Geography
Countries That Changed Names (and Why)
Did you know that several countries around the world have changed their names to signify new beginnings, political shifts, or cultural transformations?
For instance, in 1935, Persia officially became Iran, a name that reflects the country’s Aryan heritage and was part of a larger movement towards modernization and national identity under Reza Shah Pahlavi.
More recently, in 2019, the country formerly known as Macedonia changed its name to North Macedonia.
This change resolved a prolonged dispute with Greece, which has a region called Macedonia, and opened the door for North Macedonia’s entry into international organizations like NATO and the European Union.
Such name changes are often more than mere rebranding—they represent pivotal moments in a nation’s history, reflecting aspirations, political resolutions, or deeper cultural connections.
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