History

Countries by Formation Date

Sovereign states ordered by date of formation.

196 rows7 columns1 views0 downloadsSource: WikipediaUpdated: 2/22/2026
countrieshistoryformationnations
196 of 196 rows
Country
Continent
Acquisition of full sovereignty
Date of last subordination
Previous governing power
Historical Notes
Capital
AfghanistanAsia27 May 186330 August 2021Durrani Empire United States2021–present: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (de facto) 2004–2021: Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (de jure; internationally recognized Government) 2002–2004: Transitional Islamic State of Afghanistan 1996–2001: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan 2001-2021: American Occupation 1992–2002: Islamic State of Afghanistan 1987–1992: Republic of Afghanistan 1978–1987: Democratic Republic of Afghanistan 1973–1978: Republic of Afghanistan 1926–1973: Kingdom of Afghanistan 1863–1926: Emirate of AfghanistanKabul
AlbaniaEurope28 Nov 1912Nov 1944Germany1992–present: Republic of Albania 1946–92: People's Socialist Republic of Albania 1944–46: Democratic Government of Albania 1943–44: Albanian Kingdom, independent country militarly occupied by Germany 1939–43: Kingdom of Albania, a monarchy in personal union with Italy as the 1928–39: Albanian Kingdom 1925–1928: Albanian Republic 1914–1925: Principality of Albania (via Albanian Declaration of Independence) 1912–1914: Independent AlbaniaTirana
AlgeriaAfrica3 July 19623 July 1962France1962–present: People's Democratic Republic of Algeria (via Évian Accords)Algiers
AndorraEurope7 Sep 1278Nov 1944France1278–present: Principality of Andorra (via Paréage of Andorra; occupied by France 1812–13, 1870, 1914, 1936, 1939, 1944)Andorra la Vella
AngolaAfrica11 Nov 197511 Nov 1975Portugal1992–present: Republic of Angola1975–1992: People's Republic of Angola (via the Alvor Agreement)Luanda
Antigua and BarbudaThe Americas1 Nov 19811 Nov 1981United Kingdom1981–present: Antigua and Barbuda, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomSt. John's
ArgentinaThe Americas25 May 18109 July 1816Spain1861–present: Argentine Republic, a federation 1831–1861: Argentine Confederation 1816–1830: United Provinces of South America 1810-1816: United Provinces of the Río de la Plata, monarchy in personal union with SpainBuenos Aires
ArmeniaAsia/Europe23 Sep 199123 Sep 1991Soviet Union1991–present: Republic of ArmeniaYerevan
AustraliaAustralia9 Oct 19429 Oct 1942United Kingdom1942–present: Commonwealth of Australia, a Federation and a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomCanberra
AustriaEurope10 September 191927 July 1955World War II Allies ( Allied-occupied Austria): United Kingdom United States Soviet Union France1955–present: Republic of Austria, a federation (via Austrian State Treaty)1945–55: Allied-occupied Austria1938–45: Annexed by Nazi Germany1934–38: Federal State of Austria (client state of Italy)1919–34: First Republic of Austria (via Treaty of Saint Germain)1918–19: Republic of German-Austria (via Proclamation of Charles I) (New State)Vienna
AzerbaijanAsia/Europe30 Aug 199130 Aug 1991Soviet Union Iran1991–present: Republic of AzerbaijanBaku
BahamasThe Americas10 July 197310 July 1973United Kingdom1973–present: Commonwealth of the Bahamas, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomNassau
BahrainAsia16 Dec 197116 Dec 1971United Kingdom1971–present: Kingdom of BahrainManama
BangladeshAsia16 Dec 197116 Dec 1971Pakistan1972–present: People's Republic of Bangladesh1971–1972: Provisional Government of the People's Republic of BangladeshDhaka
BarbadosThe Americas30 Nov 196630 Nov 1966United Kingdom2021–present: Barbados, a republican state 1966-2021: Barbados, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomBridgetown
BelarusEurope25 Aug 199125 Aug 1991Soviet Union1991–present: Republic of BelarusMinsk
BelgiumEurope4 Oct 18301945Germany1830–present: Kingdom of Belgium, a constitutional monarchy.5th may 1993–present: a federation since the fourth state reform 1830–4th May 1993: a unitary state divided into provincesBrussels
BelizeThe Americas21 Sep 198121 Sep 1981United Kingdom1981–present: Belize, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomBelmopan
BeninAfrica1 Aug 19601 Aug 1960France1990–present: Republic of Benin1975–1990: People's Republic of Benin 1960–1975: Republic of DahomeyPorto-Novo
BhutanAsia16161616Tibet1616–present: Kingdom of BhutanThimphu
BoliviaThe Americas6 Aug 18256 Aug 1825Spain2009–present: Plurinational State of Bolivia 1839–2009: Republic of Bolivia 1836–1839: In union with North Peru and South Peru in the Peru–Bolivian Confederation 1825–1839: Republic of BoliviaLa Paz and Sucre
Bosnia and HerzegovinaEurope3 Mar 19923 Mar 1992Yugoslavia1997–present: Bosnia and Herzegovina, a Federation 1992–1997: Republic of Bosnia and HerzegovinaSarajevo
BotswanaAfrica30 Sep 196630 Sep 1966United Kingdom1966–present : Republic of BotswanaGaborone
BrazilThe Americas7 Sep 182229 Aug 1825United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves1985–Present: Federative Republic of Brazil (Sixth Brazilian Republic) (a federation) 1964–1985: Federative Republic of Brazil (Military Dictatorship) (Fifth Brazilian Republic) (a federation) 1946–1964: United States of Brazil (Fourth Brazilian Republic) (a federation) 1930–1946: United States of Brazil (Vargas Era) (Second and Third Brazilian Republics) (a federation) 1889–1930: Republic of the United States of Brazil (First Brazilian Republic) (a federation) 1822–1889: Empire of Brazil (a unitary state)Brasília
BruneiAsia1 Jan 19841 Jan 1984United Kingdom1984–present: Nation of Brunei, the Abode of PeaceBandar Seri Begawan
