Explanation

Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela's birthday.

The day was officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, with the first UN Mandela Day held on 18 July 2010. 

***

Explanation

United States of America (USA) celebrates its independence day annually on 4 July.  

The US got independence on 4 July 1776 from Britain. 

In 2026, the US celebrated its 250th independence day. 

***

Explanation

• The People's Republic of China was founded on 1 October 1949.
• It was established after the victory of the Communist Party in the Chinese Civil War.
• Mao Zedong announced its foundation in Beijing.
• This marked the end of the Republic of China government on the mainland.
• Beijing was declared the capital of the new state.

Last verified on 17-05-2026

Explanation

• Iran officially became an Islamic Republic on 1 April 1979 after a national referendum.

Additional information:

• 16 January 1979 – Mohammad Reza Pahlavi left Iran.
• 1 February 1979 – Ruhollah Khomeini returned to Iran.
• 11 February 1979 – The monarchy officially ended.
• 1 April 1979 – Iran became an Islamic Republic.

Last verified on 21-04-2026

Explanation

World Sparrow Day is a day designated to raise awareness of the house sparrow and then other common birds to urban environments, and of threats to their populations, observed on 20 March.

Explanation

• South Sudan is the most recently independent African country.
• It gained independence on 9 July 2011 from Sudan after decades of civil war.
• Capital: Juba
• Population: ~11 million (2025 estimate)
• Official language: English

Additional information:

• Currency: South Sudanese Pound (SSP)
• Largest ethnic group: Dinka
• Flag colors: Black, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow
• South Sudan became the 193rd member of the United Nations in 2011.

Last verified on 10-02-2026

Explanation

Ceylon changed its name to Sri Lanka and became a republic in 1972.

Previously it was a British Dominion after gaining independence in 1948.

The move marked full sovereignty and republican status.

Additional Details / Facts

Capital: Colombo (commercial), Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative)

Official languages: Sinhala, Tamil

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee

Explanation

Afghanistan gained independence from British control in 1919.

It following the Third Anglo-Afghan War, with the Treaty of Rawalpindi on August 19, 1919.

This marking the start of its sovereignty and ending British influence.

Explanation

India got independence from British rule on 15 August 1947

India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia.

It is the seventh-largest country by area;

the most populous country as of June 1, 2023

Capital: New Delhi

Official languages: Hindi, English

ND4-672023

Explanation

United States of America (USA) got independence on 4 July 1776 from Britain. 

On July 2, Congress voted in favor of independence, and on July 4, the Declaration of Independence was approved.