Discover the 10 countries with the longest names in the world

There are 195 countries and territories in the world, each with a unique and distinct name that we use to identify them.

The meanings or origins of these names vary greatly, as do the "real" names of countries in their native languages. For example, in German, Germany is called Deutschland, and in Mandarin, China is called Zhōngguó.

The official names and titles of countries are often much longer than they are commonly presented. Throughout history, countries, kingdoms, and empires have adopted extremely long names, often to convey prestige and grandeur. The tranquil Republic of Venice and the majestic Ottoman Empire are some of the most memorable examples of this trend. Long names are often a relic of the past, but some countries retain these lavish titles to this day.

Below, World Atlas lists the 10 longest country names in characters:

1. The United Kingdom Of Great Britain And Northern Ireland (45 characters)

The longest official name of a country belongs to what most people refer to as Great Britain. The UK was officially formed in 1707 when the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland united into a political union, hence the name 'United Kingdom of Great Britain'. This not only united the two nations of England and Scotland, but also brought Wales and Ireland into the union. Today, most of Ireland is no longer part of the UK. The obvious exception is Northern Ireland, which has decided to remain part of the UK for the time being, which explains why Northern Ireland is still mentioned in its official name.

Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament ) and Big Ben in London, UK

2.Independent and Sovereign Republic of Kiribati (41)

Kiribati, a former British colony, is a tiny country in the remote Pacific Ocean. Despite its size, Kiribati has one of the longest names on earth, dating back to 1979.

Aerial view of Tarawa, Kiribati, in the Pacific Ocean

3.Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (37)

Since Sri Lanka gained independence from the British Empire in 1948, the country has had many different names. In 1972, it was known as the "Free, Sovereign and Independent Republic of Sri Lanka." Sri Lanka, which means "Sparkling Island" in the local language, is now the common way many people refer to it in conversation. The name Sri Lanka was changed again to the "Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka" in 1978, marking a change in the country's government and social outlook.

Esala Festival in Kandy, Sri Lanka

4.Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis (37)

Saint Kitts and Nevis is a small island nation located on the eastern edge of the Caribbean Sea. It spent its first few hundred years as a British colony but finally gained full independence in 1967. As its name suggests, Saint Kitts and Nevis are the two largest islands in the country and were originally joined under British rule. Upon gaining independence, the two islands decided to remain united under one federation. This explains the country’s official name, which begins by stating this and also displays the official name of each island, Saint Christopher and Nevis.

A black sand beach in Saint Kitts

5. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (35)

Ethiopia's full name is the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, which came into being in 1995. The name change was prompted by the adoption of a new constitution. One that had not been in place for 40 years. The new constitution focused on granting greater autonomy to the various cultural, linguistic, religious, and ethnic groups living within the country's borders. This is why Ethiopia's official name includes the word federal, to emphasize Ethiopia's position relative to other governing bodies across the country.

Picturesque valley nestled between the mountains of Ethiopia

6.Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe (35)

Another island nation, São Tomé and Príncipe, lies off the coast of West Africa. Named by Portuguese explorers, São Tomé and Príncipe remained part of the Portuguese Empire until it was granted independence in 1975. The country’s official name emphasizes and celebrates its independence from colonial rule and its practice of democracy and representative government.

Aerial view of the beach and village of Burra in Prince Island, São Tomé and Príncipe, Africa

7.People's Democratic Republic of Algeria (34)

Algeria gained independence in 1962 after a long and bloody war against France. The new nation adopted the official name of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria just a few years after breaking free from foreign rule. The name symbolized the unity and solidarity of the Algerian people.

The Great Mosque of Algiers in a beautiful sunset

8.Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (32)

Nepal is a country located between the two Asian superpowers, India and China. Deep in the Himalayas, Nepal is one of the most remote countries on the planet. According to Hindu tradition, the original name of Nepal was Ne Muni or Nemi, which is said to have originated from a sage who lived there thousands of years ago. Although it no longer bears the ancient name, the modern country of Nepal still has a rather long official name.

A stupa near Dingboche village decorated with prayer flags and the backdrop of Kangtega and Thamserku mountains

9.Democratic People's Republic of Korea (32)

The country's official name was first given after the Korean War, which ended in a ceasefire in 1953: the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Monument to the Founding of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang

10.Independent State of Papua New Guinea (32)

Papua New Guinea first gained independence from Australia in 1975. Originally a British colony, the area that would become Papua New Guinea was handed over to the Australian government in the early 20th century. Today, the people of Papua New Guinea remain fiercely independent, and the country's official name reflects that. Sovereignty and self-government remain a source of great national pride.

Aerial photo of the New Guinea coast, showing dense forests and areas affected by deforestation

PHOTO: WORLD ATLAS

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/kham-pha-10-quoc-gia-co-ten-dai-nhat-the-gioi-185250922140534629.htm