Colonization may be complete or partial. But colonialism is an unwanted interference that every region would ordinarily resist. A country that is being colonized cannot claim to be a sovereign state as long as it remains a colony.
In this article, we will explore 11 countries that were never colonized and the reasons these countries were never occupied.
What is colonization?
Colonization is the process of establishing foreign control over targeted territories or peoples for cultivation and action to settle among the indigenous people of an area.
11 Countries Who Were Never Colonized
This is the list of 11 countries that were never colonized both in Africa and other known continents;
Japan
Japan is located in Eastern Asia, with over 126 million people. Despite being surrounded by European colonial powers, Japan resisted colonization by modernizing its military and adopting Western technologies. Japan defeated China in the Sino-Japanese War and fought Russia’s invasion in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa. It has a population of over 109 million people, and Ethiopia maintained its independence by defeating Italian colonial forces in 1896 and again in 1935-1936. Ethiopia’s independence was re-established afterward.
There were other attempts to conquer Ethiopia which proved futile. Even other countries, such as Britain and Egypt, attempted to conquer Ethiopia but could not. The British, however, did invade Ethiopia in response to the kidnapping of British missionaries by Emperor Tewodros II.
Thailand
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia. Thailand Country has a population of over 69 million people and managed to avoid colonization by playing European powers against each other and maintaining solid diplomatic relations. Thailand was formerly known as Siam. It is a Southeast Asian country and the only Southeast Asian country that did not experience colonialism.
The then King of Siam (Thailand), King Chulalongkorn, avoided colonization by building ties with Britain and making policies in compliance with British customs. To stop colonization, King Chulalongkorn of Siam sought to embrace several European traditions and developed an interest in European technology. By engaging in high-level diplomatic efforts, the King could sway the British-French alliance in his favor and keep most of his country free from European domination.
Iran
Iran is located in the Middle East, Iran has a population of over 84 million people, and Iran was able to maintain its independence by modernizing its military and adopting technologies. Iran also played a role in the Second World War and the Cold War, which helped it to maintain its independence.
Iran was never any country’s colony, although it was at a time occupied by Russia and Great Britain during the Second World War. Iran has been a sovereign nation for ages.
The country became an independent nation in 1501. It was only in the 1950s that Iranian Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, nationalized the company. In response, the UK and USA helped organize a coup in cooperation with the Shah.
Nepal
Nepal is located in South Asia, with over 29 million people. Nepal maintained its independence by having a strong military and establishing diplomatic relations with the neighboring countries.
Nepal was involved in the Anglo-Nepalese War (also known as the Gorkha War), which led to the British East India Co gaining control over about 30 percent of its territory. This was between the years 1814 and 1816.
Nepal’s geographical structure was advantageous to them, making it difficult and almost impossible for the country to be invaded.
Bhutan
Bhutan is located in Southern Asia, with over 760,000 people. It maintained its independence by staying isolated from other countries and maintaining a strong national identity.
Bhutan only opened up to other countries in the 1960s, adopting modern technologies and establishing diplomatic relations with other countries. Bhutan is also one of the countries that indisputably maintained complete sovereignty throughout history, even before its official consolidation as a nation-state in 11.
Liberia
Liberia is located in West Africa and has a population of over 4 million people, and formerly enslaved Americans founded it in the 19th century.
Liberia adopted many western values and technologies and has become a stable country. The country was founded in 1821 by the Americans, after which they exercised control over the country for 17 years.
Afghanistan
Afghanistan is located in Central Asia. It has a population of over 39 million people and has maintained its independence by having a strong military and adopting western technologies.
Afghanistan also played a role in the Cold War, which also helped it retain its sovereignty. Britain attempted twice between 1839 and 1880, but the Afghans defeated them. This was known as the Anglo-Afghan War.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East and has over 34 million people. It maintained its independence by having a strong military and solid diplomatic relations with western power. Saudi Arabia also has oil reserves which also help it retain its sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia was founded in 1932. Regardless of the conflicting reports as to the occupation of Saudi Arabia by the Portuguese, Saudi Arabia never experienced the vent of colonization.
Mongolia
Mongolia is located in east Asia and has over 3 million people. It maintained its independence by having a strong military and national identity. Mongolia also adopted Western technologies and established diplomatic relations with others.
North Korea
North Korea is located in east Asia. North Korea has a population of over 25 million people and was able to maintain its independence by establishing a regime and isolating itself from outside countries. North Korea has survived through military strength, propaganda, and strict control over its population.
Conclusion
The 11 Uncolonized Countries maintained their independence for various reasons, including geographical barriers, military strength, diplomatic relations, and strong national identity. By understanding the history of colonization and the experiences of these 11 countries that were never colonized, we can better understand the importance of independence and self-determination in today’s world.
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