Territorial evolution of the British Empire

territorial evolution of the British Empire nyɛla din pili ni  English colonial empire nyabili,  binshɛɣu din gbaagi  16th century puuni ha. Lala sahaŋɔ ni ha, tingbana pam mini yaɣa pam nyɛla tingbani yuli booni United Kingdom ni zaŋ bɛ sulinsi n pa shɛŋa zuɣu. Di ni daa niŋ ka  Kingdom of Great Britain ti kpa yuuni 1707 ni, ka ban daa kpali nyɛ  Kingdoms din daa be  Scotland mini  England. 


British Overseas Territories nim pinaanahi la n nyɛ :


















List of territories that were once a part of the British Empire

Legend
   !±!  Crown dependency  30px|United Kingdom Flag  Part of the United Kingdom:±:  Commonwealth realm, with King Charles III as head of state  30px|Turks and Caicos Flag  Overseas territories£IMP  Currency pegged to the GBP CYP  Pound sterling derived currency!T!  Common law legal system to various extent [X] Westminster style parliamentary systemabc  English as a dominant or an official language/\\/  Left-hand traffic

Colour-coding
ColourDescriptionPresent-day members of the CommonwealthPresent-day British Overseas TerritoriesCrown dependencies

Africa

Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsAshanti1901–1957ColonyBecame a part of the dominion of GhanaBasutoland1868ProtectorateWanted to join the Cape Colony, but was authorized to join the  Colony of Natal instead. Eventually was placed under direct authority of the High Commissioner for South Africa.1871Annexed to Cape Colony1884Colony1965Self-governing colony1966Independent as LesothoBechuanaland Protectorate1884–1965ProtectorateResident Commissioner assigned 1884, but Protectorate status declared after treaties with several chiefs were signed in 18851965–66Self-governing protectorate1966Independent as BotswanaBight of Benin1852–1861Protectorate1861United with Bight of BiafraBight of Biafra1849–1861Protectorate1861United with Bight of BeninBights of Biafra and Benin1861–1891ProtectorateBritish Bechuanaland(see also under "Bechuanaland")1885–1895Crown colony1895Incorporated into Cape ColonyNow a part of the Northern Cape and North West provinces of South AfricaBritish Cameroons1916–1919Occupation1919–1946League of Nations mandated territory1946–1961United Nations Trust Territory1961Northern part merged into Nigeria, southern part into the Republic of CameroonBritish East Africa1888–1895Territory leased to the Imperial British East Africa Company (IBEAC) by the Sultan of Zanzibar1895–1920ProtectorateTerritory included former IBEAC territories and the strip of Sultan of Zanizbar's dominions on the coast of Kenya which fell within the British sphere of influence1920Became the Colony and Protectorate of KenyaLands of Sultan of Zanzibar on coast administered with the Colony as one unitBritish Somaliland1884–1960Protectorate1960Independent as  State of SomalilandAfter 5 days merged with the Trust Territory of Somaliland as Somali Republic, in 1991 independent as Somaliland (unrecognised)Cape Colony1806–1910ColonyBecame a province of the Union of South Africa as the "Cape of Good Hope"Egypt1801–03Occupation1882–1914Occupation1914–1922Protectorate1922IndependenceBioko1827–1855Leased territoryIsland leased from Spain so that Royal Navy could undertake anti-slavery operations on West Coast of Africa. Main settlement was Port Clarence now known as MalaboGambia Colony and Protectorate1816–1965ColonyProtectorate declared over hinterland of Gambia River in 18941965IndependenceGold Coast1874–1957Colony1957Independent as GhanaAlso incorporated British Togoland by plebisciteKenya, Colony & Protectorate of1920–1963ColonyPreviously part of British East Africa1963IndependenceLagos Protectorate1887–1906Protectorate, governed from the Lagos Colony1906Incorporated into the Protectorate of Southern NigeriaSouthern Nigeria Protectorate1900–1906Protectorate, created from Niger Coast Protectorate and territories of the Royal Niger Company1906Incorporated the Lagos Colony to be the Colony and Protectorate of Southern NigeriaLibya, regions of Cyrenicia & Tripolitania only1942–1946British Military administration in Cyrenicia & Tripolitania1946–1951Italian forces expelled, UN trusteeship of Cyrenicia & Tripolitania, administered by BritainFezzan region administered by France under trusteeship1951Independent as the Kingdom of LibyaNatal1843–1910Colony1910Became a province of the Union of South AfricaNow part of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaNiger Districts1885–1899Protectorate under the Royal Niger Company1900Became part of Northern NigeriaColony and Protectorate of Nigeria1914–1954Created from the Colony & Protectorate of Southern Nigeria and the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria1954Became the self-governing Federation of NigeriaFederation of Nigeria1954–1960Autonomous federationFormed from the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria1960IndependenceNorthern Nigeria1900–1914Protectorate governed by the Colony of Southern Nigeria1914Merged with Protectorate of Southern Nigeria to form the Colony and Protectorate of NigeriaNorthern Territories of the Gold Coast1901–1957ProtectorateAnnexed to form part of Her Majesty's dominions as part of the dominion of GhanaNyasalandknown as the Nyasaland Districts until 1893, and then British Central Africa until 19071891–1964Protectorate1964Independent as MalawiOrange River Colony1900–1910Colony1907Granted responsible government1910Became the Province of the Orange Free State in the Union of South AfricaRhodesia1964-1965Now ZimbabweMatabeleland1888–1894Protectorate under British South Africa Company (BSAC)1894United with Mashonaland as South Zambezia in 1894Mashonaland1889–1894Protectorate under BSAC1894United with Matabeleland as South Zambezia in 1894South Zambezia1894–95Protectorate under BSAC1895United with North Zambezia as RhodesiaRhodesia1895–1901Protectorate under BSAC1901Mashonaland and Matabeleland united as Southern RhodesiaNorthern Rhodesia1911–1924Protectorate under BSACAmalgamation of Barotziland-North-Western Rhodesia and North-Eastern Rhodesia1924–1953Protectorate1953–1963Part of Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland1964Independent as ZambiaSouthern Rhodesia1901–1923Protectorate under BSAC1923—1953Self-governing colony1953–1963Part of Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland1964–65Self-governing colonyRhodesia1965–1970Unilateral declaration of independence, with Elizabeth II as head of stateNot internationally recognised1970–1979RepublicNot internationally recognisedZimbabwe-Rhodesia1979Interim state1979–80Crown colony1980Independent as ZimbabweSierra Leone Colony and Protectorate1787–1808Freed slave colony organised by Sierra Leone Company1808–1821Crown colony1821–1850Part of British West African Settlements1850–1866Crown colony1866–1888Part of British West African Settlements1888–1895Colony1896–1961Colony and protectorate1961IndependenceSouth Africa, Union of1910–1961DominionFormed by the federation of the Cape, Natal, Orange River, and Transvaal colonies1961RepublicNot a member of the Commonwealth between 1961 and 1994Sudan, Anglo-Egyptian1899–1952Condominium with Egypt1952–1956Self-rule1956Independent as Republic of SudanSwaziland1902–67Protectorate1967–68Protected State1968IndependenceTangier1661Ceded to England by Portugal1684Abandoned by EnglandTangier International Zone1924Established as condominium between UK, France and Spain (later also Portugal, US, Italy, Belgium, Sweden and the Netherlands)1940–1945Spanish occupation1956Zone dissolved, Tangier returned to MoroccoGerman East Africa1916–1922OccupationTanganyika Territory1922–1946League of Nations mandated territory1946–1961United Nations Trust Territory under Britain1961IndependenceMerged with Zanzibar in 1964 to form TanzaniaTati Concessions Land1872–1893Concession1893Detached from Matabeleland1893–1911Under protectorate of Bechuanaland1911Annexed to BechuanalandBritish Togoland1914–1916OccupationWestern half of erstwhile German Togoland occupied by both British and French forces 1914–161916–1922Administered by British only1922–1946League of Nations Mandate under Britain1946–1957United Nations Trust Territory under Britain1957IndependenceMerged with Ghana upon independence after plebiscite(French) Togoland1914–16occupationEastern half of erstwhile German Togoland occupied by both British and French forces, then after 1916 administered by France only. In 1922, became LoN Mandate, then UN Trust Territory in 1946, also under France. Now the Republic of Togo since independence in 1960.Transvaal1877–1884Colony1884–1900Independent as South African Republic1900–1906Colony1906–1910Self-governing colony1910Part of Union of South AfricaNow divided between the provinces of Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West in South AfricaUganda1890–1893Occupied by British East Africa Company1893–94Provisional protectorate1894–1962Protectorate1962Self-government1962IndependenceWalvis Bay1795–1878Occupation1878–1884Protectorate1884Part of Cape ColonyNow part of NamibiaZanzibar1890–1963Protectorate1963IndependenceMerged with Tanganyika in 1964 to form TanzaniaZululand1887–1897Crown colony1897Incorporation into Colony of NatalNow part of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

