Independence day across the globe
One of the most important milestones attained by any country which once ruled by someone else is effectively becoming a sovereign state. Independence Day, National Day, or Liberation Day is marked as a universal celebration of a new future for countries that gained freedom from colonial rule or occupation. The day is considered a national holiday in those countries. While India celebrated its 78th Independence Day in 2024, there are nations which share the same date as their Independence Day.
While India’s Independence Day on August 15 is wellknown, it’s fascinating to explore that other countries also share this momentous date. Additionally, several countries around the world share common Independence Days on different dates throughout the year.
This article delves into these shared historical moments, connecting nations across the globe through their common pursuit of sovereignty.
Countries with Independence Day on 15th August
1. India - Gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
2. South Korea - Celebrates its Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol), marking the end of colonial Japanese rule in 1945.
3. Bahrain – The island nation in the Persian Gulf got its independence from British rule on August 15, 1971. However, they celebrate their national day on the 16th of August.
4. Liechtenstein – One of the wealthiest yet tiny nations in the world celebrates its National Day, also on August 15, commemorating the Feast of the Assumption along with its independence from German rule on 1866.
5. Republic of Congo – The Congolese National Day is celebrated on 15th August as gained its independence from French colonial rule on August 15, 1960.
6. North Korea - Similar to South Korea, celebrates Liberation of the Fatherhood Day, marking the end of Japanese rule in 1945.
Countries with Common Independence Days Throughout the Year:
Independence Day on July 4:
1. United States - Celebrates independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.
2. Philippines - Initially celebrated Independence Day on July 4, 1946, when it gained independence from the United States. However, the official Independence Day is now observed on June 12, commemorating independence from Spanish rule in 1898.
3. Rwanda - Celebrates Liberation Day on July 4, marking the end of the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
Independence Day on March 26:
1. Bangladesh - Celebrates Independence Day on March 26, 1971, marking the declaration of independence from Pakistan.
2. Greece - Celebrates Greek Independence Day on March 25, commemorating the start of the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Though it’s a day earlier, it’s very close to Bangladesh’s date.
Independence Day on September 16:
1. Mexico - Celebrates Independence Day on September 16, 1810, marking the beginning of the struggle for independence from Spain.
2. Papua New Guinea - Celebrates Independence Day on September 16, 1975, marking independence from Australia.
Independence Day on July 1st:
1. Canada - Known as Canada Day, it was in 1867 when through the British North America Act the provinces of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia were named as a single Dominion.
2. Rwanda - The nation became independent though on July 1st from Belgium on July 1, 1962, marking the end of colonial rule.
3. Somali - celebrates its independence from the British and Italian colonial rule in 1960
4. Hong Kong - July 1 is celebrated as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day. It marks the transfer of sovereignty from the United Kingdom to China in 1997.
5. Burundi - The landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley at the junction between the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa gained its independence from Belgium on this day.
Independence Day on January 11.
1. Haiti - Throwing out successfully the French colonial rule in 1804, it became the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
2. Sudan - the nation gained its independence from British Egyptian rule in 1956.
3. Cuba - On this day in 1959, the people of Cuba overthrew the Batista government. The rise of Fidel Castro’s leadership celebrates this day as the Triumph of the Revolution.
4. Cameroon - The Republic of Cameroon gained its independence from French colonial rule on this day in 1960.
5. Samoa - It was the year 1962 when Samoa became the first Polynesian nation to gain independence from New Zealand.
6. Brunei - Officially called Brunei Darussalam, this is a country in Southeast Asia, which was declared a sovereign state from British protection on 1st Jan in 1984.
7. The Czech Republic - The Czech Republic celebrates its separation from Slovakia in 1993.
