A Note on the Countries That No Longer Exist in Asia

Countries such as Andorra, Bhutan, and Liechtenstein are the most well-known countries that no longer exist. Andorra is the 16th smallest country, Bhutan is in the 135th position, while Liechtenstein is in the 6th position. The remaining ones have shredded off their previous names and were reborn with a new one. For example, Srilanka was reborn in 1972 after discarding the name “Ceylon.”

Many countries no longer exist in Asia due to prominent events like World War 1 and 2.

All of these countries have their flag and legitimate claim to some territory. Still, for some reason, they have chosen to remain indecent and not join any of the internationally recognised countries. The nations have to ally with other nations to keep their existence. Countries like Andorra, Bhutan, and Liechtenstein entered into alliances and treaties to defend borders and encourage schemes to strengthen national cohesion. 

Ancient Countries That No Longer Exist: Andorra, Bhutan and Liechtenstein 

1. Andorra

Due to several geopolitical forces, the country has made treaties and became an ancient country that no longer exists. Andorra has been a nation for over 700 years and was then ruled by two powerful leaders. One of France and the other by the Spanish Bishop of Urgell. As a result, Spanish, French, and Portuguese are commonly spoken languages, while Catalan is said to be its official language.

Andorra La Vella borders France and Spain. For centuries, Andorra has been under the control of these two countries. It is not yet recognised as a country and is a principality, ruled by the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell.

It is the 11th smallest country globally. With a population of around 77,500 occupied in 468 sq km, Andorra is famous for duty-free shopping and ski resorts and has a tax haven status.

2. Liechtenstein

With Switzerland and Austria as its borders, Liechtenstein is ranked as the 4th smallest country that no longer exists in Europe. The most widely spoken language is German, and Vaduz is the country’s capital.

Liechtenstein remained a quiet and unnoticed country in the corner of the world even though it had become independent in 1886. During World War 2, it declared itself neutral. At the end of World War 1, it concluded customs and monetary union with Switzerland.

It is not on any uncooperative tax haven countries’ official deny lists and is also in the World Health Organisation. With a population of 3,8,336 and 160 sq km, Liechtenstein has grown its culture, finance, and contemporary art.

3. Tibet

Tibet has been an independent country from 1947 to 1954, and it is no longer recognised as a sovereign state and is maintained by the United States government. Since 1947, India has treated it as an independent nation, but it was bound to treat it as a part of China in recent years.

The independence of Tibet is still a question, and the legal lens shows that it is still an independent country but under illegal occupation. With the Chinese government’s control over it, it is said to be the world’s second, least independent country.

4. Bengal 

When Bengal fell apart, its eastern and western parts were merged into Pakistan and India. A portion of it named Bangladesh is now recognised as an independent country. 

This country was once considered very wealthy by the foreigners and was active in the trade sector. The cotton, silk and construction materials from Bengal were often exported to the outside countries.

Due to religious forces, the concept of the United Bengal was discarded. There were two divisions majorly: Hindu and Muslim.

Bangladesh is the 94th smallest country in the world, enclosed by India.

From being named one of the poorest nations in 1971 to the second biggest economy in South Asia, Bangladesh’s growth increased. There is a population of around 167,812,354, occupying 148,460 sq km.

Conclusion

Ancient countries that no longer exist are ripped off their sovereignty after being invaded by another nation. For example, Tibet is now taken over by China, and its independence is currently in dispute. 

Some of the countries cease to exist as they fall apart. For instance, there was an unexpected change during the 19th and 20th centuries. In Europe, the borders shifted, and the change was unprecedented. It has torn apart the countries, and we saw the birth of many new ones.