North America
Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsAssiniboia1812–1836Colony1836Reverted to control of the Hudson's Bay CompanyNow part of the province of Manitoba, CanadaAvalon1623–1637Palatinate1637Incorporated into NewfoundlandBristol's Hope1618–1631Colony1631Abandoned and later as NewfoundlandBritish Columbia1858–1871Colony1871Incorporated into CanadaCanada, Dominion ofDominion (1867–1931)Formed by the federation of the provinces of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia 1982 – Constitution Act, 1982, updating Canada's relationship with the United Kingdom
 Several provinces and territories have joined since Confederation.Canada, Lower1791–1841Province (colony)Now the southern half of the province of Quebec, Canada1841Merged with Upper Canada to form the Province of CanadaRe-established within the Dominion of Canada as the province of Quebec in 1867Canada, Province of1841–1867ColonyFormed by the amalgamation of the provinces of Lower and Upper Canada1867Joined the Dominion of Canada as the provinces of Ontario and Quebec(Now the southern halves of Ontario and Quebec)Upper Canada1791–1841Province (colony)Ontario, Canada1841Merged with Lower Canada to form the Province of CanadaRe-established within the Dominion of Canada as the province of Ontario in 1867Cape Breton Island1763Incorporated into Nova ScotiaPreviously under French sovereignty1784ColonySeparated from Nova Scotia1820Re-incorporated into Nova ScotiaCarolina1663Proprietary colony1729Formally divided into Crown colonies of North & South CarolinaCarolina, North1729Crown colony1776Signed unilateral Declaration of Independence as the state of North Carolina1783Sovereignty formally relinquished by Great BritainCarolina, South1729Crown colony1776Declared independent as the state of South Carolina1783Sovereignty formally relinquished by Great BritainConnecticut1636ColonyLater incorporated the unchartered Saybrook Colony (1635–44) and New Haven Colony (1638–65)1776Declared independent as the state of Connecticut1783Sovereignty formally relinquished by Great BritainCuper's Cove1610–1621Colony1621Abandoned and later as NewfoundlandEast Florida1763–1783Colony1783Returned to Spanish sovereigntyNow part of the state of Florida, United StatesGeorgia1732Proprietary colony1755Crown colony1776Signed unilateral Declaration of Independence as the state of Georgia1783Sovereignty formally relinquished by Great BritainMassachusetts Bay1629Colony1691United with Plymouth ColonyNew Brunswick1784ColonySeparated from Nova Scotia1867Became a province of CanadaNew Hampshire1641Became part of Massachusetts Bay Colony1679Separate colony1686Became a province of Dominion of New England1691Separate colony1776Signed unilateral Declaration of Independence as the state of New Hampshire1783Sovereignty formally relinquished by Great BritainNew Jersey1664–1673Proprietary ColonyFormed from portions of New Netherland and New Sweden1673–1702Divided into separate colonies of East and West Jersey1702Royal colonyEast & West Jersey re-unified1776Signed unilateral Declaration of Independence as the state of New Jersey1783Sovereignty formally relinquished by Great BritainNew York1664–1685Proprietary colonyFormed after conquest of New Netherland1685–1776Royal Province1776Signed unilateral Declaration of Independence as the state of New York1783Sovereignty formally relinquished by Great BritainNewfoundland1497–1583Claimed by England1583–1818Colony1818–1907Crown colony1907–1949Dominion1934–1949Commission of GovernmentSelf-rule suspended, de jure Dominion by Royal prerogative1949Became a province of CanadaNow known as Newfoundland and LabradorNorth-Western Territory1859–18711870Incorporated into the Northwest Territories of CanadaNow divided between the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan and territories of Northwest Territories, Nunavut and YukonNova Scotia1621–1632Scottish colony1654–1670English occupation1713Colony1848Granted responsible government1867Became a province of CanadaPrince Edward Islandknown as New Ireland until 1769, and as St. John's Island until 17991744–1748Occupation1758–1763Occupation1763–1769Part of Nova Scotia1769–1873Colony1873Became a province of CanadaQuebec1763–1791Province (colony)Nominally included territory that is now part of the provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Canada, and (until 1783) the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin in the United States1791Divided into the provinces of Lower Canada and Upper CanadaRenews1610–1623ColonyAbandoned and later became part of NewfoundlandRupert's Land1670–1870possession of Hudson's Bay CompanyNominally included territory that is now part of the Canadian territories and provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec, and (until 1818) parts of the US states of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota1870Incorporated into CanadaSouth Falkland1623–1626ColonyAbandoned and later became part of NewfoundlandStikine Territory1862–1863Now divided between British Columbia and Yukon, CanadaVancouver Island1849–1866Crown colony1866Merged into the colony of British ColumbiaNow part of the province of British Columbia, CanadaVirginia1607Proprietary colony1624Crown colony1776Declared independent as the state of Virginia1783Sovereignty formally relinquished by Great BritainWest Florida1763–1783Colony1783Southern part returned to Spanish sovereignty; sovereignty of northern part formally relinquished by Great BritainNow part of the states of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, United States

Central America and the Caribbean

Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsAnguilla1650–1696Colony under St. Christopher1696–1816Part of colony of Leeward Islands1816–1832Part of colony of St. Christopher, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands1832–1871Part of colony of Leeward Islands as colony of St. Christopher, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands1871–1882Part of the presidency of Saint Christopher (within the Leeward Islands)1882–1956Part of the presidency of Saint Christopher and Nevis (within the Leeward Islands)1956–1967Part of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla1967–1969Unilateral declaration of independence as Republic of Anguilla1969–1980Part of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla1980–1982Self-governing colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas TerritoryAntigua(incl. Barbuda from 1860)1632–1671Colony1671–72Part of colony of Leeward Islands1672–1816Part of colony of Leeward Islands1816–1832Part of colony of Antigua-Barbuda-Montserrat1832–33Colony1833–1871Part of colony of Leeward Islands1871–1956Presidency within the Leeward Islands1956–1958Colony1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962–1967Colony1967–1981Associated state1981Independent as Antigua and BarbudaAntigua-Barbuda-Montserrat1816–1832Colony1832DissolvedBahamas1670–1684Proprietary colony1684Occupied by Spain1718–1964Crown colony1964–1969Self-government1969–1973Commonwealth1973IndependenceBarbados1624–1627Claimed by England1627–1652Proprietary colony1652–1663Colony1663–1833Crown colony1833–1885Part of colony of Windward Islands1885–1958Colony1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962–1966Colony1966IndependenceBarbuda1628–1832Colony1632–1671Dependency of Antigua1671–1816Part of colony of Leeward Islands1816–1832Part of colony of Antigua-Barbuda-Montserrat1832–33Colony1833–1860Part of colony of Leeward Islands1860Annexed to Antigua1976–1980Autonomous1980Unilateral declaration of independence–1981Independence as part of Antigua and BarbudaBay Islands"Timeline of British Colonization of the Bay Islands", Bay Islands Voice, 22 March 2013.1643–early 18th centurySporadic, short-lived settlements1742–1748Colony of Port Royal (Roatan). Spanish sovereignty recognized in 17481749–1782Illegal but well-established English settlements. Spanish occupation and expulsion of settlers in 17821852–1860Colony of the Bay Islands. Surrendered to Honduras in 1860Belize – see under "British Honduras"British Honduras1665–1742Settlement1742–1840Settlement subordinated to Jamaica1840–1862Colony subordinated to Jamaica1862–1884Crown colony subordinated to Jamaica1884–1954Crown colony1954–1964Autonomy1964–1981Self-governing colony1973Renamed "Belize"1981IndependenceBritish Virgin Islands1666–1672Occupation1672–1713Part of colony of Leeward Islands as part of Antigua1713–1816Crown colony part of colony of Leeward Islands1816–1832Part of colony of St. Christopher, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands1832–1871Part of colony of Leeward Islands as colony of St. Christopher, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands1871–1956Presidency within the Leeward Islands1956–1960Part of territory of Leeward Islands1960–1967Colony1967–1982Self-governing colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas TerritoryCayman Islands1670–1958Colony; administered from Jamaica1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962–1982Crown colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas TerritoryDominica1763–1778Occupation1778Ceded to France1784–1871Colony1871–1939Presidency within the Leeward Islands1940–1958Colony within the Windward Islands1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962–1967Colony1967–1978Associated state1978IndependenceGrenada1762–63Occupation1763–1779Part of colony of South Caribbean Islands1779Occupied by France1783–1802Part of colony of South Caribbean Islands1802–1833Colony1833–1958Part of Windward Islands1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962–1967Colony1967–1974Associated state1974IndependenceOld Providence1628–1630Initial settlement by English colonists1630–1641Chartered colony under the Providence Island Company1641Captured by Spain, became part of New GranadaJamaica1655–1670Occupation1670–1953Colony1953–1958Self-governing colony1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962IndependenceLeeward Islands1671–1816Colony1833–1871Colony1871–1956Federal colonyComprised the presidencies of Antigua (incl. Barbuda), Dominica (to 1939), Montserrat, Nevis, Saint Kitts (incl. Anguilla, and combined with Nevis in 1883), and the Virgin Islands1956–1960Territory1960DissolvedMontserrat1632–1667Colony part of Antigua1667Occupied by France1668–1782Part of colony of Leeward Islands1784–1816Part of colony of Leeward Islands1816–1832Part of colony of Antigua-Barbuda-Montserrat1832–33Colony part of Antigua1833–1871Part of colony of Leeward Islands1871–1956Presidency within the Leeward Islands1956–1958Colony1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962–1982Colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas TerritoryMosquito Coast1668–1786Protectorate1787–1861Protectorate1861Incorporated into Nicaragua and HondurasNevis1628–1671Colony subordinated to Barbados1671–1701Part of colony of Leeward Islands1701–1704Part of colony of Leeward Islands under Antigua1704–1816Part of colony of Leeward Islands1816–1833Part of colony of St. Christopher, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands1833–1871Part of Leeward Islands as colony of St. Christopher, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands1871–1883Presidency within the Leeward Islands1883Amalgamated with Saint Kitts to form the presidency of Saint Christopher and Nevis (within the Leeward Islands)Redonda1860s–1967British possession1967Dependency of AntiguaSt. Christopher(Saint Kitts)1623–1666Colony1666Occupied by France1671–1701Part of colony of Leeward Islands1701–1704Part of colony of Leeward Islands under Antigua1704–1782Part of colony of Leeward Islands1782Occupied by France1783–1816Part of colony of Leeward Islands1816–1833Part of colony of St. Christopher, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands1833–1871Part of Leeward Islands as colony of St. Christopher, Nevis, Anguilla, and the British Virgin Islands1871–1882Part of colony of Leeward Islands1882Amalgamated with Nevis to form the presidency of Saint Christopher-Nevis (within the Leeward Islands)St. Christopher and Nevis1882–1958Presidency within the Leeward Islands1958–1962Part of province of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla of West Indies Federation1962–1967Part of colony of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla1967–1980Part of associated state of Saint Christopher-Nevis-Anguilla1980–1983Associated state1983Independence :±:St. John1801–02Occupation1807–1815OccupationNow part of the United States Virgin IslandsSt. Lucia1605–1640Settlement1640Abandoned1664–1667Occupation1762–63Occupation1781–1783Occupation1794–95Occupation1796–1802Occupation1803–1838Colony1838–1958Crown colony part of colony of Windward Islands1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962–1967Crown colony1967–1979Associated state1979IndependenceSaint Martin1690–1699Occupation1801–02OccupationSt. Thomas1801–02Occupation1807–1815OccupationNow part of the United States Virgin IslandsSt. Vincent and the Grenadines1627–1636Claimed1672Claimed1762–63Occupation1763–1776Colony1776–1779Crown colony1779Occupied by France1783–1833Crown colony1833–1958Part of colony of Windward Islands1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962–1969Colony1969–1979Associated state1979IndependenceSouth Caribbean Islands1763–1802Colony1802DissolvedIncluded the present-day countries of Dominica, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the island of TobagoTobago1762–1764Part of colony of Windward Islands1764–1781Colony1781Colony of France1793–1802Occupation1802Colony of France1803–1833Crown colony1833–1888Part of colony of Windward Islands1889Amalgamated with TrinidadTortuga1631–1635Colony1635French possessionNow part of HaitiTrinidad1802–1888Colony1889Amalgamated with Tobago as "Trinidad and Tobago"Trinidad and Tobago1889–1958Colony1958–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962IndependenceTurks and Caicos Islands1799–1848Colony part of Bahamas1848–1874Colony1874–1959Colony part of Jamaica1959–1962Province of West Indies Federation1962–1982Colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas TerritoryVirgin Islands – see under "British Virgin Islands"West Indies Federation1958–1962Federation of colonies1962DissolutionIncluded the present-day countries of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados; Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago, and the British Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and Turks and Caicos IslandsWindward Islands1833–1956Colony1956–1960Territory1960DissolutionIncluded the present-day countries of Barbados (to 1885), Grenada, Dominica (from 1940), St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and (until 1889) the island of Tobago

