Countries have changed their names throughout history. The reasons vary – political, cultural, or social changes. These changes often symbolize a shift in their national identity, or a break from a colonial past, or a historical narrative. Let’s take a closer look at some of the countries that changed their names, and also explore the unique reasons behind it.

Siam to Thailand

Thailand was previously known as Siam. This name, which is said to have originated from a Sanskrit word, Syam, was adopted by the Portuguese from the 16th century, according to History Today. In 1939, Phibun officially changed it to Thailand to reinforce national unity and identity. The name ‘Thailand’ translates to ‘Land of the Free’ in Thai.

Ceylon to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was formerly named ‘Ceylon’. The name Ceylon was given by the British. They erased the colonial name in 1972 and instead adopted Sri Lanka. The name, derived from the Sinhalese language, means ‘resplendent land’.

Burma to Myanmar

In 1989, the ruling military government changed the country’s name from Burma to Myanmar. This change was fueled by a need to shed the colonial past and bring a unified identity. However, the change led to controversy, and many viewed it as an attempt by the military government to legitimize its rule.

Czech Republic to Czechia

In 2016, the Czech Republic changed its name to Czechia. According to the authorities, it is a more convenient and easier name to be used in international events and for companies. The new short name Czechia, is preferred by international companies and used in marketing campaigns; however, the official name remains the Czech Republic.

East Pakistan to Bangladesh

In 1971, East Pakistan became Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Liberation War. The country declared independence from West Pakistan and formed the new nation of Bangladesh. This change also signifies their distinct cultural and linguistic identity.

Persia to Iran

Iran was formerly known as Persia. Though the name Iran was commonly used by its people for centuries, it became official in 1935. The name traces back to the 3rd century word Eran, which meant ‘of the Aryans’. This change was initiated by Reza Shah Pahlavi, and it signifies a new beginning, modernization, and the securing of its indigenous identity.

Turkey to Türkiye

In 2022, Turkey changed its name to Türkiye. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, officially informed the United Nations that it would be known as Türkiye in all languages. “The word ‘Turkiye’ represents and expresses the culture, civilisation, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way,” the Turkish President said. This change was initiated to rectify the country’s image and make it more attached to the cultural roots etched in Turkish history.

Holland to The Netherlands

The names Holland and the Netherlands have been used interchangeably. Holland was never the official name, but it is the name of two of the country’s 12 provinces (North Holland and South Holland), which include major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. As it is historically and economically significant, the name Holland was often used for the entire country. However, in 2019, the Dutch government stopped using Holland in its international branding and rebranded as ‘The Netherlands’.

Republic of Macedonia to North Republic of Macedonia

In 2019, the Republic of Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. This was a diplomatic compromise to end a long-standing dispute with Greece, because the latter has its own region called Macedonia. The new name resolved this issue and led to improved relations and NATO membership.

Swaziland to Eswatini

In 2018, as it celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain, Swaziland changed its name to Eswatini. The name Eswatini means the ‘land of the Swazis’ in their local language, siSwati. The change is a departure from the colonial past. People also confuse Swaziland with Switzerland, which was another reason for the name change.

These are some of the abandoned places that were turned into some of the famous tourist spots from around the world. These spots should definitely on your bucket list.

From deserted ashrams to forgotten towns, abandoned places hold a strange, haunting beauty. Many of these sites have been transformed into popular tourist destinations, attracting history buffs, photographers, and curious travellers alike. Here are 6 fascinating abandoned places from across the globe you can visit.

Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh, India: Once home to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram where The Beatles stayed in 1968, this spiritual retreat is now open to the public. Visitors can explore graffiti covered meditation huts and soak in the serene jungle vibes.

Bodie Ghost Town, California, USA: A perfectly preserved Wild West town, Bodie is now a California State Historic Park where you can see saloons, homes, and schools as they were left decades ago.

Hashima Island (Battleship Island), Japan: Once a coal mining hub, this island was abandoned in the 1970s. Today, guided tours take you through crumbling apartment blocks that inspired dystopian movie sets like Skyfall.

Kolmanskop, Namibia: This once thriving diamond mining town is now a ghostly desert landscape. Visitors can wander through sand-filled homes, capturing surreal photos of nature reclaiming human spaces.

Pripyat, Ukraine: Abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster, Pripyat is a chilling time capsule of Soviet life. Tourists can visit the eerily quiet amusement park and decaying buildings frozen in time.

Varosha, Famagusta, Cyprus: Once a glamorous Mediterranean resort city, Varosha was abandoned after the 1974 Turkish invasion. It recently opened to visitors, allowing a glimpse into a seaside paradise left to decay.

If the holidays sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control, you’re not alone. And if the Grinch has stolen your spirit and good intentions, try some of these tips to reclaim your ho-ho-ho and stay happy and healthy.

