Which country has never been colonized?

As an expert in historical geography and international relations, I can provide a comprehensive answer to your question regarding countries that have never been colonized. It is important to note that the concept of "never colonized" can be nuanced, as it depends on the definition of colonization and the historical context considered. For the purposes of this discussion, I will focus on countries that have not been under the direct political control of a foreign power, while acknowledging that indirect influence and cultural exchange are more common and harder to quantify.

Step 1: English Answer

Throughout history, many nations have experienced periods of colonization or foreign occupation. However, a few have managed to maintain a significant degree of autonomy and independence. Here is an exploration of some countries that are often cited as having never been colonized:


1. Japan: Despite facing pressure from Western powers in the 19th century, Japan managed to maintain its sovereignty. It was able to modernize and industrialize rapidly, which helped it avoid the fate of becoming a colony.


2. Thailand: Known as Siam until the 20th century, Thailand is often considered the only Southeast Asian country that was never colonized by European powers. It skillfully played off colonial powers against each other to maintain its independence.


3. China: While China had periods of foreign influence and control, particularly in the form of concessions and spheres of influence, it was never fully colonized. The Chinese civilization is ancient and has a long history of self-governance.


4. Afghanistan: Often referred to as the "graveyard of empires," Afghanistan's geographical position and resilient culture have made it difficult for any single power to fully colonize the region.


5. Nepal: Nepal has a history of maintaining its independence through a combination of diplomacy, military strength, and geographical isolation.


6. Saudi Arabia: The region that is now Saudi Arabia has been primarily ruled by tribal leaders and has not been colonized in the traditional sense. However, it has experienced foreign influence and control in various forms.

7.
Iran: While Iran, historically known as Persia, has been invaded and occupied at different times, it has not been continuously colonized by a foreign power. It has a long history of independence and influence in the region.

8.
Korea: Korea has a complex history with periods of foreign influence, particularly from China and Japan, but it has not been fully colonized by a Western power.

It is crucial to recognize that the term "colonized" can be subjective and that the historical relationships between nations are often more complex than a simple binary of colonized or not colonized. For instance, some countries may have been under the influence or control of another nation without being formally annexed or declared a colony.

Step 2: Divider

This article takes a closer look at 10 of those countries.Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has been primarily ruled by tribal leaders from throughout the region. ... Iran. Both British and Russian forces were interested in controlling present-day Iran (then the Persian Empire). ... Japan. ... Korea. ... Thailand. ... China. ... Afghanistan. ... Nepal.More items...