Lost to history: Countries that no longer exist

Abyssinia (circa 1137–1974)

Also known as the Ethiopian Empire, Abyssinia was a powerful kingdom in northeast Africa. It became modern-day Ethiopia, with Eritrea gaining independence in 1993.

Bengal (until 1947)

A historic region in South Asia, Bengal was divided during the Partition of India, forming the Indian state of West Bengal and East Bengal (now Bangladesh).

Catalonia (until 1714)

A once-independent region of Spain, Catalonia lost its autonomy after the War of Spanish Succession and remains a part of Spain today, despite ongoing independence movements.

Ceylon (until 1972)

A former British colony, Ceylon became independent in 1948 and officially changed its name to Sri Lanka in 1972.

East Germany (German Democratic Republic) (1949–1990)

A communist state during the Cold War, East Germany reunified with West Germany in 1990 to form present-day Germany.

Gran Colombia (1819–1831)

A short-lived republic in South America that split into modern-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama.

Holy Roman Empire (800–1806)

A medieval European empire that dissolved after Napoleon's conquests, leading to the formation of modern Germany, Austria, and other Central European nations.

New Granada (1717–1819)

A Spanish colonial territory in South America that became part of Gran Colombia before splitting into modern Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama.

Neutral Moresnet (1816–1920)

A tiny neutral territory between Belgium and Germany, it was absorbed into Belgium after World War I.

Ottoman Empire (1299–1922)

A vast empire that spanned Europe, Asia, and Africa, it collapsed after World War I, with Turkey emerging as its successor state.

Prussia (1525–1947)

A powerful German kingdom that was dissolved after World War II, with its territories now part of Germany, Poland, Russia, and other nations.

Scotland, Wales, and England (until 1707 and 1536 respectively)

Once independent nations, Scotland and England merged in 1707 to form Great Britain, while Wales was integrated into England in 1536.

South Vietnam (1955–1975)

A US-backed state during the Vietnam War, South Vietnam was absorbed into a unified Communist Vietnam after the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Taiwan (claimed by China since 1949)

Although Taiwan still functions as an independent entity, it is officially claimed by China as part of its territory.

Tibet (1912–1951)

A Himalayan region that functioned independently before being annexed by China in 1951.

United Arab Republic (1958–1961)

A short-lived political union between Egypt and Syria that dissolved after only three years.

Vermont (1777–1791)

A briefly independent republic before becoming the 14th state of the United States in 1791.

West Florida (1779–1821)

A region that was contested by Spain, France, and the US, eventually becoming part of modern Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.

Yugoslavia (1918–1992)

A Balkan federation that broke apart in the 1990s, resulting in the independent nations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia (now North Macedonia), Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia.