Newly Independent Countries Chronology

The Indian National Congress votes for complete independence.

Ref: 17

1933

Jan 12

US Congress recognize independence Philippines.

Ref: 5

1934

The Philippine legislature accepts a US proposal for independence.

Ref: 2

Sep 03

Tunisia began its move for independence.

Ref: 5

1935

May 14

A plebiscite in the Philippines ratifies an independence agreement.

Ref: 2

Nov 14

President Roosevelt proclaimed the Philippine Islands a free commonwealth. Manuel Luis Quezon is sworn in as the first Filipino president.

Ref: 70

Nov 15

Commonwealth of Phillipines inaugurated.

Ref: 5

1937

Dec 24

Dutch government recognizes Italian king Emanuel III as emperor of Abyssinia.

Ref: 5

Dec 29

Ireland adopts constitution (Irish Free State becomes Eire).

Ref: 5

1938

Jan 12

Austria recognizes the Franco government in Spain.

Ref: 2

1939

May 23

British parliament plans to make Palestine independent by 1949.

Ref: 5

1941

May 20

Former Dutch PM Colijn says Netherlands Indies not ready for independence.

Ref: 5

Nov 26

Lebanon gains independence from France.

Ref: 5

1943

Nov 22

Lebanon gains its independence

Ref: 62

France transfers most of her powers in Lebanon to Lebanese government.

Ref: 5

1944

May 18

Independence of Iceland proclaimed.

Ref: 10

Jun 17

Republic of Iceland proclaimed at Thingvallir, Iceland.

Ref: 5

1945

Aug 17

Upon hearing confirmation that Japan has surrendered, Sukarno proclaims Indonesia's independence from Netherlands (National Day).

Ref: 2

The United States recognizes Tito's government in Yugoslavia.

Ref: 2

1946

Jan 07

Cambodia becomes autonomous state inside French Union.

Ref: 5

Enver Hoxha declares People's Republic of Albania with himself dictator.

Ref: 5

Mar 22

Britain signs a treaty granting independence to Jordan.

Ref: 5

Apr 12

Syria gains independence from France.

Ref: 5

Apr 17

Syria declares independence from French administration.

Ref: 5

May 25

Transjordan (now Jordan) became a kingdom as it proclaimed its new monarch, King Abdullah Ibn Ul-Hussein.

Ref: 5

Jul 04

The United States grants the Philippine Islands their independence.

Ref: 2

Sep 15

Bulgarian People's Republic proclaimed.

Ref: 10

1947

Aug 14

India granted independence within British Commonwealth.

Ref: 5

Aug 14

Pakistan was created by a partition agreement by British as an independent country.

Ref: 70

Dec 28

The new Italian constitution is promulgated in Rome.

Ref: 2

1948

Jan 04

Britain granted independence to Burma. Thankin Nu is appointed Prime Minister.

Ref: 70

Feb 04

The island nation of Ceylon now Sri Lanka - became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth.

Ref: 70

Apr 30

Creation of the State of Israel in the Hebrew calendar (May 14 in the Gregorian).

Ref: 10

Aug 15

Republic of Korea (South Korea) proclaimed (National Day).

Ref: 5

Dec 21

State of Eire (formerly Irish Free State) declares its independence.

Ref: 5

Dec 29

Canada recognizes Israel.

Ref: 5

1949

May 23

Federal Republic of [West] Germany proclaimed (Republic Day).

Ref: 5

Jul 01

Bao Dai's Republic of Vietnam gains independence from France.

Ref: 5

Jul 19

Laos becomes associated state within French Union.

Ref: 5

Aug 08

Bhutan, land of the Dragon, became an independent monarchy.

Ref: 5

Sep 21

Federal Republic of [West] Germany created under 3-power occupation.

Ref: 5

Sep 21

The People's Republic of China is proclaimed by its Communist leaders.

Ref: 70

Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong raised the first flag of the People's Republic of China during a ceremony in Beijing.

