Where Data Tells the Story
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Modern Independence: Global Decolonization Since 1945
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, many of today's nations are remarkably young. The decades following World War II witnessed one of history's greatest political transformations. As colonial empires dissolved and multinational states broke apart, dozens of new nations emerged, fundamentally reshaping the world map.
In fact, more than half of the world's sovereign states gained independence after the Second World War from just these nine governing powers: Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom, France, Portugal, Italy, Spain, the US and the Soviet Union. From Indonesia and Vietnam in 1945 to Palau in 1994, 105 countries became independent from these powers—all within the span of a lifetime.
Two years stand out: 1960, when 17 African countries gained independence, and 1991, when 14 former Soviet republics became sovereign states.
Methodology: Years shown represent when sustained external governance ended, not necessarily the first declaration of independence or the country's current national holiday. In territories administered by multiple powers, the dominant governing authority is shown, except for Morocco, which is divided between France and Spain.