BulgariaEurope5 Oct 19085 Oct 1908Ottoman Empire1990–present: Republic of Bulgaria 1946–1990: People's Republic of Bulgaria 1908–1946: Tsardom of Bulgaria (reunified with Eastern Rumelia where was a part of the Ottoman Empire)Sofia
Burkina FasoAfrica5 Aug 19605 Aug 1960France1984–present: Burkina Faso 1960–1984:Republic of Upper VoltaOuagadougou
BurundiAfrica1 July 19621 July 1962Belgium1966–present: Republic of Burundi 1962–1966: Kingdom of BurundiGitega
CambodiaAsia9 Nov 19539 Nov 1953France United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia1993–present: Kingdom of Cambodia 1992–1993: United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia 1989–1992: State of Cambodia 1979–1989: People's Republic of Kampuchea 1975–1979: Democratic Kampuchea 1970–1975: Khmer Republic 1953–1970: Kingdom of CambodiaPhnom Penh
CameroonAfrica1 Jan 19601 Oct 1961France United Kingdom1972–present: Republic of Cameroon, unitary state 1961-1972: Federal Republic of Cameroon 1960-1961: Republic of Cameroon, unitary state Note:French Cameroons gained independence in 1960; added British Southern Cameroons in 1961.Iaundé
CanadaThe Americas11 Dec 193111 Dec 1931United Kingdom1982–present: Canada, a federal state and monarchy in personal union with the United Kingdom, asserts its full independence from the UK by patriating its constitution. 1931–1982: Canada, a federal state and monarchy in personal union with the United Kingdom (Statute of Westminster in 1931.)Ottawa
Cape VerdeAfrica5 July 19755 July 1975Portugal1975–present: Republic of Cabo VerdePraia
Central African RepublicAfrica13 Aug 196013 Aug 1960France1960–present: Central African RepublicBangui
ChadAfrica11 Aug 196011 Aug 1960France1960–present: Republic of ChadN'Djamena
ChileThe Americas12 Feb 181812 Feb 1818Spain1990–Present: Republic of Chile (Democracy Restored) 1973–1990: Chilean Military Dictatorship 1925–1973: Chilean Presidential Republic 1891–1925: Parliamentary Chile 1861–1891: Liberal Chile 1830–1861: Conservative Chile 1823–1830: Republic of Chile (Organization of the Republic) 1818–1823: Republic of Chile (Patria Nueva, New Fatherland)Santiago
ChinaAsia17 Feb 16162 Sep 1945Japan (partial occupation)1949–present: People's Republic of China 1937–1945: Japanese Invasion 1916–present: Republic of China (based in Taiwan since 1949) 1915–1916: Empire of China 1912–1915: Republic of China 1636–1912: Great Qing (informally called Chinese Empire) 1616-1636: Great Jin (New state) The PRC government in Beijing considers itself the successor of the Republic of China (1912–1949) which legally inherited the whole of China from the Qing dynasty. The ROC government in Taipei denies the legitimacy of the PRC and considers itself the sole legitimate government of the whole of China.Beijing
ColombiaThe Americas7 Aug 18197 Aug 1819Spain1886–present: Republic of Colombia (unitary state) 1863–1886: United States of Colombia (federal state) 1858–1863: Granadine Confederation (confederal state) 1831–1858: Republic of New Granada (unitary state) 1819–1831: Republic of Colombia (Gran Colombia) (federal state)Bogotá
ComorosAfrica6 July 19756 July 1975France2001–present:Union of the Comores, a Federation 1975–2001: Federal and Islamic Republic of ComorosMoroni
Congo, Democratic Republic of theAfrica30 June 196030 June 1960Belgium1997–present: Democratic Republic of the Congo 1971–1997: Republic of Zaire 1964–1971: Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa) 1960–1964: Republic of the Congo (Léopoldville)Kinshasa
Congo, Republic of theAfrica15 Aug 196015 Aug 1960France1992–present: Republic of the Congo 1969–1992: People's Republic of the Congo 1960–1969: Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville)Brazzaville
Costa RicaThe Americas14 Nov 18381838Federal Republic of Central America1948–present: Republic of Costa Rica (Second) 1848–1948: First Costa Rican Republic 1838–1847: Free State of Costa RicaSan José
CroatiaEurope8 Oct 19918 Oct 1991Yugoslavia1991–present: Republic of CroatiaZagreb
CubaThe Americas20 May 19022 February 1909United States1959–present: Republic of Cuba, sovereign communist state 1902–1959: Republic of Cuba, sovereign capitalist stateHavana
CyprusEurope16 Aug 196016 Aug 1960United Kingdom1960–present: Republic of Cyprus Note: Cyprus has been divided between two ethnicities as one sovereign state: Greek Cyprus and Turkish Cyprus from 1983.Nicosia
CzechiaEurope1 Jan 19931 Jan 1993Czechoslovakia1993–present: Czech RepublicPrague
DenmarkEurope7145 May 1945Germany1864–present: Kingdom of Denmark (It consists of metropolitan Denmark (sometimes called "Denmark proper") and the realm's two autonomous (but not sovereign) regions: the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic and Greenland in North America) 1814-1864: Danish Unitary State - Kingdom of Denmark in personal union with the Duchy of Schleswig, Duchy of Holstein and Duchy of Lauenburg 1537–1814: Denmark-Norway – Kingdom of Denmark, in real union with the Kingdom of Norway, Duchy of Schleswig, and the Duchy of Holstein 1523–1537: Denmark-Norway – Kingdom of Denmark, in personal union with the Kingdom of Norway, Duchy of Schleswig, and the Duchy of Holstein 1397–1523: Kingdom of Denmark, in personal union with the Kingdom of Sweden and the Kingdom of Norway. This union was known as the Kalmar Union 714-1397: Kingdom of DenmarkCopenhagen
DjiboutiAfrica27 June 197727 June 1977France1977–present: Republic of DjiboutiDjibouti
DominicaThe Americas3 Nov 19783 Nov 1978United Kingdom1978–present: Commonwealth of DominicaRoseau
Dominican RepublicThe Americas27 Feb 184427 Feb 1844Haiti1844–present: Dominican RepublicSanto Domingo
EcuadorThe Americas13 May 183013 May 1830Gran Colombia1830–present: Republic of EcuadorQuito
