5 African Nations Still Called by Their Colonial Names

When countries gain independence, they often choose new names that reflect their culture, history, and values. However, not all nations make this change from their colonial names. In Africa, several countries still use the names given to them by their colonizers, a reminder of the complex history of colonialism on the continent. 

Colonial powers often named the places they “discovered” after their own languages or significant features in the region. Here are the African countries that still hold on to their colonial names, revealing how these names tell stories of the past and shape the identities of the nations today.

Cameroon

Cameroon got its name from the Portuguese phrase “Rio dos Camarões,” which means “River of Prawns.” This name came about because of the many shrimp found in the Wouri River. Over time, the name was shortened to “Cameroon” when the British and French took control of the area. The name stuck, and today, the country is still called Cameroon.

Guinea

Guinea is another country that kept its colonial name. The name comes from a word used by the Berber people, which means “black.” This name was adopted by Portuguese explorers who used it to describe the region around the Gulf of Guinea. Today, Guinea remains a simple and straightforward name, reflecting its deep history and the identity of its people. It serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between different cultures over centuries.

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a country located on the west coast of Africa. The name “Sierra Leone” means “Lion Mountains” in Portuguese. In the 15th century, a Portuguese explorer named Pedro da Cintra saw the mountains in the area and called them “Serra Lyoa.” When the British came to colonize the region, they changed the name to Sierra Leone. Today, this name still reminds the people of their history and connection to the natural beauty of their land.

Mauritius

Mauritius is a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean. It was named by Dutch colonists after Prince Maurice of Nassau. Even after the French and British took control of the island, the name Mauritius remained. The people of Mauritius have kept this name, which carries a sense of pride and history. The name reflects the island’s unique blend of cultures and its rich natural beauty, making it a cherished part of the nation’s identity.

Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)

The country known as Côte d’Ivoire is called Ivory Coast in English. The name comes from the French term “Côte d’Ivoire,” which means “Coast of Ivory.” European traders named the region after the ivory, or elephant tusks, that were popular in trade long ago. Even after becoming independent, the country kept its French name, as it is still widely recognized around the world.