Imagine a world where over half of the countries we know today were under the control of European powers. That’s exactly what the world looked like just a century ago. Many of today’s independent countries were once colonies, with European countries calling the shots from afar.
It all started in the 15th century, when Spain and Portugal established their overseas empires. By the early 20th century, the United Kingdom and France were the dominant powers, controlling nearly 100 modern-day countries, mostly in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
But this all changed rapidly after World War II. A wave of decolonization spread across the world, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. Colonies became independent countries, formed their own governments, and started having their own voice in global decisions.
This shift marked one of the biggest political changes in modern history, from external rule to national sovereignty. It’s amazing to think about how far we’ve come, and how many countries have gained independence in just a century.
If you’re curious to learn more about colonization and state capacity, check out this dedicated page from Our World in Data.