EgyptAfrica/Asia28 Feb 192228 Feb 1922United Kingdom1971–present: Arab Republic of Egypt 1958–1971: United Arab Republic 1953–1958: Arab Republic of Egypt 1922–1953: Kingdom of EgyptCairo
El SalvadorThe Americas1 Feb 18411 Feb 1841Federal Republic of Central America1982–present: Republic of El Salvador 1979–1982: Revolutionary Junta of El Salvador 1922–1979: Republic of El Salvador 1921-1922: In union with other Central American states in the Federation of Central America (confederation) 1898-1921: Republic of El Salvador 1896–1898: In union with other Central American states in the Greater Republic of Central America (confederation) 1841-1898: Republic of El SalvadorSan Salvador
Equatorial GuineaAfrica12 Oct 196812 Oct 1968Spain1968–present: Republic of Equatorial GuineaMalabo
EritreaAfrica24 May 199324 May 1993Ethiopia1993–present: State of EritreaAsmara
EstoniaEurope24 Feb 191820 Aug 1991Soviet Union1991–present: Republic of Estonia 1944-1991: Estonian government-in-exile 1940–1991: Estonian Diplomatic Service and Estonian government-in-exile (Occupation by the Soviet Union (1940–1941), Germany (1941–1944) and again by the Soviet Union (1944–1991) 1918–1940: Republic of EstoniaTallinn
EswatiniAfrica6 Sep 19686 Sep 1968United Kingdom2018–present: Kingdom of Eswatini 1968–2018: Kingdom of SwazilandLobamba (royal and legislative) and Mbabane (administrative)
EthiopiaAfrica1137 c.5 May 1941Italy1995–present: Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, a federation 1991–1995: Transitional Government of Ethiopia 1987–1991: People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 1974–1987: Provisional Military Government of Socialist Ethiopia 1941–1974: Ethiopian Empire 1936–1941: Occupied by Italy 1270–1936: Ethiopian Empire c.1137–1270: Zagwe KingdomAddis Ababa
FijiAustralia10 Oct 197010 Oct 1970United Kingdom1987–present: Republic of Fiji 1970–1987: Dominion of Fiji, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomSuva
FinlandEurope6 Dec 19174 Jan 1918Russian Empire1919–present: Republic of Finland 1918–1919: Kingdom of Finland 1918: Finnish Socialist Workers' Republic 1917: Republic of FinlandHelsinki
FranceEurope8431944Germany1958—Present: French Republic (Fifth; consisted of integral regions (five being overseas regions) and several overseas collectivities) 1946–1958: French Fourth Republic 1944–1946: Provisional Government of the French Republic 1940–1944: Free France, a government-in-exile of France, and member of the allies during WWII. 1940–1944: Occupied by Germany in WWII making Vichy France, a Nazi Puppet. 1870–1940: French Third Republic 1852–1870: Second French Empire 1848–1852: French Second Republic 1830–1848: July Monarchy 1814/5–1830: Bourbon Restoration 1804–1814/5: First French Empire 1792–1804: First French Republic 987–1792: Kingdom of France 843–987: Kingdom of West Francia (New State)(established by the Treaty of Verdun, after the dissolution of the Carolingian Empire)Paris
GabonAfrica17 Aug 196017 Aug 1960France1960–present: Gabonese RepublicLibreville
GambiaAfrica18 Feb 196518 Feb 1965United Kingdom1989–present: Republic of The Gambia 1982-1989: In union with Senegal in the Senegambia Confederation 1970–1982: Republic of The Gambia1965–1970: Gambia, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomBanjul
GeorgiaAsia/Europe9 Apr 19919 Apr 1991Soviet Union1991–Present: Republic of GeorgiaTbilisi
GermanyEurope1 July 186715 Mar 1991West Berlin World War II Allies ( Allied-occupied Germany): United Kingdom United States Soviet Union France1990–Present: Federal Republic of Germany (Become fully sovereign after reunification with the German Democratic Republic on 15 March 1991, after the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany came into effect). 1949–1990: Federal Republic of Germany ( West Berlin was an exclave of West Germany). 1945–1949: Germany occupied between the Allies (USA, UK, France and Soviet Union) (The occupation lasted from 1945 until the ratification of Bonn–Paris conventions in 1955). 1933–1945: Nazi Germany 1918–1933: Weimar Germany (a federation) 1878–1918: German Empire (Prussia Unified in a federal monarchy with all state kingdoms of Germany, excluding Austria). 1867–1878: North German Confederation, new sovereign state and federal union of 22 German-speaking states (previously sovereign states).Berlin
GreeceEurope25 Mar 18221945Bulgaria Nazi Germany Italy1974–Present: Third Hellenic Republic 1967–1974: : Greek Dictatorship 1944–1973: Kingdom of Greece 1941–1944: Hellenic State, a government-in-exile during the axis occupation, and member of the allies during WWII. 1935–1941: Kingdom of Greece 1924–1935: Second Hellenic Republic 1832–1924: Kingdom of Greece 1822–1832: After the War of Independence Greece declared independent as the First Hellenic Republic (New State)Athens
GrenadaThe Americas7 Feb 19747 Feb 1974United Kingdom1974–present: Grenada, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomSt. George's
GhanaAfrica6 May 19576 May 1957United Kingdom1960–Present: Republic of Ghana 1957-1960: Dominion of Ghana, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomAccra
GuatemalaThe Americas17 Apr 183917 Apr 1839Federal Republic of Central America1922–present: Republic of Guatemala 1921–1922: Federated state of the Federal Republic of Central America 1839–1921: Republic of GuatemalaGuatemala City
GuineaAfrica2 Oct 19582 Oct 1958France1958–present: Republic of GuineaConakry
Guinea-BissauAfrica24 Sep 197310 Sep 1974Portugal1973–present: Republic of Guinea-BissauBissau
GuyanaThe Americas26 May 196626 May 1966United Kingdom1970–present: Co-operative Republic of Guyana1966–1970: Guyana, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomGeorgetown
