Many people would not know this, but there are actually a lot of famous countries in this whole wide world that have changed their names to be completely different from their original names. A lot of reasons have been considered before the particular countries decided to change their own names. Reasons aside, the changing of the names for every country that have decided on that would definitely make to bring positive consequences towards the country.
Name changes are often made because of political or even national reasons such as removing traces of colonial rule or reflecting the ideology of a powerful government. Other than that, countries may also change their name for purely commemorative reasons, especially to honor an influential person or important event in the country. The countries can also change their name to improve their image and erase unpleasant events or memories in history.
1) Dahomey to Benin
Picture: World Atlas
Dahomey was indeed a powerful pre-colonial government established in West Africa in what is now the Republic of Benin. The government also covers today Togo and parts of southwestern Nigeria. The Dahomey Kingdom was famous for its skilled female warriors who served as royal bodyguards. The country changed its name from Dahomey to the Republic of Benin fifteen years after the country achieved its independence in 1975 under the leadership of Mathieu Kerekou. The name change was equated with the Marxist-Leninist ideas in which Kerekou believed.
2) Germany South Africa to Namibia
Picture: viviTravels
After gaining independence from Germany, the country was renamed Namibia. The country’s name change occurred in the year 1990. However, the people of this country do not quite agree with this because they are already familiar with the old name.
3) Ceylon to Sri Lanka
Picture: The New York Times
Sri Lanka has been known by various names throughout the time. Under British rule, Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon from the year 1815 to 1948. During the strive for independence in the early 20th century, Sri Lanka’s name got introduced. It was used by the Marxist Party of Lanka Sama Samaja while Sri was introduced by the Freedom Party of Sri Lanka.
4) Swaziland to Eswatini
Picture: World Nomads
In April 2018, the King of Swaziland issued a statement declaring that the country’s name would be changed to Eswatini. The exchange did not surprise its people as the name had long been used among them. Eswatini is a translation of Swaziland into the local language which means ‘land of the Swazi people’. In addition, the name of Swaziland is also said to be quite confusing because there are parties who misunderstand the country of Switzerland.
5) Abyssinia to Ethiopia
Picture: The United Nations
The Ethiopian Empire that is also known as Abyssinia, covered the northern state of Ethiopia. When the Abyssinians discovered Solomon Dynasty in 1270, they named the whole country ‘Abyssinia’. The Abyssinians ruled uninterrupted until the 20th century, controlling large parts of Ethiopia. Abyssinia was converted to Ethiopia during World War II by Hailesilase, King X of Ethiopia.
