The Top 10 Countries With the Longest Names

There are currently 195 countries in the world, from tiny island nations to vast countries spanning thousands of miles. But have you ever considered their names? Although most countries go by their shortened names, some have official names that are surprisingly long. So, keep reading to discover the countries with the longest names in the world, ranked by number of characters.

10. Central African Republic

The first country on the list is the Central African Republic with 24 characters. The Central African Republic (CAR) is located in the center of Africa. It has a tropical climate and features a variety of different habitats, including forests, swamps, and mountains. It is home to several critically endangered animals, such as the African forest elephant and the western lowland gorilla. The capital city is Bangui, which is also the most populous, with an estimated population of 958,000.

9. People’s Republic of China

Taking the second spot is the People’s Republic of China with 26 characters. China is the second-most populous country in the world after India, with an estimated population of 1.4 billion people. It is also the third-largest country and therefore has a vast landscape with a broad range of ecosystems. As well as its numerous urban areas, China features stunning mountains, huge forests, and several major rivers.

8. Federal Republic of Germany

Next is the Federal Republic of Germany, which has 27 characters in its name. Germany is located in Europe and spans almost 138,000 square miles. It is bordered by nine countries, as well as the Baltic and North Seas. The capital and most populous city is Berlin, which is known for its stunning architecture and vibrant culture. One of the most famous sites in the city is the Brandenburg Gate which, despite its original meaning, now represents peace and unity.

7. United Republic of Tanzania

Also with 27 characters is the United Republic of Tanzania. Located in east Africa, Tanzania is home to the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania has several diverse ecosystems which are home to a wide variety of endangered animals. It has 22 national parks which form huge protected areas for wildlife to flourish. One such area is the Serengeti National Park which forms part of the route of the Great Migration, the other area being the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. In total, around two million animals take part in the annual migration.

6. Socialist Republic of Vietnam

The next country is the Socialist Republic of Vietnam which has 29 characters. Vietnam is situated in southeast Asia and has a coastline of more than 2,000 miles. The country has a climate that varies significantly depending on the location. The southern region has a tropical monsoon climate with only two seasons, whereas the northern region has the four traditional seasons. Vietnam has a stunning topography which includes thick forest regions, river deltas, and mountain plateaus.

5. Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Next on the list of countries with the longest names in the world is the Lao People’s Democratic Republic which has 32 characters. Commonly known as Laos, the country is located in southeast Asia. It is a landlocked country and is bordered by Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. The capital and most populous city is Vientiane, which is located in the southern region of the country. Laos features numerous mountains, many of which are covered with thick forests.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo

Another country with 32 characters in its name is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the second-largest country in Africa, spanning more than 900,000 square miles. The country is located in the sub-Saharan region. It has a tropical climate and features the vast Congo rainforest. The DRC is home to numerous endemic or endangered species, including mountain gorillas and the bonobo.

3. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Also with 32 characters is Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, which is located in the Caribbean. It is an island country that includes a main island (Saint Vincent) and two-thirds of the Grenadines, which is a chain of 32 small islands. The island of Saint Vincent has an area of just 133 square miles, with a further 17 square miles between the Grenadines.

2. Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe

Taking the second position is the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe which has 44 characters. São Tomé and Principe is an island country in Central Africa that consists of two main islands and several smaller ones. The islands were formed by volcanic activity and are situated on the Cameroon line of volcanoes.

1. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The country with the longest name in the world is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland with 52 characters. This might come as a surprise, given that the country typically goes simply by the abbreviation “UK”. The country consists of the island of Great Britain as well as the northern region of Ireland, which then shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland. In total, the UK consists of the countries of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, of which the latter three are run by devolved governments.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/MOIZ HUSEIN