HaitiThe Americas1 Jan 18041 Jan 1804France1859–present: Republic of Haiti 1849–1859: Second Empire of Haiti 1820–1849: Republic of Haiti 1811–1820: Kingdom of Haiti 1806–1811: State of Haiti 1804–1806: First Empire of HaitiPort-au-Prince
HondurasThe Americas26 October 1838May 1924United States1922–present: Republic of Honduras 1921–1922: In union with other Central American states in the Federation of Central America (confederation) 1898–1921: Republic of Honduras (United States has been occupied on the Honduran Land in 1903, 1907, 1911, 1912, 1919, 1924). 1896–1898: In union with other Central American states in the Greater Republic of Central America (confederation) 1838 – 1896: Republic of HondurasTegucigalpa
HungaryEurope16 November 1918.191823 Oct 1989Austria-Hungary Soviet Union1989–present: Third Hungarian Republic 1949–1989: Hungarian People's Republic 1946–1949: Second Hungarian Republic 1920–1946: Kingdom of Hungary 1919–1920: Hungarian Republic 1919: Hungarian Soviet Republic 1918–1919: First Hungarian Republic (New State)Budapest
IcelandEurope1 Dec 19181 Dec 1918Denmark United Kingdom Canada United States1945–present: Republic of Iceland 1944–1945: Republic of Iceland (occupied by the United States) 1918–1944: Kingdom of Iceland, with a personal union with Denmark (Occupied by the United Kingdom and Canada in 1940 and 1941 and by the United States in 1941–1944)Reykjavík
IndiaAsia15 Aug 194715 Aug 1947United Kingdom1950–present: Republic of India, a federation 1947–1950: Union of India, a federation and monarchy in a personal union with the United KingdomNew Delhi
IndonesiaAsia/Australia17 Aug 194527 Dec 1949Netherlands1956–present: Republic of Indonesia 1950-1956: Republic of Indonesia, a republic in real union with the Netherlands in the Netherlands-Indonesia Union (confederation) 1949-1950: Republic of the United States of Indonesia, a republic in real union with the Netherlands in the Netherlands-Indonesia Union (confederation) 1945–1949: Republic of Indonesia, in a National Revolution against NetherlandsJakarta
IranAsia15012 March 1946United Kingdom/ Soviet UnionAnglo-Soviet withdrawal from Tehran1980–present: Islamic Republic of Iran 1979–1980: Under an Interim Government 1925–1979: Imperial State of Iran (Anglo-Soviet occupation 1941–1946)(In 1935 the Iranian emperor Reza Shah Pahlavi officially requested that foreigners begin using the endonym "Iran" instead of Persia) 1796–1925: Guarded Domains of Persia (Qajar dynasty) 1736–1796: Guarded Domains of Persia (Afsharid dynasty) 1501–1736: Guarded Domains of Persia (Safavid dynasty)Tehran
IraqAsia3 Oct 19321 May 2003United States United Kingdom Australia Poland2003–present: Republic of Iraq, a federation 2003: American Invasion 1968–2003: Iraqi Republic 1958–1968: Iraqi Republic 1958: Arab Federation of Iraq and Jordan 1932–1958: Kingdom of IraqBaghdad
IrelandEurope11 Dec 193111 Dec 1931United Kingdom1948–present: Ireland (additionally described as the Republic of Ireland) (Republic of Ireland Act 1948: Ireland becomes a republic, ending the monarchy). 1937–1948: Ireland (Constitution of Ireland (1937): name change to "Ireland" (Irish: Éire), the country still was a monarchy in a personal union with Great Britain) 1931–1937: Irish Free State, monarchic state in a personal union with the United KingdomDublin
IsraelAsia14 May 194814 May 1948United Kingdom1948–present: State of IsraelJerusalem
ItalyEurope17202 May 1945Allies of World War II: United Kingdom United States France Canada South Africa Poland Brazil Greece1946–present: Italian Republic 1945–1946: Kingdom of Italy 1943–1945: Italian Social Republic, a Nazi Puppet. 1861–1943: Kingdom of Italy (Kingdom of Sardinia expands its territory and annexes the existing states on the Italian peninsula; these states become legally extinct under international law.) 1720–1861: Kingdom of SardiniaRome
Ivory CoastAfrica7 Aug 19607 Aug 1960France1960–present Republic of Côte d'IvoireAbidjan (former capital; still hosts some government offices) and Yamoussoukro (de jure)
JamaicaThe Americas6 Aug 19626 Aug 1962United Kingdom1962–present: Jamaica, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomKingston
JapanAsia53928 Apr 1952World War II Allies ( Allied-occupied Japan) United States (de facto)1952–present: Japan (after the Treaty of San Francisco ended postwar occupation). 1945–1952: Allied-occupation of Japan with the United States and the United Kingdom in the post-war period. 1868–1945: Empire of Japan 1603–1868: Tokugawa shogunate 1568–1603: Japanese Azuchi–Momoyama 1336–1568: Ashikaga shogunate 1333–1336: Kenmu Restoration 1185–1333: Kamakura shogunate 794–1185: Heian era 710–794: Nara era 538–710: Asuka era c. 300–578: Kofun era (Era when all Japanese states merged into one in c. 400 AD).Tokyo
JordanAsia25 May 19462 Aug 1958United Kingdom1958–present: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Feb–Aug 1958: In union with Iraq in the Arab Federation (confederation) 1946–1958: Hashemite Kingdom of JordanAmman
KazakhstanAsia/Europe16 Dec 199116 Dec 1991Soviet Union1991–present: Republic of KazakhstanAstana
KenyaAfrica12 Dec 196312 Dec 1963United Kingdom1964–present: Republic of Kenya1963–1964: Kenya, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomNairóbi
KiribatiAustralia12 July 197912 July 1979United Kingdom1979–present: Republic of KiribatiSouth Tarawa
North KoreaAsia9 Sep 19489 Sep 1948Soviet Union1948–present: Democratic People's Republic of Korea (New State)Pyongyang
South KoreaAsia15 Aug 194815 Aug 1948United States1987–present: Republic of Korea (Sixth) 1981–1987: Fifth Republic of Korea 1972–1981: Fourth Republic of Korea 1963–1972: Third Republic of Korea 1961–1963: Supreme Council for National Reconstruction 1960–1961: Second Republic of Korea 1948–1960: First Republic of Korea (New State)Seoul