Ref: 70

Republic of China (Taiwan) forms on the island of Formosa.

Ref: 5

Oct 07

German Democratic Republic (East Germany) is formed from the Russian occupation zone (National Day).

Ref: 5

Oct 19

The People's Republic of China is formally proclaimed.

Ref: 2

Nov 21

The United Nations grants Libya its independence by 1952.

Ref: 2

Nov 25

India becomes a sovereign Democratic republic.

Ref: 2

Nov 26

India adopted a constitution as a republic within the British Commonwealth.

Ref: 70

Dutch 2nd Chamber accept Indonesian sovereignty.

Ref: 5

Dec 17

Burma recognizes People's Republic of China.

Ref: 5

Dec 21

Dutch first Chamber accepts soveregnty of Indonesia.

Ref: 5

Queen Juliana of the Netherlands granted sovereignty to Indonesia after more than 300 years of Dutch rule.

Ref: 70

India recognizes People's Republic of China.

Ref: 5

Dec 31

18 countries recognize Republic Indonesia.

Ref: 5

1950

Jan 16

Belgium, Luxembourg & Netherlands recognize Israel.

Ref: 5

Jan 19

Communist Chinese leader Mao recognizes the Republic of Vietnam.

Ref: 2

Jan 20

Suriname becomes independent part in Realm of Netherlands.

Ref: 5

Jan 26

India officially proclaimed itself a republic as Rajendra Prasad took the oath of office as president.

Ref: 70

Apr 24

Independent republic of South Molukkas declared.

Ref: 5

Aug 17

Indonesia gains independence from the Netherlands.

Ref: 5

Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia become Independent states in France Union.

Ref: 5

1951

Dec 24

United Kingdom of Libya gains independence from Italy via the UN.

Ref: 5

1953

The Saar becomes independent from France but retains its economic union.

Ref: 17

Oct 22

Laos gains full independence from France.

Ref: 5

Nov 09

Cambodia (now Kampuchea) gains independence within French Union.

Ref: 5

1954

Dec 24

Laos gains its independence.

Ref: 5

1955

Mar 25

East Germany granted full sovereignty by occupying power, USSR.

Ref: 5

May 05

West Germany granted full sovereignty by 3 occupying powers.

Ref: 5

May 15

Vienna Treaty: Britain, France, US & USSR restores Austria's independence.

Ref: 5

Jul 27

Austria regains full independence after 4-power occupation.

Ref: 5

1956

Sudan (Anglo-Egyptian Sudan) gains independence from Britain & Egypt (National Day).

Ref: 5

Mar 02

Morocco tears up the Treaty of Féz, declares independence from France.

Ref: 5

Mar 03

Morocco gains independence from France (Anniversary of throne).

Ref: 5

Mar 20

Tunisia gains independence from France.

Ref: 5

Mar 23

Sudan becomes independent.

Ref: 5

Jul 20

France recognizes Tunisia's independence.

Ref: 5

1957

Mar 06

The former British African colonies of the Gold Coast and Togoland became the independent state of Ghana.

Ref: 70

Aug 31

Malaya (Malaysia) gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

1958

Sep 28

Guinea votes for independence from France.

Ref: 5

Oct 02

The former French colony of Guinea in West Africa proclaimed its independence.

Ref: 70

Oct 14

Malagasy Republic becomes autonomous republic in French Community.

Ref: 5

Nov 24

Mali becomes an autonomous state within French Community.

Ref: 5

Nov 25

Senegal becomes an autonomous state in the French Community.

Ref: 5

Nov 28

Congo & Mauritania become autonomous members of French Community.

Ref: 5

Nov 28

The African nation of Chad became an autonomous republic within the French community.

Ref: 70

Dec 04

Dahomey (Benin), Ivory Coast become autonomous within French Community.

Ref: 5

Dec 11

Upper Volta (now Bourkina Fasso) gains autonomy from France.

