Countries Celebrating Independence Day On 15 August Beyond India

In India, 15th August is synonymous with the country’s march into freedom when the British colonisers left the soil in 1947. It was a long freedom struggle with uncountable sacrifices – big and small – that enabled us to see the dawn of freedom from the colonisers’ vice-like grip. However, India is not the only country that celebrates August 15 as Independence Day.

Countries Celebrating Independence Day On 15 August

1. South Korea and North Korea

On this day in 1945, the Korean peninsula was freed from Japanese rule. It was then divided into the two countries we know today—the exciting and chaotic South Korea, and its secretive northern neighbour, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. South Koreans call this day ‘Gwangbokjeol’, meaning ‘the day the light returned’. Many countries also mark this date as ‘Victory over Japan Day’, to celebrate Japan’s surrender in World War II.

2. Bahrain

On August 15, 1971, Bahrain’s local population chose to free themselves from British and Iranian control using a United Nations survey. This small group of islands in the Persian Gulf then grew to be a jet set country with a glittering skyline. However, Bahrain’s actual National Day is celebrated on December 16, when the country’s first emir (ruler) took the throne.

3. Liechtenstein

One of Europe’s smallest but richest countries, Liechtenstein doesn’t actually have an independence day, because it has never been captured! Instead, August 15 is the country’s National Day—a public holiday since 1940 that sees fireworks, street fairs and processions in the capital city of Vaduz.

4. Republic of Congo

Located on the western coast of Africa, this country is also known as Congo-Brazzaville. Originally a French colony, it gained independence from France in 1960. Don’t confuse this place with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is a neighbouring country!