South America

Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsBerbice1781–82Subordinated to Barbados1782Occupied by France1796–1802Occupied1802Restored to the Netherlands1803–1814Occupied1814–1831Colony1831United with Demerara-Essequibo to form British GuianaNow part of GuyanaBritish Guiana1831–1961ColonyFormed by the merger of the colonies of Berbice and Demerara-Essequibo1961–1966Self-rule1966Independent as GuyanaDemerara1781–82Subordinated to Barbados1782French occupation1796–1802Occupied1802Restored to Netherlands1803–1814Occupied1814Merged with Essequibo to form Demerara-EssequiboDemerara-Essequibo1814–1831ColonyFormed by the merger of the separate colonies of Demerara and Essequibo1831United with Berbice to form British GuianaEssequibo1781–82Subordinated to Barbados1782French occupation1796–1802Occupied1802Restored to the Netherlands1803–1814Occupied1814Merged with Demerara to form Demerara-EssequiboOyapoc1620SettlementNow in GuyanaPomeroon1666–67Occupied1689Occupation1689Incorporated into EssequiboNow in GuyanaWilloughby1652–1688Settlement1688Dutch occupationNow Paramaribo, in Suriname

Asia

Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsAden1839Colony subordinate to Bombay Presidency British India1932Separate province of British India1937Separate Crown colony1963Part of Federation of South ArabiaAfghanistan1879Protected state1919IndependenceAssam1874–1905Province of British India1905–1912Incorporated into the new province of Eastern Bengal and Assam1912–1947Province of British IndiaNow a state of the Republic of IndiaBahrain1880Protectorate1961–1971Autonomous1971IndependenceInvited to join the Trucial States, but declinedBaluchistan1877–1896Province1896–1947Province of British India1947Part of PakistanNow part of Balochistan and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, in PakistanBantam1603–1609Station1609–1617Factory1617–1621Presidency1621Expelled by the Dutch1630–1634Subordinated to Surat1634–1652Presidency1652–1682Subordinated to Surat1682Expelled by the DutchNow in IndonesiaBencoolen("Fort York", later "Fort Marlborough")1685–1760Coastal settlements of southwestern Sumatra, subordinated to Madras1760–1785Presidency1785–1825Subordinated to Bengal Presidency1825Part of Dutch East IndiesNow Bengkulu, in IndonesiaBengal("Fort William")1634–1658Factories1658–1681Subordinated to Madras1681–82Agency1682–1694Presidency of Coromandel and Bengal Settlements1694–1698Subordinated to Madras1698–1700Presidency of Coromandel and Bengal Settlements1700–1774Presidency1774–1905Presidency of British India1905–1912Partitioned between [West] Bengal and Eastern Bengal and Assam1912–1937Presidency of British India1937–1947Province of British India1947Divided between India (West Bengal) and Pakistan (East Bengal)Now Bangladesh, and part of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, in IndiaBrunei1888Protectorate1967Protected state1984IndependenceBurma (now called Myanmar)1824–1852Arakan, Tenasserim1852–1886Lower Burma1885–1886Upper Burma1886Lower and Upper Burma United as province of British India1937Separate Crown Colony1948IndependenceName changed to Myanmar after a military junta in 1989.Eastern Bengal and Assam1905–1912Province of British IndiaEstablished upon the partition of Bengal (1905)1912Partition reversedSplit between the re-established province of Assam and the re-constituted presidency of BengalCeylon1795Ceded by the Dutch and subordinated to the Madras presidency of British India1798Separate Crown colony1948IndependenceNow the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri LankaDansborg1801–02Occupied1808–1815Occupied1845purchased and incorporated into British IndiaNow in Tamil Nadu state, IndiaFrederiksnagore1801–02Occupied1808–1815Occupied1845Purchased and incorporated into British IndiaNow in West Bengal state, IndiaHong Kong1841Hong Kong Island occupied1843–1982Crown colony1860Kowloon and Stonecutters Island ceded by China1898New Territories leased from China for 99 years1942–1945Occupied by Japan1945–1946Military administration1983–1997Dependent territory1997Handover to China as a special administrative regionKuwait1899Protectorate1961IndependenceIndian Empire (British Raj)1613Company rule in India1858Crown rule over the Indian Princely states, the Presidencies and provinces of British India1947Independent as India & Pakistan after partitionMandatory Iraq1920–1932League of Nations mandate never passed, replaced by Anglo-Iraqi treaty with the Kingdom of IraqJava and the Spice Islands1811–1816Occupiedrestored to the NetherlandsMalaya1824Transferred following Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 18241824–1867Territory of British East India Company1867–1946Straits Settlements, Crown colony1895–1946Federated Malay States, protectorate1885–1946Johor, protectorate (part of Unfederated Malay States)1909–1946Kedah, protectorate (part of Unfederated Malay States)1909–1946Kelantan, protectorate (part of Unfederated Malay States)1909–1946Perlis, protectorate (part of Unfederated Malay States)1909–1946Terengganu, protectorate (part of Unfederated Malay States)1942–1945Japanese occupation1945–1946Military Administration1946–1948Malayan Union1948–1957Federation of Malaya1957–1963Independent state1963Annex North Borneo and Sarawak forming the renamed federation of MalaysiaNorth Borneo1882–1946Protectorate1945–1946Military administrationLabuan to British N. Borneo on 15 July 19461946–1963Crown colonyLabuan to British N. Borneo on 15 July 19461963Self-government1963Annexed by Malaya into MalaysiaPalestine1920Mandate1948British mandate dissolved; proposed partition plans never materialized; Israel established immediately after British withdrawal, with the short-lived All-Palestine government following six months later, and later the partially recognised State of Palestineongoing territorial dispute, see Israeli–Palestinian conflictPulo Condore Island (Côn Đảo)1702Possession of British East India Company1705AbandonedNow Côn Đảo, in VietnamSarawak1888–1946Protected States1945–1946Military administration1946–1963Crown colony1963Self-government1963Annexed by Malaya into MalaysiaStraits Settlements1826–1858Possession under British East India CompanyNow divided between Malacca and Penang, in Malaysia, and Singapore1858–1867Subordinated to British India1867–1946Crown colony1942–1945Occupied by Japan1946DissolvedQatar1916–1971Protectorate1971IndependenceInvited to join the Trucial States, but declinedSurat1612–1658Factory1658–1668Presidency1668–1685Possession under British East India Company1685–1703Subordinated to Bombay1703Incorporated into BombayNow in IndiaSingapore1824Purchased1824Part of Straits Settlements (as residency of the Presidency of Bengal)1867–1946Part of Straits Settlements (crown colony)1946–1955Crown colony1955–1959self-governing colony1959–1963State of Singapore1963–1965Part of Malaysia1965IndependenceTransjordan1920Part of Palestine MandateNow known as Jordan1923Formally separated from Palestine1928Emirate independent, except military and finance control1946Formal independence as the Hashemite Kingdom of JordanTrucial States1892Protectorate1971Formation of Federation of Arab EmiratesNow part of the United Arab EmiratesWeihaiwei1898–1930Leased from China1930Returned to the Republic of ChinaNow part of the People's Republic of ChinaWest Bengal("Bengal")1905–1912Province of British IndiaEstablished by the partition of Bengal.  Abolished with the reversal of the partition and the creation of the new province of Bihar and Orissa.

