The world is always evolving, and with that evolution, certain countries cease to exist due to wars, political changes, etc. Some countries have merged with others, some have split into other nations, and others have changed their names. Let’s take a look at the countries that no longer exist.

The Soviet Union – (1922-1991)

The Soviet Union was one of the most powerful nations in the world during the 20th century. It was a socialist state made up of 15 republics, including Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan, among others. Due to economic struggles, political reforms, and rising nationalist movements within the republics, the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, with the republics becoming independent countries.

Czechoslovakia – (1918-1993)

Czechoslovakia was formed after World War I from parts of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It remained a single country for over 70 years before peacefully splitting into the Czech Republic and Slovakia on 1 January 1993.

Yugoslavia – (1918-2003)

Yugoslavia was initially known as the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes and was renamed Yugoslavia in 1929. In the 1990s, due to ethnic conflicts, nationalist movements, and economic struggles, the country began to break apart. The breakup led to the formation of several independent nations, including:

• Slovenia (1991) 
• Croatia (1991)
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992)
• North Macedonia, which declared independence in 1991 and was recognised later 
• Montenegro (2006), which was part of a state union with Serbia until its independence
• Serbia
• Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but has not been universally recognised

East Germany – (1949-1990)

Following World War II, Germany was divided into two separate countries: West Germany, known as the Federal Republic of Germany, and East Germany, known as the German Democratic Republic. East Germany was a communist state under Soviet influence, while West Germany was a capitalist state aligned with Western powers. 

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the end of the Cold War, East Germany reunified with West Germany in 1990, forming a single German state once again.

South Vietnam – (1955-1975)

South Vietnam, officially titled the Republic of Vietnam, existed as a separate country during the Vietnam War, supported by the United States and its allies. However, after the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975, North Vietnam won the war, leading to the collapse of South Vietnam. 

In 1976, North and South Vietnam were officially reunified under communist rule, forming the modern-day Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Zanzibar – (1963-1964)

Zanzibar gained independence from British rule on 10 December 1963 as a constitutional monarchy under the Sultan of Zanzibar. However, following the Zanzibar Revolution on 12 January 1964, the monarchy was overthrown and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba was established. Zanzibar merged with Tanganyika on 26 April 1964, forming the modern nation of Tanzania.

An enduring legacy

Throughout history, political shifts, conflicts, and economic changes have led to the disappearance of several countries. 

Although these powerful entities, such as the Soviet Union and South Vietnam, ceased to exist, they reshaped global politics and borders, with their legacies continuing to influence the modern world, shaping the identities, cultures, and political landscapes of the countries that emerged from them.

PHOTOS © WNYC, WORLD ATLAS