it adopted the name Botswana.

The new name reflected the country’s African identity and is associated with the Tswana people. Botswana’s independence began a new era of self-government.

9. Basutoland → Lesotho — 1966

The territory of Basutoland was administered as a British protectorate before becoming independent.

On gaining independence in 1966, it adopted the name Lesotho.

The name connects the country to the Basotho people and their language and cultural identity. Lesotho is also unusual geographically because it is completely surrounded by South Africa.

10. Malaya → Malaysia — 1963

The Federation of Malaya became part of a broader federation in 1963, alongside Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo and Singapore at the time.

The resulting country was named Malaysia.

Singapore subsequently left the federation and became an independent country in 1965, while Malaysia retained its name.

11. Siam → Thailand — 1939

For much of its modern history, the Southeast Asian kingdom was internationally known as Siam.

In 1939, the country officially adopted the name Thailand, although the country’s naming history subsequently included another change back to Siam and then a return to Thailand.

The word Thailand is generally associated with the Thai people and is commonly interpreted as referring to a “land of the Thai.”

Why Do Countries Change Their Names?

A country’s name can carry enormous historical and political meaning. Governments may change it for several reasons:

• Independence: Former colonies often adopted names reflecting their own national identities.
• Political transformation: A revolution, regime change, or new constitution can lead to a new official name.
• Cultural identity: Governments may prefer a traditional or locally used name over a colonial-era term.
• Decolonization: Replacing colonial names can symbolize a break from foreign rule.
• International identity: A government may request that other countries use the name preferred domestically.
• Historical restoration: Some countries have returned to older names connected with their pre-colonial history.

A Name Can Tell a Nation’s Story

These examples demonstrate that changing a country’s name is rarely just a matter of changing words on a map. In many cases, the new name represents independence, cultural revival, political transformation, or a deliberate attempt to redefine national identity.

From Ceylon to Sri Lanka and Rhodesia to Zimbabwe, to the more recent international adoption of Türkiye, each name carries a story about how a nation understands its past and presents itself to the world.