Ref: 5

1959

Fidel Castro led Cuban revolutionaries to victory over Fulgencio Batista.

Ref: 70

Chad becomes autonomous republic in French Community.

Ref: 5

Jan 13

King Boudouin promises Belgian Congo independence.

Ref: 5

Feb 19

Britain, Turkey & Greece sign agreement granting Cyprus independence.

Ref: 5

Mar 15

Northern Nigeria becomes self-governing.

Ref: 10

Dec 08

Dom Mintoff demands independence for Malta.

Ref: 5

1960

Cameroon (French Cameroon) gains independence from France.

Ref: 5

Montserrat adopts constitution.

Ref: 5

Chad declares independence from France.

Ref: 5

Apr 04

Senegal declares independence from France.

Ref: 5

Apr 27

France grants Togo independence (National Day).

Ref: 5

Jun 20

Federation of Mali (& Senegal) becomes independent of France.

Ref: 5

Jun 26

British Somaliland (now Somalia) gains independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Jun 26

Madagascar gains independence from France (National Day).

Ref: 5

Jun 30

Zaire (then Belgian Congo) gains independence from Belgium.

Ref: 5

Jul 01

Italian Somalia gains independence, unites with Somali Republic.

Ref: 5

Jul 11

Ivory Coast, Dahomey, Upper Volta & Niger declare independence.

Ref: 5

Jul 12

Congo, Chad & Central African Republic declare independence.

Ref: 5

Jul 21

The country of Katanga forms in Africa.

Ref: 5

Aug 01

Benin (Dahomey) gains independence from France.

Ref: 5

Aug 03

Niger gains its independence from France.

Ref: 17

Aug 05

Upper Volta (Burkina Faso) gains independence from France.

Ref: 5

Aug 07

Ivory Coast (C"te d'Ivoire) gains independence from France.

Ref: 5

Aug 08

Ivory Coast declares independence.

Ref: 5

Aug 11

Chad declares independence.

Ref: 5

Aug 13

Central African Republic & Chad proclaim independence from France.

Ref: 5

Aug 15

Congo (Brazzaville) gains independence from France (Natl Day).

Ref: 5

Aug 16

Britain grants independence to crown colony of Cyprus.

Ref: 70

Aug 16

Republic of the Congo (Zaire) forms.

Ref: 5

Aug 17

Gabon gains independence from France (National Day).

Ref: 5

Aug 20

Senegal breaks from the Mali federation; declaring independence.

Ref: 5

Sep 22

Mali (without Senegal) gains independence from France (National Day).

Ref: 5

Nigeria gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Oct 19

France grants Mauritania independence.

Ref: 5

Nov 28

Mauritania gains independence from France (National Day).

Ref: 5

Dec 07

Ivory Coast claims independence from France.

Ref: 5

1961

Apr 27

The United Kingdom grants Sierra Leone independence.

Ref: 2

Tanganyika granted full internal self-government by Britain; Julius Nyerere becomes the first prime minister.

Ref: 5

May 31

Union of South Africa becomes a republic, leaving the Commonwealth.

Ref: 5

Jun 19

Kuwait regains complete independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Oct 09

Tanganyika becomes independent within the British Commonwealth.

Ref: 5

Tanganyika gains independence from Britain takes name Tanzania.

Ref: 5

1962

Rwanda granted internal self-government by Belgium.

Ref: 5

Western Samoa gains independence from New Zealand; Susuga Malietoa Tanumafili II becomes co-chief of Western Samoa.

Ref: 5

Feb 05

French President de Gaulle calls for Algeria's independence.

Ref: 5

Feb 09

Jamaica signs agreement to become independent.

Ref: 5

Mar 01

Uganda became a self-governing country.

Ref: 5

Jun 30

Rwanda & Burundi become independent.

Ref: 5

Jul 01

Burundi & Rwanda gain independence from Belgium (National Days).

