2025 List: Five Countries That Have Changed Their Names — And Why

By Our Reporter

In recent years, several nations have changed their official names to better reflect their cultural identities, historical roots, or political realities. Here are five notable examples and the reasons behind each transformation.

1. Türkiye (formerly Turkey)

In 2022, the government officially adopted “Türkiye” as the country’s international name. The change was intended to more accurately represent the nation’s culture, language, and heritage — and to distinguish it from the English word “turkey.”

The United Nations recognized the new name after the Turkish government formally requested the update across all official platforms.

2. Republic of North Macedonia (formerly Republic of Macedonia)

In 2019, the Balkan nation added “North” to its name, ending a decades-long dispute with Greece. For years, Greece had objected to the name “Macedonia,” arguing that it implied a territorial claim to its own northern region of the same name.

The compromise — “Republic of North Macedonia” — paved the way for the country’s admission to NATO and strengthened its bid for European Union membership.

3. Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

In 2018, King Mswati III announced that the country would revert to its pre-colonial name, Eswatini, meaning “land of the Swazis.”

The decision coincided with celebrations marking 50 years of independence and reflected a broader effort to shed colonial-era naming conventions. The move also helped prevent confusion with Switzerland, a common mix-up in international circles.

4. Czechia (formerly Czech Republic)

In 2016, the Czech government approved “Czechia” as the country’s short, official name for use in international contexts.

The simplified form was introduced to promote easier recognition in sports, business, and branding, while “Czech Republic” remains valid for formal and legal purposes.

5. Cabo Verde (formerly Cape Verde)

In 2013, the West African island nation requested to be recognized internationally as “Cabo Verde” — the Portuguese version of its name.

The change aimed to preserve the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage and to ensure consistency across all United Nations languages, replacing the variety of translations previously in use.

From Türkiye to Cabo Verde, these name changes highlight how nations continue to assert their identity, sovereignty, and cultural pride on the global stage — reminding the world that a country’s name is far more than just a label; it’s a statement of who they are.