Persia
In 1935, leader Reza Shah sent a letter to the League of nations insisting this name be used.
East Pakistan
Renamed in 1971, 24 years after gaining independence from the UK in 1947.
Burma
In 1989, the military government changed this country's name from the English translation.
Transjordan
Formerly a British Protectorate, this country was renamed after gaining independence in 1946.
British Honduras
This country was renamed after gaining independence from the UK in 1981.
Portuguese East Africa
This country changed its name after gaining independence in 1975.
Siam
This country adopted its current name in 1939, but it reverted to its former name from 1945-49.
Zaire
After the defeat of former President Mobutu in 1997, this country reverted to one of its former names.
Kampuchea
This country began using its current name in 1993 after several versions of the former name were used.
Ceylon
This country changed its name in 1972 after the country became a republic in the British Commonwealth.
Dutch Guiana
This country changed its name in 1975 after gaining independence from Netherlands.
Basutoland
This former British Crown Colony was renamed after gaining independence in 1966.
French Togoland
In 1960, this country became fully independent and adopted a new name.
South-West Africa
This country was referred to by its former name when the country was a German Colony and when under South African rule.
Republic of Dahomey
This country was renamed in 1975 after gaining independence from France in 1960.
Ubangi-Shari
This former French territory was renamed after gaining independence in 1960
Northern Rhodesia
This country was renamed after gaining independence from the UK in 1964.
Southern Rhodesia
This country was renamed after gaining independence from the UK in 1980.
Upper Volta
After gaining full independence from France, in 1984 this country adopted a new name.
Nyasaland
This country gained independence from UK in 1964 and was renamed.
Tanganyika and Zanzibar
This country was formed by the unification of the two former independent countries in 1964.
Caroline Islands
Although the name Caroline Islands encompasses several islands, some of which belong to other countries, this main section was renamed after gaining independence from the USA in 1979.
French Guinea
After rejecting Charles de Gaulle's constitution in 1958 and becoming an independent nation, this country was renamed.
Portuguese Guinea
This country was renamed after gaining independence from Portugal in 1973.
Bechuanaland
A former British Protectorate, this country was renamed after gaining independence in 1966.
French Territory of the Afars and the Issas
This former overseas territory of France was renamed after gaining independence in 1977.
French Sudan
A former French Colony, this country was renamed Sudanese Republic before becoming fully independent in 1960.
Gold Coast (British colony)
This country became an independent nation in 1957.
Malagasy Republic
This country was an independent state in the French Community until it gained full independence in 1975.
Ellice Islands
This former British Protectorate adopted its new name upon gaining independence in 1976.
Gilbert Islands
This former British Protectorate adopted its new name upon gaining independence in 1976.
New Hebrides
This country was an Anglo-French condominium until it gained independence in 1980.
BGCollector
Quiz Updated Jun 8, 2016
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