15 Countries That Vanished Off the Map
Explore 15 once-sovereign nations that have disappeared from modern maps due to war, politics, or peaceful dissolution.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Throughout history, the global map has undergone significant transformations, with numerous countries ceasing to exist. This listicle delves into such nations, each with its unique story of rise and fall. Understanding these histories offers insight into the complexities of nationhood and sovereignty.
1. Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867-1918)
Pnn2013 on Wikimedia Commons
Once a dominant force in Central Europe, the Austro-Hungarian Empire dissolved after World War I, leading to the creation of several independent nations, including Austria, Hungary, and other parts of Europe.
2. Czechoslovakia (1918-1992)
Дмитрий-5-Аверин on Wikimedia Commons
Formed post-World War I, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. It exemplifies a successful and amicable national separation.
3. East and West Germany (1949-1990)
East Germany Flag Map - Fry1989 West Germany Flag Map - Fry1989 on Wikimedia Commons
Post-World War II, Germany was divided into East and West. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 paved the way for reunification, restoring Germany as a single nation.
4. Yugoslavia (1918-1992)
Yusuf Ziya Safi on Wikimedia Commons
Yugoslavia brought together several Balkan regions under one federation. Ethnic tensions and conflict led to its breakup in the 1990s. The region now consists of several independent countries, such as Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia.
5. Soviet Union (1922-1991)
Ibrahimkash on Wikimedia Commons
The USSR was a global superpower made up of 15 republics. It dissolved in 1991 after political unrest and economic collapse. The breakup created countries like Russia, Ukraine, and the Baltic states.
6. Ottoman Empire (1299-1922)
The Spaceware Channel on Wikimedia Commons
This long-lasting empire once controlled parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It officially ended after World War I. Modern Turkey, along with many new nations, rose from its ashes.
7. Kingdom of Hawaii (1795-1898)
User:Derfel73; User:Lokal_Profil; User:Milenioscuro; User:MattWright on Wikimedia Commons
Hawaii was once an independent monarchy with its own royal family. In 1898, the United States annexed it, and many Hawaiians still recognize that loss of sovereignty.
8. Tibet (1913-1951)
Don-kun; original: User:TUBS on Wikimedia Commons
Tibet declared independence after the fall of the Qing dynasty. In 1951, it was absorbed into China following a controversial agreement. Its status remains a subject of global debate.
9. United Arab Republic (1958-1961)
Дмитрий-5-Аверин on Wikimedia Commons
Egypt and Syria briefly joined forces to form one country. Due to political disagreements, the union lasted just three years. Syria withdrew, and the UAR dissolved.
10. South Vietnam (1955-1975)
Oren neu dag and Antemister (talk) on Wikimedida Commons
South Vietnam was created during the Cold War as a U.S.-backed state. It fell in 1975 when North Vietnam was then reunified under communist rule.
11. East Pakistan (1947-1971)
Pakistan Post on Wikimedia Commons
After British India was divided, East Pakistan became part of the new nation of Pakistan. It was geographically and culturally separate from West Pakistan. A bloody war in 1971 led to the birth of Bangladesh.
12. Republic of Texas (1836-1845)
Raymond1922A on Wikimedia Commons
Texas won independence from Mexico and became its own country, with its own government, currency, and military. In 1845, it joined the United States.
13. Prussia (1525-1947)
GreaterGermanReich on Wikimedia Commons
Prussia was once a dominant German kingdom and military powerhouse. After World War II, it was abolished and its lands were divided among Poland, Russia, and others. Its name faded, but its legacy influenced modern Germany.
14. Gran Colombia (1819-1831)
Henrykez on Wikimedia Commons
Gran Colombia united several South American regions after independence from Spain. Led by Simon Bolivar, it included modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama. The union dissolved due to internal conflicts and regional rivalries.
15. Zulu Kingdom (1816-1897)
Frans-Banja Mulder on Wikimedia Commons
The Zulu Kingdom rose under Shaka Zulu and became a major force in Southern Africa. It fiercely resisted British colonialism but was eventually defeated. The kingdom was absorbed into the British colony of Natal.