Video narration
Some countries you see on today’s map once went by different names. And those changes aren’t just cosmetic—they can signal independence, politics, or a shift in national identity. Take Türkiye. For decades, many people internationally used “Turkey.” In 2022, the country asked the United Nations and other international organizations to use “Türkiye” instead, aligning the name more closely with Turkish language and cultural identity. Sri Lanka is another clear example. Under British colonial rule, it was widely known as “Ceylon.” In 1972, after becoming a republic, it adopted the name “Sri Lanka,” meaning “Resplendent Island.” These stories show how a name can reflect who a nation says it is—and why maps and official labels sometimes change. And these are just two examples among many worldwide.