Europe

Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsAkrotiri and Dhekelia1960–presentSovereign Base AreasAlderney1198–1204Lordship1204Fiefdom1205Fiefdom1206–1279Fiefdom1279Briefly occupied by France1279–1660Part of bailiwick of Guernsey1660–1825Seigneurie1825Subordinated to Guernsey1940–1945Occupied by Germany1945Restored to BritainCyprus1878Administration while nominally remaining part of the Ottoman Empire1914Annexation1925Crown colony1960IndependenceTwo sovereign base areas remain under British sovereignty; see under "Akrotiri and Dhekelia"Dunkirk1658–1662Town and surrounding hinterland1662Incorporated into FranceEngland927Kingdom formed1282Conquest of principality of Gwynedd (last remaining independent Welsh principality) 1536Annexation of Principality of Wales and Marcher Lordships into England1603Personal union with Scotland1649Republic as the Commonwealth of England. Scotland and Ireland united with England1660End of Republic. Scotland independent again but in personal union with England1707Political union with Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain Treaty of Union 1706 and Acts of Union 1707Gibraltar1704Captured by Britain1713ColonyCeded by Spain Treaty of Utrecht 17131983Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas Territory Sovereignty claimed by SpainGreat Britain, Kingdom of1707Formed by union of the kingdoms of England and Scotland1801Union of Great Britain with Ireland to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and IrelandGuernsey(incl. islands of Brecqhou, Herm, Jethou, Lihou, and Sark)1198–1204Lordship1204–1205Fiefdom1206–1279Fiefdom1279–1940Bailiwick1940–1945Occupied by Germany1945–presentBailiwickHeligoland1807–1814Occupied1814–1890Colony1890Incorporated into Germany1945–1952OccupiedUnited States of the Ionian Islands1809–1815Occupied1815–1864United States of Ionian Islands, under British protection1864Incorporated into GreeceIreland1172LordshipPapal Bull Laudabiliter 11551541Kingdom subordinated to the English (later British) Crown1801Merged with Great Britain to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and IrelandAct of Union 1800Irish Free State1922Independence from the United KingdomAnglo-Irish Treaty 19211949Declared a RepublicIsle of Man1266–1290Fiefdom under Scotland1313–1317Fiefdom under Scotland1328–1333Fiefdom under Scotland1333–1504Fiefdom1504–1594Lordship1594–1610Direct Crown rule1610–1649Lordship1649–1660Commonwealth and protectorate1660–1765Lordship1765–1827Possession1827–presentCrown dependencyJersey1204Fiefdom subordinated to Guernsey1204–1205Fiefdom subordinated to Guernsey1206–1279Fiefdom subordinated to Guernsey1279–1380Bailiwick subordinated to Guernsey1382–1461Bailiwick subordinated to Guernsey1468–1487Bailiwick subordinated to Guernsey1487–1940Bailiwick1940–1945Occupied by Germany1945–presentBailiwickMalta1800–1813Protectorate1813–1921Crown colony1921–1933Self-governing colony1933–1947Crown colony1947–1958Self-governing colony1958–1961Crown colony1961–1964Self-governing colony1964IndependenceMenorca1708–1713Occupied1713Ceded to Britain1714–1756Colony1756Occupied by France1798–1802Colony1802Restored to SpainRockall1955Annexed as the latest territorial addition to the United Kingdom.1972Made part of Scotland under Island of Rockall Act 1972.Sicily1806–1815Protectorate1816creation of the Kingdom of the Two SiciliesScotland1603Personal union with England1649United with England and Ireland as the Commonwealth of England. 1660Independent again but in personal union with England1707Political union with England to form the Kingdom of Great Britain Treaty of Union 1706 and Acts of Union 1707United Kingdom1801Formed by the union of the kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland1922Secession of the Irish Free State1927Formal name changed from "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland" to "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"Wales (Cymru)1282Occupied1535Annexed into England by Act of English Parliament1999Devolved National Assembly established (renamed to Senedd (Parliament) in 2020)