KosovoEurope17 February 200817 February 2008Serbia United Nations Administered Kosovo2008–present: Republic of KosovoPristina
KuwaitAsia19 June 1961Feb 1991Iraq1991–present: State of Kuwait 1990–1991: Kuwait Governorate, governorate of Iraq 1990: Republic of Kuwait 1961–1990: State of KuwaitKuwait City
KyrgyzstanAsia31 Aug 199131 Aug 1991Soviet Union1991–present: Kyrgyz Republic (the name "Republic of Kyrgyzstan" was adopted in 1990, changed to current in 1993)Bishkek
LaosAsia22 Oct 195322 Oct 1953France1975–present: Lao People's Democratic Republic 1953–1975: Kingdom of LaosVientiane
LatviaEurope18 Nov 19184 May 1990Soviet Union1991–present: Republic of Latvia 1940–1991: Latvian diplomatic service in exile (Occupation by Germany (1940–1944) and later by the Soviet Union (1944–1991))1918–1940: Republic of LatviaRiga
LebanonAsia22 Nov 194331 Dec 1946France1943–present: Lebanese RepublicBeirut
LesothoAfrica4 Oct 19664 Oct 1966United Kingdom1966–present: Kingdom of LesothoMaseru
LiberiaAfrica26 July 184726 July 1847American Colonization Society1847–present: Republic of Liberia (1980-1984: People's Redemption Council )Monrovia
LibyaAfrica1 Mar 194924 Dec 1951France United Kingdom2011–present: State of Libya (Sometimes refer to as Libya) 1977–2011: Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya (before 1986 without the word "Great" in the full name of the country) 1969–1977: Libyan Arab Republic 1963–1969: Kingdom of Libya 1951–1963: United Kingdom of Libya 1949-1951: Cyrenaica EmirateTripoli
LiechtensteinEurope6 August 18066 August 1806Holy Roman Empire1806–present: Principality of LiechtensteinVaduz
LithuaniaEurope16 Feb 191811 Mar 1990Soviet Union1991–present: Republic of Lithuania 1940–1991: Lithuanian Diplomatic Service (Occupation by Germany (1940–1944) and later by the Soviet Union (1944–1991) 1918–1940: Republic of Lithuania 1918: Kingdom of LithuaniaVilnius
LuxembourgEurope15 Mar 18151945Germany1890–present: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, independent state with its own dynasty 1866–1890: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, independent state in personal union with Netherlands 1815–1866: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, independent from France in 1815 and in union with other 37 sovereign states in the German Confederation, but also in personal union with NetherlandsLuxembourg
MadagascarAfrica26 June 196026 June 1960France2014–present: Republic of Madagascar (Fourth Republic) 2009–2014: High Transitional Authority 1992–2009: Republic of Madagascar (Third Republic) 1975–1992: Democratic Republic of Madagascar 1960–1975: Malagasy RepublicAntananarivo
MalawiAfrica6 July 19646 July 1964United Kingdom1964–present: Republic of MalawiLilongwe
MalaysiaAsia31 Aug 195731 Aug 1957United Kingdom1963–present: Malaysia, a federation 1957-1963: Federation of Malaya Note: The Federation of Malaya gained independence in 1957; in 1963 it added territories of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, and changed its name to Malaysia (a federal state). Singapore became independent in 1965.Kuala Lumpur (de jure, legislative and royal) and Putrajaya (administrative and judicial)
MaldivesAsia26 July 196526 July 1965United Kingdom1965–present: Republic of MaldivesMalé
MaliAfrica20 Aug 196020 Aug 1960France1960–present: Republic of MaliBamako
MaltaEurope21 Sep 196421 Sep 1964United Kingdom1974–present: Republic of Malta1964–1974: State of Malta, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomValletta
Marshall IslandsAustralia21 Oct 198621 Oct 1986United States1986–present: Republic of the Marshall IslandsMajuro
MauritaniaAfrica28 Nov 196028 Nov 1960France1960–present: Islamic Republic of MauritaniaNouakchott
MauritiusAfrica12 Mar 196812 Mar 1968United Kingdom1992–present: Republic of Mauritius 1968–1992: Mauritius, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomPort Louis
MexicoThe Americas16 Sep 18101864Spain1867–Present: United Mexican States (a federation) 1864–1867: Second Mexican Empire (a unitary state) 1846–1863: Second Federal Republic of Mexico (a federation) 1835–1846: Centralist Republic of Mexico (a federation) 1823–1824: Provisional Government of Mexico 1821–1823: First Mexican Empire (unitary state)Mexico City
Micronesia, Federated States ofAustralia3 Nov 19863 Nov 1986United States1986–present: Federated States of Micronesia, a federationPalikir
MoldovaEurope27 Aug 199127 Aug 1991Soviet Union1991–present: MoldovaChișinău
MonacoEurope2 Feb 18611945Germany1911–present: Principality of MonacoMonaco
MongoliaAsia13 Mar 192113 Mar 1921Republic of China1990-present: Mongolia 1945-1992: Mongolian People's Republic 1924-1945: Mongolian People's Republic 1921-1924: Bogd Khanate of MongoliaUlaanbaatar
MontenegroEurope4 February 200321 May 2006 (independence referendum)June 3, 2006Yugoslavia2006–present: Montenegro 2003-2006: In union with Serbia in the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (confederation)Podgorica
MoroccoAfrica7 Apr 19567 Apr 1956France Spain1956–present: Kingdom of MoroccoRabat
MozambiqueAfrica25 June 197525 June 1975Portugal1975–present: Republic of MozambiqueMaputo
MyanmarAsia4 Jan 19484 Jan 1948United Kingdom2008–present: Republic of the Union of Myanmar1988-2008: Union of Myanmar1962-1988: Socialist Republic of the Union of Burma1948-1962: Union of BurmaNaypyidaw
NamibiaAfrica21 Mar 199021 Mar 1990South Africa1990–present: Republic of NamibiaWindhoek
NauruAustralia31 Jan 196831 Jan 1968Australia New Zealand United Kingdom Trust Territory of Nauru1968–present: Republic of NauruYaren
