• Source:JND
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10 Regions That Were Once Independent Nations: Throughout history, Many regions around the world have been independent nations at one point in time, but as a result of wars, treaties, invasions or political agreements, they have since joined larger nations. Some of these locations had their own governments, rulers and flags, but they eventually lost their independence. For instance, before combining with India, areas like Sikkim and Jammu & Kashmir enjoyed a degree of autonomy. Before China occupied Tibet, it was a peaceful Buddhist country. Following British rule, Balochistan attempted to maintain its independence but was absorbed by Pakistan.

List Of 10 Regions In The World That Were Once Independent Nations

Before becoming U.S. states, even states like Texas and Hawaii were independent nations. Before becoming part of larger unions, Scotland and the Venetian Republic had long histories of self-government. These tales illustrate how our contemporary world has been moulded by international politics, power struggles, and shifting borders.

In this article, we have listed 10 of these formerly independent regions that are currently a part of other nations.

1. Jammu and Kashmir

Before 1947, Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state and had its own government and ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh. After the partition in 1947, initially, he wanted Kashmir to become an independent country. But then Pakistani tribals attacked them, that’s why they joined India through the Instrument of Accession during the Partition. The region had special status under Article 370, which was revoked in 2019.

2. Sikkim

 Sikkim was an independent Himalayan kingdom until 1975. Due to increasing political pressure and strategic importance, India annexed Sikkim after a public referendum. The last ruler of Sikkim was Palden Thondup Namgyal. Later, it officially became India’s 22nd state, with the majority of its people voting in favour of joining India.

3. Balochistan

Balochistan declared independence in 1947, right after the British withdrawal. However, within months, Pakistan annexed the region by military force. Since then, Baloch nationalists have continued to seek autonomy or independence, making it a disputed territory within Pakistan. Recently, amid India-Pakistan conflicts Baloch Liberation Army also struck at many places in Pakistan. They are appealing for India and international support. 

4. Tibet (China)

Tibet functioned as an independent nation until 1950. The Chinese government invaded and took control, calling it a "liberation." In 1951, Tibet officially became part of China under a controversial agreement. Many Tibetans and the Dalai Lama still consider Tibet an occupied land.

5. Scotland (UK)

Scotland was an independent kingdom until 1707. It joined with England through the Act of Union, forming the United Kingdom. The union was influenced by economic needs and political alliances. Scotland still has its own parliament and often debates over independence.

6. Texas (USA)

Texas was an independent country called the Republic of Texas from 1836 to 1845, after it broke away from Mexico. In 1845, Texas joined the United States voluntarily due to military threats and economic instability.

7. Hawaii (USA)

Hawaii was once a sovereign kingdom until 1893, when it was overthrown by American businessmen and later annexed by the United States in 1898. It became a U.S. state in 1959. Many native Hawaiians still advocate for sovereignty.

8. Prussia, Europe

Prussia was a powerful European kingdom and later became a key part of the German Empire. It lost influence after World War I and was dissolved officially after World War II, with its lands split between Poland, Russia, and Germany.

9. Venetian Republic

The Venetian Republic was an independent maritime power from the 7th century until 1797. It lost independence when Napoleon conquered it and later it was given to Austria. It eventually became part of modern Italy in the 19th century.

10. Yugoslavia

Yugoslavia was a country formed after World War I, uniting several Balkan states. It existed until the early 1990s when civil wars and ethnic tensions broke it into multiple countries like Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, and others.