Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Not Just India: Nations Celebrating Independence Day on August 15
Did you know many countries celebrate their freedom on the very same day?
August 15 is a special day in several parts of the world.
In 1947, India became free from British rule on this day.
South Korea and North Korea also celebrate because they were freed from Japanese control in 1945.
South Korea calls this day Gwangbokjeol, which means 'the day the light returned.'
North Korea calls it Liberation Day.
The Republic of the Congo became its own country on August 15, 1960, after being ruled by France.
Bahrain became independent from Britain on August 15, 1971.
The article also says Liechtenstein is on the list, but it does not give details.
So August 15 is a day when many nations remember becoming free.
Beyond India, five nations — South Korea, North Korea, Republic of the Congo, Bahrain, and Liechtenstein — mark August 15 as a day of independence or liberation.
South Korea observes Gwangbokjeol, 'The Day the Light Returned,' commemorating liberation from 35 years of Japanese colonial rule in 1945 and the founding of the Republic of Korea in Seoul on August 15, 1948.
North Korea celebrates Chogukhaebangui Nal (Liberation Day), honouring the end of Japanese rule in 1945 achieved through Allied operations and native resistance.
The Republic of the Congo gained full independence from French rule on August 15, 1960, under its first president, Fulbert Youlou, with celebrations in Brazzaville.
Bahrain formally declared independence from Great Britain on August 15, 1971, after a United Nations survey backed an independent Arab state; its National Day is celebrated on December 16.
- Who
- India, South Korea, North Korea, Republic of the Congo, Bahrain, and Liechtenstein, along with leaders such as Congo's first president, Fulbert Youlou.
- What
- These nations commemorate their independence or liberation from colonial and imperial rule on August 15.
- When
- In different years: 1945 and 1948 for Korea, 1947 for India, 1960 for the Republic of the Congo, and 1971 for Bahrain.
- Where
- The Korean Peninsula, Central Africa, the Persian Gulf, South Asia, and Liechtenstein.
- Why
- The end of colonial occupation and the establishment of sovereign statehood, following the Allied victory in World War II and the wave of decolonisation across Africa.
- India independence
- Shed two centuries of British colonial rule on August 15, 1947
- South Korea holiday
- Gwangbokjeol ('The Day the Light Returned'); liberation from Japanese rule in 1945; Republic of Korea established August 15, 1948
- North Korea holiday
- Chogukhaebangui Nal (Liberation Day); end of Japanese rule in 1945
- Republic of the Congo
- Independence from France on August 15, 1960; first president Fulbert Youlou; capital Brazzaville
- Bahrain
- Independence from Great Britain on August 15, 1971; National Day celebrated December 16
- Liechtenstein
- Listed among the five nations marking August 15; no details provided in the article
- Common date
- August 15 observed across Asia, Africa, and Europe for independence or liberation