Ref: 5

Jul 03

Algerian Revolution against French ends (Algeria gains ind on 7/5)

Ref: 5

Jul 05

Algeria gains independence after 132 years of French rule.

Ref: 5

Aug 06

Jamaica became an independent dominion within the British Commonwealth.

Ref: 5

Aug 31

The Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago became independent within the British Commonwealth

Ref: 70

Sep 26

Yemen Arab Republic proclaimed (National Day).

Ref: 5

Tanganyika becomes a republic within the British Commonwealth.

Ref: 5

Dec 16

Constitutional Monarchical Hindu State of Nep l adopts new constitution

Ref: 5

1963

Feb 01

Nyasaland (now Malawi) becomes self-governing under Hastings Banda.

Ref: 5

Jun 24

Zanzibar granted internal self-government by Britain.

Ref: 5

Nigeria becomes a republic within the Commonwealth.

Ref: 5

Oct 04

Gambia achieves full internal self-government.

Ref: 5

Oct 09

Uganda becomes a republic within the British Commonwealth.

Ref: 5

Zanzibar gains independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Dec 12

Kenya (formerly British East Africa) declares independence from UK.

Ref: 5

1964

Jan 07

Bahamas achieves internal self-government & cabinet responsibility.

Ref: 5

Feb 23

The U.S. and Britain recognize the new Zanzibar government.

Ref: 2

Jul 06

Malawi (then Nyasaland) gains independence from Britain (Natl Day).

Ref: 5

Sep 21

Malta gained independence from Britain.

Ref: 70

Oct 24

Zambia (N Rhodesia) gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

1965

Feb 18

Gambia gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Aug 09

Singapore gains independence from Malaysia (National Day).

Ref: 5

Nov 11

Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, declared its independence from Britain. It took until April 18, 1980 for independence to actually happen.

Ref: 4

1966

May 26

Guyana (formerly British Guiana) declares independence from UK.

Ref: 5

Sep 30

Botswana (Bechuanaland) gains independence from Britain (Nat'l Day).

Ref: 5

Oct 04

Lesotho (Basutoland) gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Nov 30

At the request of island leaders, Barbados, a British crown colony in the West Indies, is granted independence by the British Parliament.

Ref: 3

1967

Feb 27

Dominica gains independence from England.

Ref: 5

Mar 01

Dominica & St Lucia gain independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Mar 03

Grenada gains partial independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Apr 25

Britain grants internal self-government to Swaziland.

Ref: 5

May 30

Biafra declares independence from Nigeria.

Ref: 5

Nov 30

People's Rep of South Yemen (Aden) gains independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

1968

Jan 31

Nauru (formerly Pleasant Island) declares independence from Australia.

Ref: 5

Mar 12

Mauritius gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Sep 06

Swaziland gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Oct 11

Maldives (in Indian Ocean) become a republic.

Ref: 5

Oct 12

Equatorial Guinea gains independence from Spain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Nov 11

Maldives (in Indian Ocean) become a republic.

Ref: 5

1970

Mar 01

White government of Rhodesia declares independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Mar 02

Rhodesia becomes independent republic.

Ref: 5

Apr 02

Qatar gains independence from Britain

Ref: 5

Jun 04

Tonga gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Oct 09

Khmer Republic (Cambodia) declares independence.

Ref: 5

Oct 10

Fiji became independent after nearly a century of British rule.

Ref: 70

Dec 28

Yemen Arab Republic (North Yemen) adopts constitution.

Ref: 5

1971

Mar 26

East Pakistan proclaimed its independence, taking the name Bangladesh.

Ref: 70

Apr 19

Sierra Leone becomes a republic (National Day).

Ref: 5

Apr 25

The country of Bangladesh is established.

Ref: 2

Aug 14

Bahrain proclaims independence after 110 years of British rule.

Ref: 5

Aug 15

Bahrain gains independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Sep 01

Qatar declares independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Sep 03

Qatar regains complete independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Oct 27

Republic of the Congo becomes Republic of Zaire.

