List of countries that have gained independence from the United Kingdom


Below are lists of the countries and territories that were formerly ruled or administered by the United Kingdom or part of the British Empire, 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

CountryDate of Dominion statusDate of adoption of the Statute of WestminsterDate of final
relinquishment
of British powers		Instrument of
relinquishment		Notes
Australiadts|1901-01-01|format=dmydts|1942-10-09|format=dmyefn|Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942 dts|1986-03-03|format=dmy

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

CountryPre-independence name
DateYear of independence or first stageNotes
Iraqdts||06|28|format=dmdts|2004-06-28|format=y

Former British crown colonies that declared independence then later restored British rule

British overseas territories independence/sovereignty referendums

Territories which were relinquished to other sovereign states

TerritoryRecipient stateDateYearNotes
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Countries of the United Kingdom that have voted against independence

CountryDateYearNotes
Northern Irelanddts||03|08|format=dmdts|1973-03-08|format=y