Old Names of Countries

 Old Names of Countries: A Fascinating Look at Global History

Throughout history, nations have undergone profound transformations—not just politically and culturally, but in name as well. The image above, shared by Seasia Stats, offers a nostalgic glimpse into how some well-known countries were once identified on old maps and documents. Each name carries with it a rich historical legacy, reflecting colonial pasts, ancient kingdoms, and cultural shifts.

For instance, Sri Lanka was once known as Ceylon during its time under British rule, while Thailand was internationally recognized as Siam until 1939 (and briefly again during World War II). Iran was historically known as Persia, a name still romantically used in literature and art to evoke its ancient empire.

In Africa, Ethiopia was previously known as Abyssinia, and both Zimbabwe and Zambia were once part of the larger colonial construct of Southern and Northern Rhodesia respectively. Meanwhile, Ghana was known as the Gold Coast, a name that harks back to its status as a key trade hub for European colonial powers.

In the Middle East, what we now call the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was once referred to as the Trucial States, under British protection treaties before it became a unified federation in 1971.

Interestingly, even Taiwan was once referred to as Formosa, meaning "beautiful island" in Portuguese, a name bestowed by early European explorers. And Myanmar, often still called Burma in some circles, changed its name in 1989 to reflect local pronunciation and identity.

These old names serve as reminders of each nation’s evolving identity, colonial pasts, and the reclaiming of indigenous heritage. They’re more than just labels—they're historical chapters in the story of global transformation.