Dates of Independence for Countries Around the World

Malawi gained independence from British rule on July 6, 1964. This was when the country, formerly known as Nyasaland, became a fully independent nation within the Commonwealth. The date is commemorated annually as Independence Day in Malawi.

Macedonia (now North Macedonia) declared independence from Yugoslavia on September 8, 1991, following a successful referendum. This was part of the broader breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. The date is celebrated as Independence Day in North Macedonia.

Luxembourg gained full independence from the Netherlands in 1839 following the Treaty of London, which established Luxembourg as a sovereign state. This treaty resolved territorial disputes and confirmed Luxembourg's status as an independent grand duchy.

Madagascar gained independence from France on June 26, 1960, after being a French colony for over 60 years. This was part of the wave of decolonization in Africa during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The date is celebrated as Madagascar's National Day.

Liechtenstein became an independent principality in 1719 when Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI elevated the territory to the status of a sovereign principality. This marked its formal recognition as an independent state within the Holy Roman Empire.

Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare independence on March 11, 1990, issuing the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania. This bold move helped trigger the collapse of the Soviet Union. The date is celebrated as Restoration of Independence Day.

Lesotho gained independence from Britain on October 4, 1966, becoming a sovereign kingdom within the Commonwealth. Previously known as Basutoland, the nation celebrates this date annually as Independence Day, marking its transition to full self-governance.

Latvia declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 21, 1991, during the collapse of the USSR. This restored the independence that Latvia had briefly enjoyed between the World Wars (1918-1940) before Soviet occupation. The date is celebrated as Independence Day.

Libya gained independence on December 24, 1951, transitioning from UN administration (after World War II and Italian colonial rule) to the sovereign United Kingdom of Libya under King Idris I. This date is celebrated annually as Libyan Independence Day.

Laos gained independence from France on July 19, 1949, as part of the gradual decolonization of French Indochina. Full sovereignty was established later (1953), but 1949 marks the initial step toward independence from French colonial rule.

Lebanon gained independence from France on November 22, 1943, ending the French mandate that began after World War I. This date is celebrated as Independence Day and marks Lebanon's establishment as a fully sovereign republic after 23 years of French administration.

Kyrgyzstan declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 31, 1991, shortly after the failed Soviet coup attempt. This was part of the Central Asian republics' independence wave during the USSR's collapse. The date is celebrated annually as Independence Day.

South Korea was liberated from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945, following Japan's surrender in World War II. This date is celebrated as Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) and marks the end of 35 years of Japanese occupation. Options A is 5 years too early, while C and D are incorrect dates.

North Korea marks August 15, 1945 as its liberation from Japanese colonial rule, the same day as South Korea. This event coincided with Japan's surrender at the end of World War II. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea was later established on September 9, 1948, but liberation is recognized as August 15, 1945.

Kuwait gained independence from British protection on June 19, 1961, ending agreements that had given Britain control over its foreign affairs since 1899. This marked Kuwait's emergence as a fully sovereign state. Options A and D are 3-5 years later, while B is 1 year earlier.

Kiribati (formerly the Gilbert Islands) gained independence from Britain on July 12, 1979. This Pacific island nation became a sovereign republic after being under British colonial rule. The country consists of 33 atolls and islands scattered across the equator.

Kenya achieved independence from British colonial rule on December 12, 1963, after decades of struggle including the Mau Mau Uprising. This date is celebrated as Jamhuri Day (Republic Day). Jomo Kenyatta became the first Prime Minister and later President.

Kazakhstan declared independence from the Soviet Union on December 16, 1991, becoming the last Soviet republic to leave the USSR. This occurred just weeks before the Soviet Union's official dissolution on December 26, 1991. Nurultan Nazarbayev became the first president.

Jordan gained full independence from the British mandate on May 25, 1946. Originally called Transjordan, it had been a British mandate territory since 1920. Abdullah I became the first king, and this date is celebrated as Independence Day.

Jamaica gained independence from Britain on August 6, 1962, after centuries of colonial rule. The Caribbean nation celebrated its emergence as a sovereign state with Alexander Bustamante as its first Prime Minister. This date is annually celebrated as Independence Day.

Malaya (now Malaysia) gained independence from British rule on August 31, 1957. The Federation of Malaya became a sovereign nation with Tunku Abdul Rahman as the first Prime Minister. This day is celebrated as Merdeka (Freedom) Day and marks the end of colonial rule.

Liberia declared independence on July 26, 1847, becoming Africa's first independent republic. Founded by freed American slaves and freeborn African Americans, Liberia established a unique nation with a constitution modeled on the US constitution. This date is celebrated as Independence Day.

Maldives gained independence from British protection on July 26, 1965, ending 78 years of British status that began in 1887. The Indian Ocean archipelago nation became a fully sovereign state while maintaining its constitutional monarchy. This day is celebrated as Independence Day.