NepalAsia15591559Khasa Kingdom2008–present: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal 1768–2008: Kingdom of Nepal 1559–1768: Gorkha KingdomKathmandu
NetherlandsEurope20 Nov 18131945Germany1945–present: Kingdom of the Netherlands (reestablished in 1945. Aruba, Curaçao, the Netherlands, and Sint Maarten are the constituent countries of the Kingdom) 1940–1945: Occupied by Nazi Germany establishing as Dutch government-in-exile, a member of the allies during WWII. 1839–1940: Kingdom of the Netherlands 1815–1839: United Kingdom of the Netherlands 1813–1815: Sovereign Principality of the United Netherlands (New State)Amsterdam
New ZealandAustralia25 Nov 194725 Nov 1947United Kingdom1947–present: Realm of New Zealand, a monarchy in a personal union with the United Kingdom. (New Zealand (a sovereign state) has one Antarctic territorial claim (the Ross Dependency), one dependent territory (Tokelau), and two associated states (the Cook Islands and Niue))Wellington
NicaraguaThe Americas13 Nov 18382 Jan 1933United States of America1898–Present: Republic of Nicaragua 1896–1898: In union with other Central American states in the Greater Republic of Central America (confederation) 1838-1896: Republic of NicaraguaManagua
NigerAfrica7 Aug 19607 Aug 1960France1960–present: Republic of the NigerNiamey
NigeriaAfrica1 Oct 19601 Oct 1960United Kingdom1963–present: Federal Republic of Nigeria, a federation 1960-1963: Nigeria, a federation and monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomAbuja
North MacedoniaEurope8 Sep 19918 Sep 1991Yugoslavia2019–present: Republic of North Macedonia 1991–2019: / Republic of Macedonia (the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia)Skopje
NorwayEurope8728 May 1945Germany1940–present: Kingdom of Norway 1940–1945: Occupied by Germany (Reichskommissariat). 1905–1940: Kingdom of Norway (Haakon VII elected Norwegian king in a referendum in 1905). 1814–1905: United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway. A personal union between the Kingdom of Sweden and the Kingdom of Norway. 1537–1814: Denmark-Norway – Kingdom of Norway, in real union with the Kingdom of Denmark, Duchy of Schleswig, and the Duchy of Holstein. 1523–1537: Denmark-Norway – Kingdom of Norway, in personal union with the Kingdom of Denmark, Duchy of Schleswig, and the Duchy of Holstein. 1397–1523: Kingdom of Norway, in personal union with the Kingdom of Sweden and the Kingdom of Denmark. This union was known as the Kalmar Union 872–1397: Kingdom of Norway (According to tradition, Harald Fairhair unified all the small kingdoms into one in 872 after the Battle of Hafrsfjord in Stavanger, thus becoming the first king of a united Norway. In 1163, Norway adopted its current Law of Succession)Oslo
OmanAsia11541976Dhofar War: United Kingdom Pahlavi Iran1970–present Oman 1856-1970: Sultanate of Muscat and Oman 1696-1856: Omani Empire 1154-1624: Imamate of OmanMuscat
PakistanAsia14 Aug 194714 Aug 1947United Kingdom1956–present: Islamic Republic of Pakistan, a federation 1947–1956: Pakistan, a federation and monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomIslamabad
PalauAustralia1 Oct 19941 Oct 1994United States1994–present: Republic of PalauNgerulmud
PalestineAsia15 Nov 1988Sovereignty disputed by Israel15 Nov 1988Israel1988–present: State of PalestineRamallah
PanamaThe Americas3 Nov 190331 Jan 1990United States1990–present: Republic of Panama 1989–1990: American Invasion 1903–1989: Republic of PanamaPanama City
Papua New GuineaAustralia16 Sep 197516 Sep 1975Australia1975–present: Independent State of Papua New GuineaPort Moresby
ParaguayThe Americas14 May 1811 (de facto)Nov 25, 1845 (formal declaration of Independence)1876Empire of Brazil Argentina Uruguay1876–present: Republic of Paraguay Occupied 1870–1876 by Brazil, in Triple Alliance with Argentina and Uruguay. 1813–1870: Republic of Paraguay 1811–1813: Province of Paraguay (de facto independent of Spain, but still de jure part of the Spanish Empire)Asunción
PeruThe Americas28 July 182125 Aug 1839North Peru South Peru Río de la Plata Conservative Chile1839–Present: Republic of Peru 1836–1839: Divided in North Peru and South Peru, in union with Bolivia in the Peru–Bolivian Confederation 1822–1836: Republic of Peru 1821-1822: Regime of Free DepartmentsLima
PhilippinesAsia4 July 19464 July 1946United States1946–present: Republic of the PhilippinesManila
PolandEurope11 November 19181945Germany Soviet Union1989–present: Republic of Poland 1947–1989: Polish People's Republic 1945–1947: Provisional Government of National Unity 1939–1990: Government of the Republic of Poland in exile 1939–1945: Occupied by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during WWII making the Polish Underground State as an emergency state, and later in 1944 Poland was proposed to make a Government. 1918–1939: Republic of PolandWarsaw
PortugalEurope25 July 113930 Aug 1808France1975–present: Portuguese Republic (Third) 1974–1975: National Salvation Junta 1933–1974: Second Portuguese Republic (Estado Novo/New State) 1926–1933: Second Portuguese Republic (National Dictatorship) 1910–1926: First Portuguese Republic 1834–1910: Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves 1825-1834: Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves 1815-1825: United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves (Brazil declared its independence from Portugal in 1822, but Portugal only recognized it in 1825) 1777–1834: Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves (Napoleonic era) 1640–1777: Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves 1580–1640: Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves (and its colonial empire) in a personal union with the states of the Hispanic Monarchy, this union was known as the Iberian Union 1415–1580: Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves 1139–1415: Kingdom of Portugal (Independent after the Battle of Ourique, Although it was not until 4 years later in 1143, when independence was recognized).Lisbon