1. Keep up healthy habits.

Make a pact with yourself during the holidays. Decide that you’ll move more and do something active every day over the next three weeks. Take it a step further, and pledge to start the day with a healthy breakfast, limit the sweets and get at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you don’t completely give up your healthy habits, you won’t feel like you have to start over once the holidays are over.

2. Beware of seasonal sweets.

The holidays often dish up extra helpings of less-than-healthy treats. Try preparing healthy snacks that are ready to eat when the urge to snack strikes. If you’re hosting a holiday party, challenge yourself to make delicious and healthier options using our recipes and cooking tips.

3. Stay active.

Instead of beating yourself up about missing a workout, sprinkle some healthy activities into your daily routine. For example, if the weather isn’t too frightful and you’re working from home, ride your bike around your neighborhood during a lunch break. If dinner is going to be a feast, opt for a light lunch, then take a vigorous walk. And keep the family moving. When the kids are home from school, squeeze in some active chores and trips to the park.

4. Take time for yourself.

Give yourself the gift of peace. If you need some downtime to recharge, declare a “me-treat” and do something that relaxes you. Try yoga, meditation or spending time in nature.

5. Make a plan for the new year.

Your poinsettia’s pooped and the gifts are all gone. Now what? It’s a great time to reset for the new year – but don’t go dashing through your to-do list too fast, or you might not stick to your plan. Lay out realistic, sustainable steps for the months ahead. For example, start a daily walking routine and sign up for a Heart Walk before you set your sights on that marathon.

Singer Zubeen Garg’s tragic death during a scuba diving session in Singapore has sparked concerns over underwater safety. Experts stress the need for proper training, health checks, and strict adherence to diving guidelines to prevent such tragedies.

The celebrated Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, aged 52, has died following a fatal scuba-diving incident in Singapore. He reportedly lost consciousness while underwater and was pulled out by Singaporean authorities, but despite urgent medical attention and resuscitation efforts, he could not be revived.

This tragic event is a stark reminder that even experienced individuals are vulnerable if proper safety precautions are not strictly followed beneath the waves. To help ensure safer diving for everyone, the following guidelines are based on recognised practices and expert recommendations.

Key Safety Tips for Scuba Diving

Get Proper Training & Certification

Only dive if you have been trained by a recognised agency (such as PADI, SSI, CMAS). Training includes understanding equipment, safety procedures, emergency response, and rescue protocols. Uncertified diving significantly increases risk.

Health Check Before Diving

Be in good physical condition. Avoid diving if you have respiratory, cardiac or sinus problems, or if you’re suffering from a cold, fever or any other condition that may impair breathing or equalisation of pressure. Even minor ailments can become serious underwater.

Use the Buddy System

Never dive alone. Always dive with a partner or in a group, so that help is available immediately in case something goes wrong — whether it’s equipment failure, disorientation, or losing consciousness.

Pre-Dive Briefing & Dive Planning

Review the dive plan: depth limits, time limits, safety stops, entry and exit points, emergency procedures. Understand the local sea conditions, currents, tide, visibility. Stick to the plan unless there is an obvious and safe reason to deviate.

Equipment Checks & Maintenance

Before every dive, inspect all gear: regulator, buoyancy control device (BCD), air tanks, gauges, mask, and fins. Ensure everything is clean, properly assembled, functioning correctly, and that air tanks are full and well-maintained. Faulty or poorly maintained gear can lead to catastrophic failure.

Proper Ascent & Breathing Techniques

Always breathe continuously and never hold your breath while ascending. Ascend slowly, following safety stop procedures to avoid decompression sickness (“the bends”). Equalise pressure in ears and mask regularly.

Stay Hydrated & Avoid Alcohol/Dr#gs

Dehydration and intoxication impair judgement, slow reflexes, and can worsen the effects of pressure changes. Drink water, rest well before diving, and avoid diving under the influence of alcohol or dr#gs.

Respect Depth & Limits

Know your certification limits (in terms of depth, type of dive, etc.) and do not exceed them. Deep or technical dives require special training and equipment. Maintain conservative safety margins.

Stay Calm Underwater

Panic is dangerous. If things go wrong – low air, strong current, disorientation – stop, breathe, think, act. Use hand signals, stay close to your buddy, ascend or return safely rather than pushing on in dangerous conditions.

Emergency Preparedness

Be aware of rescue and first-aid procedures. Carry safety equipment such as signalling devices, dive knife, whistle, surface marker buoy. Know how to use them. Always have a plan for exit and emergency support.

Mourning and a Call for Greater Awareness

While the details surrounding Zubeen Garg’s exact cause of death are still being investigated, reports so far indicate breathing difficulties during diving and loss of consciousness underwater. His passing has ignited a national conversation about scuba diving safety, reinforcing that precautions are not optional luxuries but essential matters of life and death.

For those drawn to explore the ocean’s beauty, respect for the risks is just as important as the thrill. Following safety protocols, proper training, and good health checks can make all the difference.