Antarctic Region
(Territories south of 60° S)
Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsBritish Antarctic Territory1962–1982Colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas Territory Enderby Land1930–1933Claimed1933Transferred to AustraliaNow part of the Australian Antarctic TerritoryGraham Land1832Annexed1908–1962Dependency of Falkland Islands1962–presentPart of the British Antarctic TerritorySouth Orkney1821–1908Claimed1908–1962Dependency of the Falkland Islands1962–presentPart of the British Antarctic TerritorySouth Shetland1819–1908Claimed1908–1962Dependency of the Falkland Islands1962–presentPart of the British Antarctic TerritoryVictoria Land1841–1933Claimed1933Transferred to AustraliaNow part of the Australian Antarctic Territory

Atlantic
(Islands in the Atlantic Ocean)

Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsAscension Island1815–1922Possession1922–2009Dependency of St Helena2009–presentPart of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da CunhaBermuda1612–1684Colony1684–1968Crown colony1968–1982Self-governing colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas Territory30px|Bermuda FlagFalkland Islands1766West Falkland settled1774Settlement withdrawn1774–1833Claimed1833Settlement re-established1841–1892Crown colony1892–1908Colony1908–1962Colony1962The Falkland Islands Dependencies of South Shetland, South Orkney, and Graham Land are established as the separate colony of British Antarctic Territory1962–1982Colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas Territory30px|Falkland Islands FlagSaint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha(formerly known as "St. Helena and its Dependencies")1588–1673St Helena claimed1673–1815Possession of the East India Company1815–1821Crown colony1821–1834Possession of British East India Company1834–1982Crown colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas Territory30px|St. Helena FlagSouth Georgia and South Sandwich Islands1775–1908Claimed1908–1985Dependency of the Falkland Islands1985–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas Territory30px|South Georgia and the South Sandwich IslandsTristan da Cunha(1816–1938)Dependency of the Cape Colony1938–2009Dependency of St. Helena2009–presentPart of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha

Indian Ocean
(Islands in the Indian Ocean)

Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsAndaman and Nicobar Islands1789British take possession of the Andaman Islands1848British take possession of the Nicobar Islands1942–1945Japanese occupation1947Became part of India upon its independenceNow a union territory of IndiaAshmore Island1878Annexed1931Transferred to AustraliaNow administered as part of the Ashmore and Cartier IslandsCartier Island1909–1931Annexed1931Transferred to AustraliaNow administered as part of the Ashmore and Cartier IslandsBritish Indian Ocean Territory1810–1814Occupied1814Ceded to the United Kingdom by the Treaty of Paris1814–1903Part of the colony of Seychelles1903–1965Part of colony of Mauritius1965–1982Colony1976The Aldabra Group, the Des Roches islands, and the Farquhar Group/Des Roches are restored to the Seychelles1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas Territory30px|British Indian Ocean Territory flag Christmas Island1888Annexed1889–90Leased1900–1942Dependency of the colony of Straits Settlement1942–1945Japanese occupation1945–46Military administration1946–1958Dependency of the colony of Singapore1958Crown colony1958Transferred to AustraliaCocos Islands1825; 1826–1831Settlement1831–1857Fiefdom1857–1878Crown colony1878–1886Part of Ceylon1886–1942Part of the colony of the Straits Settlements1942–1946Part of Ceylon1946–1955Dependency of the Colony of Singapore1955transferred to AustraliaNow the Australian territory of Cocos (Keeling) IslandsHeard Island and McDonald Islands1833–1947Claimed1947Transferred to AustraliaNow the Australian territory of Heard Island and McDonald IslandsMaldives1796–1953Protectorate1953–54Republic1954–1965ProtectorateSee also the United Suvadive Republic (1959–1963)1965IndependenceMauritius1809Occupation of Rodrigues1810–1968Colony1814Formal cession by the Treaty of Paris1965The Chagos Archipelago is transferred to the British Indian Ocean Territory1968IndependenceSeychelles1794–1810Occupied1810–1814Colony subordinated to Mauritius1814Formal cession by the Treaty of Paris1814–1903Colony1903–1970Crown colony1970–1975Self-governing colony1975–76Self-rule1976Independence

Australasia and the Pacific

Name of territoryDatesStatusCommentsAustralia1901–1942Dominion1942Adopted the Statute of Westminster into domestic lawBaker Island1886–1934ClaimedNow a territory of the United StatesBonin Islands1827–1876Claimed1876Annexed by JapanBritish New Guinea1884–1886Protectorate1886–1906Colony1906Transferred to AustraliaNow part of Papua New GuineaCook Islands1888–1891Protectorate1891–1900Federation1900Annexed by New Zealand1965Self-governanceCoral Sea Islands1879–1969Part of Queensland, Australia1969Became an Australian external territoryFiji1874–1877Colony1877–1952Colony administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories1952–1970Colony1970IndependenceFriendly Islands(Tonga)1889–1900Tripartite protectorate1900–1952Protectorate administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories1952–1970Protectorate1970IndependenceGilbert and Ellice Islands1892–1916Protectorate1916–1975Crown colony administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories until 19711975The Gilbert and Ellice Islands are split into the two separate colonies of the Gilbert Islands and Tuvalu (formally in 1976)Gilbert Islands1975–76Crown colony (with the same Governor of the Tuvalu colony)1976–1979Colony1979Independent as "Kiribati"Howland Island1886–1935ClaimedNow a territory of the United StatesJarvis Island1889–1935AnnexedNow a territory of the United StatesLord Howe Island1788–1834Claimed1834–1855SettlementNow part of New South WalesMacquarie Island1810–1890Part of the colony of New South Wales1890–presentPart of TasmaniaNauru1920–1942League of Nations mandate (Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom)1942–1945Japanese occupation (de jure League of Nations mandate)1945–1947League of Nations mandate (Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom)1947–1968United Nations Trust Territory  (Australia, New Zealand and United Kingdom)1968IndependenceNew Hebrides1824–1878Protectorate1878–1887Neutral territory1887–1906Joint naval commission1906–1976Condominium with France, administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories1976–1980Condominium1980Independent as "Vanuatu"New South Wales1788–1900Colony1901–presentState of AustraliaNew Zealand1769–1788Claimed1788–1835Part of New South Wales1835Declared independence1835–1840Protectorate1840–41Part of New South Wales1841–1907Colony1907–1947Dominion of New Zealand1947Adopted the Statute of Westminster into domestic lawNiue1889–1900Tripartite protectorate1900–01Protectorate administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories1901Annexed to New Zealand (as part of the Cook Islands)Norfolk Island1788–1844Part of New South Wales1844–1856Part of Van Diemen's Land (later Tasmania)1856–1897Subordinated to New South Wales1897Dependency of New South WalesPalmyra Atoll1889Annexed1898Annexed by the United StatesPitcairn Islands1838–1887Protectorate1887–1898Colony1898–1970Colony administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories1970–1982Colony1983–2002Dependent territory2002–presentBritish Overseas Territory30px|Pitcairn Islands FlagQueensland1824–1859Part of the colony of New South Wales1859–1900Colony1901–presentState of AustraliaSamoan Islands1889–1900Tripartite protectorateSandwich Islands1794 – 10 February 1843Protectorate10 February 1843 – 31 July 1843Ceded to BritainSolomon Islands1889–1893Tripartite protectorate1893–1942Protectorate administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories1942–1943Japanese occupation1943–1971Protectorate administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories1971–1973protectorate1973–1976Autonomy1975Renamed from "British Solomon Islands" to "Solomon Islands"1976–1978Self-government1978IndependenceSouth Australia1788–1836Part of the colony of New South Wales1836–1900Province (colony)1901–presentState of AustraliaTasmania (Van Diemen's Land)1803–1825Part of New South Wales1825–1900Colony1856Renamed as "Tasmania"1901–presentState of AustraliaTokelau(Union Islands)1889–1898Protectorate1898–1916Protectorate administered as part of the British Western Pacific Territories1916–1949Part of colony of Gilbert and Ellice IslandsTransferred to New Zealand1949Transferred to New ZealandTorres Strait Islands1879–presentPart of QueenslandTuvalu1975–76Colony administered with the same Governor of Gilbert Islands colony1976–1978Colony1978IndependenceVictoria1839–1851Part of colony of New South Wales1851–1900Colony1901–presentState of AustraliaWestern Australia1791–1829King George Sound settled1829–1832Swan River Colony1832–1900Colony1901–presentState of Australia