Ref: 5

Dec 02

Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujeira, Sharjah & Umm ak Qiwain form the United Arab Emirates.

Ref: 5

Dec 16

Bangladesh (East Pakistan) declares independence from Pakistan

Ref: 5

1972

East-Pakistan becomes independent state of Bangladesh.

Ref: 5

New North Korean constitution comes into effect.

Ref: 5

1973

Jul 09

Bahamas Islands declare their independence.

Ref: 62

Jul 10

The Bahamas became independent after three centuries of British colonial rule.

Ref: 70

Sep 24

Portuguese Guinea (Guinea-Bissau) declares independence.

Ref: 5

Dec 01

Australia grants self-government to Papua New Guinea.

Ref: 5

1974

Feb 07

Grenada gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Feb 24

Pakistan officially recognizes Bangladesh.

Ref: 5

Sep 10

Guinea-Bissau gains independence from Portugal.

Ref: 5

Referenda in Comoros-3 islands for independence, 1 stays French.

Ref: 5

1975

Jan 15

Portugal signs accord for Angola's independence.

Ref: 5

Jun 25

Mozambique gains independence from Portugal (National Day).

Ref: 5

Jul 05

The Cape Verde Islands officially became independent after 500 years of Portuguese rule.

Ref: 6

Jul 06

Comoros declare independence from France (most of them).

Ref: 5

Sep 16

Papua New Guinea gains independence from Australia (National Day).

Ref: 5

Britain grants internal self-government to Seychelles.

Ref: 5

Ellice Islands split from Gilbert Islands, take name "Tuvalu".

Ref: 5

Oct 11

Angola gains independence from Portugal (National Day).

Ref: 5

Nov 11

Angola gains independence from Portugal (National Day).

Ref: 5

Nov 25

Netherlands grants Surinam independence (National Day).

Ref: 5

Constitution of Democratic Republic of Madagascar comes into force.

Ref: 5

1976

Jun 29

Seychelles gains independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Oct 26

Transkei gains independence, not recognized outside of South Africa.

Ref: 5

Oct 26

Trinidad & Tobago becomes a republic.

Ref: 5

Nov 01

Gilbert Is (Kiribati) obtains internal self-gov't from Britain.

Ref: 5

Albania constitution goes into effect.

Ref: 5

Dec 28

Albania constitution goes into effect.

Ref: 5

1977

Jun 27

Djibouti gains independence from France (National Day).

Ref: 5

1978

Jan 09

Commonwealth of Northern Marianas established.

Ref: 5

Jul 07

Solomon Is gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Tuvalu (Ellice Islands) gains independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Nov 03

UK grants Dominica independence (National Day).

Ref: 5

Thailand adopts constitution.

Ref: 5

1979

Feb 22

St Lucia gains independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Apr 18

Major Haddad declares South-Lebanon independent.

Ref: 5

Marshall Islands (in the Pacific) become self-governing.

Ref: 5

Home rule introduced to Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland).

Ref: 5

May 10

Federated States of Micronesia becomes self-governing.

Ref: 5

May 31

Zimbabwe proclaims its independence.

Ref: 2

Jul 12

Kiribati (Gilbert & Ellice Is) gains independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

Sep 13

South Africa grants Venda independence (Not recognized out of S Afr).

Ref: 5

Oct 27

St Vincent & the Grenadines becomes independent of UK (Nat'l Day).

Ref: 5

Dec 11

Great Britain grants independence to Zimbabwe (Rhodesia).

Ref: 5

Togo adopts constitution.

Ref: 5

1980

Apr 18

Zimbabwe, formerly Rhodesia, officially becomes independent from Britain. Independence was originally declared on Nov 11th, 1965.

Ref: 4

Jul 30

British New Hebrides becomes independent & takes name Vanuatu.

Ref: 5

1981

Palau (Trust Territory of Pacific Is) becomes self-governing.

