Below are lists of the countries and territories that were formerly ruled or administered by the United Kingdom or part of the British Empire (including military occupations that did not retain the pre-war central government), with their independence days. Some countries did not gain their independence on a single date, therefore the latest day of independence is shown with a breakdown of dates further down. A total of 65 countries have claimed their independence from the British Empire/United Kingdom.

Colonies, Protectorates, and Mandates

Evolution of Dominions to independence

†Adopted by Australia in 1942, but was backdated to confirm the validity of legislation passed by the Australian Parliament during World War II.

List of countries that have gained independence from the United Kingdom

Military occupations that did not retain the pre-war central government

Former British Crown Colonies that declared independence then later restored British rule

List of countries that have gained independence from the United Kingdom

British Overseas Territories independence/sovereignty referendums

Territories which were relinquished to another sovereign state

Countries of the United Kingdom that have voted against independence

See also

Self-determination

Commonwealth of Nations

List of national independence days

Foreign relations of the United Kingdom

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Special Committee on Decolonization

Notes

References

United Kingdom

Independence Day

British Empire-related lists

History of the British Empire

History of the Commonwealth of Nations

United Kingdom former colonies

Overseas empires

List of countries that have gained independence from the United Kingdom