Treaties and acts of Parliament, etc.

Effective dateName of treaty, etc. Territorial effect1536/1543Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542Wales annexed to the Kingdom of England1606First Virginia CharterGranted the Virginia Company the right to colonize the modern-day East Coast of the United States, with the London Company establishing the Colony of Virginia at Jamestown and the Plymouth Company receiving the right to colonize what would become New England1613–1753Covenant ChainSeries of treaties and alliances between Native American tribes such as the Iroquois Confederacy and British America 1621Mayflower CompactEstablished the legal and constitutional system of the Plymouth Colony1628Charter of the Massachusetts Bay CompanyEstablished the Massachusetts Bay Company to colonize the region1639Fundamental Orders of ConnecticutEstablished English towns in the Connecticut River Valley as the Connecticut Colony1651–1696Navigation ActsRegulated trade between England (and later Great Britain) and its overseas colonies through mercantilist policies, prohibiting them each from importing certain commodities to countries outside the British Empire and from producing certain products imported by the other1663Rhode Island Royal CharterGranted legal recognition to the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations1664Articles of Surrender of New NetherlandAnnexed the Dutch colony of New Netherland to England as the Province of New York 16521652 Articles of Peace and FriendshipCeded Susquehannock land at the mouth of the Susquehanna River to white settlers from the Province of Maryland1682Frame of Government of PennsylvaniaEstablished political and constitutional system of Province of Pennsylvania1669Fundamental Constitutions of CarolinaEstablished political and constitutional system of Province of Carolina 1691Massachusetts CharterEstablished the Massachusetts Bay Colony1701Nanfan TreatyGranted British recognition of Iroquois control of land seized in Beaver Wars 1707Acts of Union 1707Scotland and England unite as the Kingdom of Great Britain1713Treaty of UtrechtSpain cedes Gibraltar to Britain. France cedes Newfoundland, Hudson Bay and Acadie to Britain.1749–1764New Hampshire GrantsAllowed for colonization in what would become Vermont1758Treaty of EastonReturned Ohio Country to undisputed Native American control in exchange for assistance in French and Indian War 1763Treaty of ParisFrance cedes all its territories in America to Britain except Saint Pierre and Miquelon Islands.1763Royal Proclamation of 1763Established trans-Appalachia as an "Indian Reserve" and prohibited white colonization west of the Appalachian Mountains 1765 Stamp ActIssued direct tax on stamped paper in British America, led to the beginning of the American Revolution due to opposition to "taxation without representation"1766 Declaratory ActRepealed the stamp tax but declared that the Parliament of Great Britain virtually represented colonies and could pass legally biding legislation and taxes on their behalf1767–1768Townshend ActsSeries of legislation introducing taxes on British America1768Treaty of Fort StanwixEstablished Line of Property dividing the Indian Reserve from the Thirteen Colonies, as well as adding modern-day Kentucky and West Virginia to it1773Regulating Act 1773Reformed Company rule in India1774Intolerable ActsSeries of laws to punish the Thirteen Colonies for the Boston Tea Party protest during the American Revolution, major cause of the American Revolutionary War1776Declaration of Independence of the United StatesThe Thirteen Colonies (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) assert independence1783Second Treaty of ParisGreat Britain formally recognises the independence of the United States. End of the American Revolution.1784 Pitt's India ActEstablished Crown political control over Company rule in India  1788New South Wales is established by settlement as a penal colony1791Constitution ActThe Province of Quebec is divided in two sections Upper Canada (now Ontario) and Lower Canada (now Quebec).1801Act of Union 1800Ireland unites with Great Britain to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland1813 Charter Act 1813Renewed the British East India Company's royal charter but discontinued its commercial monopoly over India with the exception of tea, opium, and trade with China1814Third Treaty of ParisFrance cedes the Seychelles to Britain and Malta officially becomes a colony1835 Declaration of the Independence of New ZealandAsserted the sovereign independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand1840Treaty of WaitangiNew Zealand becomes a British colony1850Australian Constitutions Act 1850Separated Port Phillip District from Colony of New South Wales to form the Colony of Victoria, and provided for similar processes to occur in Van Diemen's Land and South Australia 1852New Zealand Constitution Act 1852Granted responsible government to the Colony of New Zealand1858 Government of India Act 1858Ended Company rule in India by transferring political authority over the presidencies and provinces of British India from the British East India Company directly to the British Crown, creating the British Raj 1865Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865Allowed all colonial legislation to have full effect in the colonies as long as it did not interfere with Acts of the Parliament of the United Kingdom extending to the colony, preventing colonial statutes from being judicially overruled under English law 1867British North America Act 1867 (known in Canada as the Constitution Act, 1867)The Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia federate as Canada1870Rupert's Land and the North-Western Territory are annexed to Canada1871British Columbia becomes a province of Canada1876Proclamation under the Royal Titles Act 1876Queen Victoria adopts the title "Empress of India"1899Joint British-Egyptian condominium established over Sudan1901Proclamation under the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act (1900)The Commonwealth of Australia is formed by the federation of the colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania1910Proclamation under the South Africa Act 1909Union of South Africa formed by the federation of the colonies of the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony1912Government of India Act 1912Issued political reforms in the aftermath of the partition of Bengal 1914Government of Ireland Act 1920Granted Irish Home Rule, with autonomous devolved government to take control of Ireland 1914Suspensory Act 1914Delayed Irish Home Rule until the end of World War I 1914Cyprus (Annexation) Order in Council 1914Cyprus formally annexed1916 Proclamation of the Irish RepublicThe Irish Volunteers, Irish Citizen Army, and Irish Republican Brotherhood proclaim the Irish Republic. 1919Irish Declaration of IndependenceThe Dáil Éireann declares the independence of the Irish Republic, which is not recognized by the British government and begins the Irish War of Independence. 1919Government of India Act 1919Granted limited responsible government for India, including a reformed Imperial Legislative Council and Provincial Councils1920Kenya (Annexation) Order in Council 1920Most of the East Africa Protectorate is annexed as the Colony of Kenya1920Government of Ireland Act 1920Partitioned Ireland into autonomous regions of Southern Ireland and Northern Ireland due to Irish War of Independence1922Anglo-Irish TreatySouthern Ireland is separated from the United Kingdom as the Irish Free StateUnilateral Declaration of Egyptian IndependenceEgypt becomes independent1926Balfour Declaration of 1926Declared the Dominions to be "autonomous Communities within the British Empire, equal in status" and established the Commonwealth of Nations1930 Purna SwarajThe Indian National Congress declared the Indian subcontinent's right to independence. 1931Statute of WestminsterCanada, the Irish Free State, and the Union of South Africa obtain effective sovereignty1934Financial difficulties result in Newfoundland losing its status as a dominion1935Government of India Act 1935Permitted limited provincial autonomy and autonomous institutions for India incl. the princely states, as well as separating Burma from India1942Australia adopts the Statute of Westminster, backdated to 19391947New Zealand Constitution Amendment (Request and Consent) Act 1947New Zealand adopts the Statute of WestminsterIndian Independence Act 1947India is partitioned into the independent dominions of India and Pakistan1948Republic of Ireland Act 1948Abolished the Irish monarchy and replaced it with a democratically elected President of Ireland, severing final constitutional links between the United Kingdom and Ireland 1948King George VI relinquishes the title "Emperor of India"1948Israeli Declaration of IndependenceThe Jewish community of Mandatory Palestine declares independence as the State of Israel1949 Ireland Act 1949British Parliament recognizes the Republic of Ireland Act 19481949Newfoundland ActNewfoundland becomes a province of Canada1949 London DeclarationAllowed continued Indian membership in the Commonwealth of Nations after the abolition of the Indian monarchy1955Buganda Agreement (1955)Reestablished Mutesa II as constitutional monarch of Kingdom of Buganda after the Kabaka crisis1957 Malayan Declaration of IndependenceThe Federation of Malaya declares independence. 1957–1958Lancaster House Agreements (Nigeria)Negotiated independence of Nigeria from the British Empire as well as its post-colonial legal and constitutional system1960Nigeria Independence Act 1960The Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria becomes independent1960–1963Lancaster House Agreements (Kenya)Negotiated independence of Kenya from the British Empire as well as its post-colonial legal and constitutional system1961Buganda Agreement (1965)Negotiated independence of Uganda from the British Empire as well as its post-colonial legal and constitutional system1962Jamaica Independence Act 1962Jamaica becomes independent1963Malaysia AgreementTransferred North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore from the British Empire to Malaya, renamed Malaysia under the agreement1965Rhodesia's Unilateral Declaration of IndependenceDeclared independence of Rhodesia from the British Empire, not recognized by the British government under principle of no independence before majority rule1966Barbados Independence Act 1966Declared independence of Barbados from the British Empire1970 Instruments of IndependenceFiji becomes independent 1971Singapore DeclarationIdentified the Commonwealth of Nations as a "voluntary association of independent sovereign states"1979 Lancaster House AgreementAgreement between Zimbabwe Rhodesia and the black nationalist groups ZANU and ZAPU ending the Rhodesian Bush War and temporarily resuming British control in preparation for majority rule and independence as Zimbabwe 1982 Canada Act 1982Completed patriation of Constitution of Canada by ending British Parliament's authority to make laws and constitutional amendments related to Canada, severing final constitutional links between the two 1983The status of "colony" is renamed "dependent territory"1986Constitution Act 1986Severed final constitutional links between Britain and New Zealand, including the British Parliament's abilities to make laws related to New Zealand1986Australia Act 1986Severed final constitutional links between Britain and Australia, including the British Parliament's abilities to make laws related to Australia. 1997Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984) and the Hong Kong Act 1985Hong Kong is transferred to the People's Republic of China2002The status of "British Dependent Territory" is renamed "British Overseas Territory"