Ref: 5

Nov 01

Antigua & Barbuda gains independence from Britain (National Day).

Ref: 5

Dec 04

According to South Africa, Ciskei gains independence; Not recognized as an independent country outside South Africa.

Ref: 5

1982

Jan 16

Great Britain established full diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

Ref: 5

Dec 15

Sao Tome & Principe constitution approved.

Ref: 5

1983

Sep 19

St Christopher-Nevis gains independence from Britain (Nat'l Day).

Ref: 5

Nov 15

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus proclaimed.

Ref: 5

Dec 20

El Salvador adopts constitution.

Ref: 5

Dec 31

Brunei gains complete independence from Britain.

Ref: 5

1984

Brunei becomes independent of UK.

Ref: 5

1986

Aruba becomes independent from neighbor island Curaçao (part of Kingdom of the Netherlands).

Ref: 5

1988

Oct 07

Latvian flag raised in Riga for first time since annexation by USSR.

Ref: 5

Nov 16

Estonia's parliament declared the Baltic republic "sovereign," but stopped short of complete independence.

Ref: 70

South Africa signs accord granting independence to South-West Africa.

Ref: 5

1989

Oct 23

After 33 years of Soviet rule, Hungary became an independent republic.

Ref: 4

Chad adopts its Constitution.

Ref: 5

1990

200,000 demand return of Lithuania's independence.

Ref: 5

Mar 11

The Lithuanian parliament voted to break away from the Soviet Union and restore its independence.

Ref: 70

Mar 20

Namibia became an independent nation, marking the end of 75 years of South African rule.

Ref: 70

Mar 21

Namibia becomes independent of South Africa, Sam Nujoma becomes president.

Ref: 5

May 04

Latvia's parliament votes 138-0 (1 abstention) for Independence.

Ref: 5

Oct 03

After 40 years of division, East and West Germany are reunited as one nation.

Ref: 2

Dec 23

Slovenians vote to secede from Yugoslavia.

Ref: 5

1991

Soviets storm buildings in Vilnius to block Lithuania independence.

Ref: 5

Feb 09

Voters in Lithuania vote for independence.

Ref: 5

Feb 10

Lithuania votes for independence from USSR.

Ref: 5

Mar 03

Latvia & Estonia vote to become independent of the USSR.

Ref: 5

Apr 09

Georgia SSR votes to seceede from the USSR.

Ref: 5

Apr 29

Croatia declares independence.

Ref: 5

Jun 25

Slovenia & Croatia declare independence from Yugoslavia.

Ref: 5

Aug 24

Ukraine declares independence from the USSR.

Ref: 5

Aug 30

Azerbaijan declares its independence, joining the stampede of republics seeking to secede from the Soviet Union. (XDG, p 4A, 8/30/2002)

Ref: 83

Sep 06

The Kremlin formally recognizes the independence of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

Ref: 5

Dec 08

Russia, Byelorussia & Ukraine form Commonwealth of Independent States.

Ref: 5

1992

Jan 15

The Yugoslav federation, founded in 1918, effectively collapsed as the European Community recognized the republics of Croatia and Slovenia.

Ref: 5

Jan 15

Bulgaria recognizes Macedonia.

Ref: 5

Apr 27

The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was proclaimed in Belgrade by the Republic of Serbia and its lone ally, Montenegro.

Ref: 70

1993

U.S. President Bill Clinton recognized the new Czech and Slovak Republics (formerly Czechoslovakia) and offered to establish full diplomatic relations. In an exchange of letters, Czech Prime Minister Klaus and Slovak Prime Minister Meciar accepted the U.S. offer of full diplomatic relations. Both leaders provided assurances that the new states would fulfill the obligations and commitments of the former Czechoslovakia and abide by the principles and provisions of the U.N. Charter, the Charter of Paris, the Helsinki Final Act and subsequent CSCE documents.

Ref: 4