Indian President Droupadi Murmu's use of the term "President of Bharat" in English-language invitations for a G20 dinner has sparked controversy, leading to speculation about a potential name change for the country.
Image source - Google
The debate over India's name revolves around the historical significance of both "India" and "Bharat," with some arguing that both names have ancient roots and unique cultural connotations.
Image source - Google
Formerly Burma, the country changed its name to Myanmar in 1989 as a move toward ethnic harmony and independence from colonialism.
Thailand, formerly Siam, changed its name in 1939 to reflect the dominant Thai ethnic group and integrate into the modern world.
The Dutch government officially dropped the nickname "Holland" in 2020 to rebrand the country's international image and promote the entire nation instead of just one province.
The Republic of Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia in 2019 to strengthen relations with Greece, resolving a long-standing name dispute.
The Kingdom of Swaziland was renamed Eswatini in 2018 to reflect African countries' trend of reverting to original titles and avoid confusion with Switzerland
The Czech government officially changed the name to Czechia in 2016, aiming for a shorter, more marketable name similar to France for international purposes.
Cape Verde officially changed its name to Cabo Verde in 2013 to honor its national language and adopt the full Portuguese spelling.
Sri Lanka dropped all references to its colonial name, Ceylon, in 2011 to dissociate from its British colonial past.
Iran urged nations to use its name instead of Persia in 1935 to reflect independence and the Aryan race, encompassing all ethnic groups.
Cambodia underwent various name changes, from the Kingdom of Cambodia to the Khmer Republic, Democratic Kampuchea, and finally the Kingdom of Cambodia.
After gaining independence from colonization in 1980, Rhodesia was renamed the Republic of Zimbabwe and later simply Zimbabwe.
The Irish Free State was renamed Ireland in 1937 to sever links with the United Kingdom, drawing from the ancient Irish name "Éire."
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