Why August 15 Is a Global Day of Independence for Six Nations

🏳️ Five Nations That Also Celebrate Independence Day on August 15

While India marks its 78th Independence Day, five other countries—South Korea, North Korea, Bahrain, Liechtenstein, and Congo (Brazzaville)—also commemorate their freedom on this globally significant date.

As India prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2025, a lesser-known fact is drawing global curiosity: five other nations also mark their independence on the very same day.

Each of these countries—scattered across Asia, Europe, and Africa—has its own unique historical context. But all are bound by a shared celebration of freedom, national identity, and the struggles that shaped their sovereignty.

🇰🇷 South Korea – Liberation from Japanese Rule (1945)

Known as Gwangbokjeol, or "Restoration of Light Day", South Korea’s August 15 marks its liberation from 35 years of Japanese colonial occupation. It is one of the country's most revered national holidays.

🎌 Nationwide, schools and offices close, while patriotic ceremonies, concerts, and remembrance events honour those who sacrificed their lives for freedom.

🇰🇵 North Korea – A Shared Liberation (1945)

Despite their contrasting political ideologies today, North and South Korea share the same independence date. North Korea also observes August 15 as the day of liberation from Japanese rule, although its commemorations are deeply rooted in state-led narratives and cultural performances.

🇧🇭 Bahrain – Independence from British Rule (1971)

Bahrain declared its independence from the British Empire on August 15, 1971.

Although the country celebrates National Day in December, the mid-August milestone marks Bahrain’s official transition to sovereignty, a defining chapter in the Gulf nation's history.

🇱🇮 Liechtenstein – Freedom and Festivity (1866)

In 1866, Liechtenstein ended its political ties with the German Confederation, asserting its independence on August 15. Remarkably, the date also coincides with the birthday of the reigning Prince, making it a day of national pride, royal speeches, and community celebrations across one of Europe’s smallest states.

🇨🇬 Congo (Brazzaville) – A Post-Colonial New Dawn (1960)

On August 15, 1960, Congo-Brazzaville gained independence from French colonial rule. Formerly known as French Congo, the nation commemorates its freedom with military parades, cultural showcases, and public tributes to the independence movement that paved the way for its sovereignty.

🌍 A Global Thread of Freedom

From Korean liberation to European sovereignty and African decolonization, August 15 holds deep symbolic significance across continents.

Though their histories differ, these six nations share a powerful legacy of resilience, independence, and national pride—all tied to a single date on the calendar.

📌 Related Insight:

“Independence is not just a date—it’s a reflection of the spirit and identity of a nation. August 15 stands as a global symbol of that spirit.”