Burma To Thailand, Countries That Changed Their Names
Turkey, a republic since 1923, adopted the Turkish spelling and pronunciation in 2021 and became known as Türkiye to the United Nations last year.
Source: goturkiye
North Holland and South Holland are two of the 12 provinces in the Netherlands, officially known as the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Source: kids.nationalgeographic.com
In 1989, the military government officially renamed Burma Myanmar, changing English translations of historical names, a contested issue.
Source: Getty images
Ceylon gained independence in 1948 as the Dominion of Ceylon, remaining in dominion status until 1972 when it became a republic and renamed the Republic of Sri Lanka.
Source: Getty Images
Iran was historically known as Persia in the Western world, but on Nowruz of 1935, Reza Shah requested foreign delegates to use the Persian term Iran.
Source: Getty images
In 1939, Phibun changed Thailand's name from Siam to Prathet Thai, symbolizing unity among Tai-speaking peoples, including Laos and Shans, but excluding Chinese.
Source: Getty images
The Czech government aims to simplify the name Czechia for English speakers and boost the country's identity and economy.