QatarAsia3 Sep 19713 Sep 1971United Kingdom1971–present: State of QatarDoha
RomaniaEurope10 May 187710 May 1877Ottoman Empire1989–present: Romania1965-1989: Socialist Republic of Romania1947-1965:Romanian People's Republic1881-1947: Kingdom of Romania1878-1881:Principality of RomaniaBucharest
RussiaAsia/Europe148026 Dec 1991 (de facto)12 Dec 1993 (de jure)Soviet Union1993–present: Russian Federation (a federation) 1991–1993: Russian Federation (a federation)(with the 1978 constitution. The United Nations recognizes Russia as the successor state of the USSR.) 1922–1991: Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (a federation) 1918–1922: Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (a federation) 19 January 1918: Russian Democratic Federative Republic (a federation) 1917–1918: Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (a federation) 14 Sep – 7 Nov 1917: Russian Republic (a federation) 1721–1917: Russian Empire (a unitary state) 1547–1721: Tsardom of Russia 1480–1547: Grand Duchy of Moscow, sovereign and independent stateMoscow
RwandaAfrica1 July 19621 July 1962Belgium1962–present: Republic of RwandaKigali
Saint Kitts and NevisThe Americas19 Sep 198319 Sep 1983United Kingdom1983–present: Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, a federation and monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomBasseterre
Saint LuciaThe Americas22 Feb 197922 Feb 1979United Kingdom1979–present: Saint Lucia, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomCastries
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesThe Americas27 Oct 197927 Oct 1979United Kingdom1979–present: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomKingstown
SamoaAustralia1 Jan 19621 Jan 1962New Zealand1962–present: Independent State of SamoaApia
San MarinoEurope129121 Sep 1944World War II Allies1944: Brief occupation by Germany, then Allies during Battle of San Marino 1739: Brief occupation by the Papal States 1503: Brief occupation by Rimini 1243: The people of San Marino established the positions of Captains Regent (Capitani Reggenti) as a joint heads of state Before 1243: Part of the Roman Empire 301: Traditionally said to have been founded by Saint MarinusSan Marino
São Tomé and PríncipeAfrica12 July 197512 July 1975Portugal1975-1991: Democratic Republic of São Tomé and PríncipeSão Tomé
Saudi ArabiaAsia23 Sep 193223 Sep 1932Sultanate of Nejd Kingdom of Hejaz Kingdom of Hejaz and Nejd (real union)1932–present: Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaRiyadh
SenegalAfrica20 Aug 196020 Aug 1960France1989–present: Republic of The Gambia 1982-1989: In union with The Gambia in the Senegambia Confederation 1960-1982: Republic of SenegalDakar
SerbiaEurope13 April 19923 June 2006Yugoslavia Serbia and Montenegro2006–present: Republic of Serbia 2003–2006: Republic of Serbia, in union with Montenegro in the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (confederation and successor polity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia) 1992–2003: Republic of Serbia, federated state of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (New state)Belgrade
SeychellesAfrica29 June 197629 June 1976United Kingdom1976–present: Republic of SeychellesVictoria
Sierra LeoneAfrica27 Apr 196127 Apr 1961United Kingdom1971–present: Republic of Sierra Leone 1961-1971: Dominion of Sierra Leone, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomFreetown
SingaporeAsia9 Aug 19659 Aug 1965Malaysia1965–present: Republic of SingaporeSingapore
SlovakiaEurope1 Jan 19931 Jan 1993Czechoslovakia1993–present: Slovak RepublicBratislava
SloveniaEurope25 June 199125 June 1991Yugoslavia1991–present: Republic of SloveniaLjubljana
Solomon IslandsAustralia7 July 19787 July 1978United Kingdom1978–present: Solomon Islands, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomHoniara
SomaliaAfrica1 July 19601 July 1960United Kingdom Italy2012–present: Federal Republic of Somalia, a federation 2004-2012: Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, transition from unitary state to federation 2000-2004: Transitional National Government of Somalia, a unitary state 1997-2000: Somali Republic 1991-1997: Interim Government of the Somali Republic, a unitary state 1969-1991: Somali Democratic Republic, a unitary state 1960-1969: Somali Republic, a unitary stateMogadishu
South AfricaAfrica11 Dec 193111 Dec 1931United Kingdom1961–present: Republic of South Africa (Democratization in 1994) 1931–1961: Union of South Africa, monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomBloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative) and Pretoria (executive)
South SudanAfrica9 July 20119 July 2011Sudan2011–present: Republic of South Sudan, a federationJuba
SpainEurope14791813France1982–present: Kingdom of Spain (with democracy) 1975–1982: Kingdom of Spain (restored thrice; transition to democracy) 1939–1977: Spanish Republic (government in exile) 1947: Referendum of re-establishing the Spanish Kingdom 1936–1975: Francoist Spain 1931–1939: Second Spanish Republic 1874–1931: Kingdom of Spain (restored again) 1873–1874: First Spanish Republic 1810–1873: Kingdom of Spain (restored) 1803–1810: Kingdom of Napoleonic Spain, a French occupation. 1716–1810: Kingdom of Spain 1640–1716: Hispanic Monarchy 1580–1640: Iberian Union (The states of the Hispanic Monarchy in personal union with the Kingdom of Portugal) 1516–1580: Hispanic Monarchy (after the Reconquista, two Catholic monarchies (Castile and Aragon) and among other territories such as Navarre were merged by Charles I of Spain). 1479–1516: Dynastic unification of Spain, internally divided in Crown of Castile and the Crown of AragonMadrid
