World

Sri Lanka to Thailand: 7 Countries That Changed Their Official Names

Image credits: Freepik

Ceylon to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka shed its colonial legacy and replaced the name "Ceylon," bestowed by the British Empire, with "Sri Lanka" after gaining independence.

Image credits: Freepik

Turkey To Turkiye

In 2021, Turkey officially altered its UN-recognized name from "Turkey" to "Türkiye," marking a significant spelling change through international channels.
 

Image credits: Freepik

Persia to Iran

The Persian government renamed "Persia" to "Iran" in 1935, formalizing the country's identity under its modern name.

Image credits: Freepik

Siam to Thailand

Siam, known through its first international treaty, adopted the name "Thailand" on June 24, 1939, officially replacing its former title.

Image credits: Freepik

Burma to Myanmar

Burma's military Junta renamed the country "Myanmar" in 1989, a change recognized by the United Nations.

Image credits: Freepik

Holland to Netherlands:

In 2020, Holland, originally comprising North and South regions, formally adopted the name "Netherlands" to enhance its global identity and tourism appeal.

Image credits: Freepik

Irish Free State to Ireland

Originally called the Irish Free State, the country changed its name to "Ireland" in 1937.

Image credits: freepik
Find Next One