The British Empire was one of the largest empires in history, spanning across the globe from the 16th to the 20th century. At its peak, it ruled over a quarter of the world's population and land area. Here is a list of countries that were once under the rule of the British Empire.
India
India was the largest colony of the British Empire, and it remained under British rule for almost 200 years. The British East India Company first established its presence in India in the early 1600s, and by the mid-19th century, India had become the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire. It gained independence in 1947 after years of struggle and agitation by Indian nationalists.
Australia
Australia was first claimed for the British Empire in 1770 by Captain James Cook. It was initially used as a penal colony for British convicts, but it eventually developed into a prosperous nation. Australia gained independence in 1901, but it remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Canada
Canada was first colonized by the French and later became part of the British Empire in 1763. It gained independence in 1867, but it remained a dominion of the British Empire until the Statute of Westminster in 1931. Canada is now a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
New Zealand
New Zealand was also claimed for the British Empire by Captain Cook in 1769. It became a British colony in 1840, and it gained independence in 1907. New Zealand is now a sovereign state and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
South Africa
South Africa was colonized by the Dutch and later came under British rule in 1806. It gained independence in 1910, but it remained a dominion of the British Empire until 1961 when it became a republic. South Africa was expelled from the Commonwealth in 1961 due to its policy of apartheid, but it was later readmitted in 1994 after apartheid was abolished.
Nigeria
Nigeria was first colonized by the British in the late 19th century, and it became a British protectorate in 1901. It gained independence in 1960, but it remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Nigeria is now the most populous country in Africa and a major economic power on the continent.
Pakistan
Pakistan was part of British India until 1947 when it gained independence following the partition of India. Pakistan became a republic in 1956, but it remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations until 1972. Pakistan is now the sixth most populous country in the world and a nuclear power.
Jamaica
Jamaica was colonized by the Spanish and later came under British rule in the 17th century. It gained independence in 1962, but it remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Jamaica is now a popular tourist destination and a major producer of bauxite.
Ireland
Ireland was part of the British Empire until 1922 when it gained independence following a long and bloody struggle. The partition of Ireland led to the creation of Northern Ireland, which remains part of the United Kingdom. Ireland is now a republic and a member of the European Union.
Malaysia
Malaysia was colonized by the British in the 19th century, and it became an independent federation in 1957. Malaysia is now a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a prosperous and multiethnic country with a diverse economy.
Singapore
Singapore was also part of British Malaya, and it gained independence in 1965 following a brief period of merger with Malaysia. Singapore is now a prosperous and highly developed city-state with a diverse economy and a multicultural society. It is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Kenya
Kenya was also part of British East Africa, and it gained independence in 1963. Kenya is now a republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a major regional economic power and a popular tourist destination.
Egypt
Egypt was occupied by the British in the late 19th and early 20th century, and it remained under British influence until the 1950s. Egypt gained full independence in 1952, but it remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations until 1956. Egypt is now a republic and a major power in the Middle East and North Africa.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British in the 16th to 19th centuries. It gained independence in 1948, but it remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Sri Lanka is now a democratic republic and a popular tourist destination.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe was colonized by the British in the late 19th century, and it gained independence in 1980 following a long and bloody struggle. Zimbabwe is now a republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a landlocked country in southern Africa with a diverse economy.
Ghana
Ghana was colonized by the British in the late 19th century, and it gained independence in 1957. Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence, and it became a model for other African nations. Ghana is now a republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Uganda
Uganda was also colonized by the British in the late 19th century, and it gained independence in 1962. Uganda is now a republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a landlocked country in East Africa with a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage.
Malta
Malta was a British colony from 1814 to 1964, when it gained independence. Malta is now a republic and a member of the European Union. It is a small island nation in the Mediterranean with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving tourism industry.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong was a British colony from 1842 to 1997, when it was returned to China as a Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong has a unique political and economic system, and it remains a major financial center and tourist destination.
Conclusion
The British Empire was one of the most powerful empires in history, and it left an indelible mark on the countries it ruled. Many of these countries have gone on to become prosperous and independent nations, while others are still struggling with the legacy of colonialism. Nevertheless, the impact of the British Empire on the world cannot be denied, and it remains a fascinating subject of study and debate.