Sri LankaAsia4 Feb 19484 Feb 1948United Kingdom1972–present: Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka1948–1972: Dominion of Ceylon, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomColombo (executive, judicial) and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (official)
SudanAfrica1 Jan 19561 Jan 1956United Kingdom Egypt2019–present: Republic of the Sudan, a federation1985-2019: Republic of Sudan, a federation1969-1985:Democratic Republic of Sudan, a federation1956-1969: Republic of Sudan, a federationKhartoum
SurinameThe Americas25 Nov 197525 Nov 1975Kingdom of the Netherlands1975–present: Republic of SurinameParamaribo
SwedenEurope970 c.1523Kalmar Union1905–present: Kingdom of Sweden 1814-1905: United Kingdom of Sweden and Norway. A personal union between the Kingdom of Sweden and the Kingdom of Norway. 1523-1814: Kingdom of Sweden 1397-1523: Kingdom of Sweden, in personal union with the Kingdom of Norway and the Kingdom of Denmark. This union was known as the Kalmar Union 970-1397: Kingdom of SwedenStockholm
SwitzerlandEurope24 Oct 16481814France1848–present: Swiss Confederation (second) 1814–1848: Swiss Confederation (in Restoration and Regeneration) with the Congress of Vienna of 1815. 1803–1814: Napoleonic Swiss Confederation, a French puppet state 1798–1803: Helvetic Republic, a French occupation 1648–1798: : Swiss Confederation(Independence fully recognized by the Peace of WestphaliaBern
SyriaAsia28 Sep 196128 Sep 1961United Arab Republic2024–present: Syrian Arab Republic (post-Fall of Assad regime) 1963-2024: Syrian Arab Republic, under the Assad regime1961–1963: Syrian Arab RepublicDamascus
TajikistanAsia9 Sep 19919 Sep 1991Soviet Union1991–present: Republic of TajikistanDushanbe
TanzaniaAfrica26 April 196426 April 1964Tanganyika Zanzibar1964–present: United Republic of Tanzania 1964: United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar (New State)Dodoma
ThailandAsia4 Mar 13511945Japan1939–present: Kingdom of Thailand (The country changed its name from Siam to Thailand) 1932-1939: Kingdom of Siam 1885-1932: Kingdom of Siam 1782-1885: Rattanakosin Kingdom 1767-1782: Thonburi Kingdom 1351–1767: Ayutthaya KingdomBangkok
Timor-LesteAsia20 May 200220 May 2002Indonesia United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor2002–present: Democratic Republic of Timor-LesteDili
TogoAfrica27 Apr 196027 Apr 1960France1960–present: Togolese RepublicLomé
TongaAustralia4 June 19704 June 1970United Kingdom1970–present: Kingdom of TongaNukuʻalofa
Trinidad and TobagoThe Americas31 Aug 196231 Aug 1962United Kingdom1976–present: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago1962-1976: Trinidad and Tobago, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomPort of Spain
TunisiaAfrica20 Mar 195620 Mar 1956France1957–present: Republic of Tunisia1956-1957: Kingdom of TunisiaTunis
TurkeyAsia/Europe12991923Greece Italy United Kingdom France Armenia1923–present: Republic of Turkey 1920–1923: Ottoman Empire, occupied by Greece, Italy, France, United Kingdom and Armenia (Treaty of Sèvres) 1299–1920: Ottoman EmpireAnkara
TurkmenistanAsia27 Oct 199127 Oct 1991Soviet Union1991–present: TurkmenistanAshgabat
TuvaluAustralia1 Oct 19781 Oct 1978United Kingdom1978–present: Tuvalu, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomFunafuti
UgandaAfrica9 Oct 19629 Oct 1962United Kingdom1963–present: Republic of Uganda1962–1963: Uganda, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomKampala
UkraineEurope24 August 199124 Aug 1991Soviet Union1991–present: UkraineKyiv
United Arab EmiratesAsia2 Dec 19712 Dec 1971United Kingdom1971–present: United Arab EmiratesAbu Dhabi
United KingdomEurope1 Jan 18011 Jan 1801Kingdom of Great Britain Kingdom of Ireland1922–present: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1801–1922: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (New State)London
United StatesThe Americas4 July 177619 Oct 1781Great Britain1776–present: United States of America, a federationWashington, D.C.
UruguayThe Americas27 Aug 182827 Aug 1828Empire of Brazil1830–present: Oriental Republic of Uruguay 1828–1830: Oriental State of UruguayMontevideo
UzbekistanAsia1 Sep 19911 Sep 1991Soviet Union1991–present: Republic of UzbekistanTashkent
VanuatuAustralia30 July 198030 July 1980United Kingdom France1980–present: Republic of VanuatuPort Vila
Vatican CityEurope11 Feb 192911 Feb 1929Italy1929–present: Vatican City StateVatican City
VenezuelaThe Americas13 Jan 183013 Jan 1830Gran Colombia1999–Present Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (a federal state, comprising twenty-three states, a capital district and the Federal Dependencies which consist in several islands in the Caribbean sea) 1953–1999: Republic of Venezuela (a federal state) 1864–1953: United States of Venezuela (a federal state) 1830–1864: State of Venezuela (a unitary state)Caracas
VietnamAsia2 July 19762 July 1976North Vietnam South Vietnam1976–present: Socialist Republic of Vietnam (New State)Hanoi
YemenAsia22 May 199022 May 1990North Yemen South Yemen1990–present: Republic of Yemen (New State)Aden (de facto, temporary) and Sanaa (de jure)
ZambiaAfrica24 Oct 196424 Oct 1964United Kingdom1964–present: Republic of ZambiaLusaka
ZimbabweAfrica11 Nov 196518 Apr 1980United Kingdom1980–present: Republic of Zimbabwe 1979-1980: Zimbabwe Rhodesia 1970-1979: Republic of Rhodesia 1965-1970: Rhodesia, a monarchy in personal union with the United KingdomHarare
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