 Concessions in China 

CountryConcessionLocation (modern name)Year establishedYear dissolvedNoteInternationalShanghai International SettlementShanghai18631945Formed from the British and American concessionsInternationalBeijing Legation QuarterBeijing18611945InternationalKulangsu International SettlementXiamen19031945United KingdomNew Territories, Hong KongHong Kong18981997United KingdomWeihaiwei leased territoryWeihai18981930Liugong Island remained under British control as a separate territory until 1940United KingdomLiugong IslandWeihai19301940Formerly part of Weihaiwei leased territory since 1898United KingdomBritish concession of TianjinTianjin18601945United KingdomBritish concession of HankouHankou18611927United KingdomBritish Concession of JiujiangJiujiang18611929United KingdomBritish concession of ZhenjiangZhenjiang18611929United KingdomBritish concession of Shamian Island, GuangzhouGuangzhou18611945United KingdomBritish concession of AmoyXiamen18521930United KingdomBritish concession of DalianDalian18581860United KingdomBritish concession of ShanghaiShanghai18461863Merged to form Shanghai International SettlementUnited KingdomTrading warehouses at Tengchong (Tengyue)YunnanLate 19th/early 20th century.Still standing, with bullet holes. British diplomat Augustus Margary was murdered here in 1875. Consulate built 1921.
Additionally, there were more concessions were planned but never completed.
CountryPlanned ConcessionLocation (modern name)United KingdomBritish concession of YingkouYingkouBritish concession of JiangningNanjingBritish concession of YichangYichangBritish concession of WuhuWuhuBritish concession of WenzhouWenzhou

 Territorial claims in Antarctica 
United Kingdom yuuni 1908 ni hali na ni sahaŋɔ 
 Falkland Islands Dependencies yuuni 1908 ni hali ni yuuni 1962
 British Antarctic Territory 1962–present
New Zealand 1923–present
 Ross Dependency 1923–present
Australia 1933–present
 Australian Antarctic Territory 1933–present
South Africa 1947-present
 Prince Edward Islands 1947-present

Maan lihimi ŋɔ yaha
 Colonialism
 Decolonisation
 Impact of Western European colonialism and colonisation
 Imperialism
 List of British Empire-related topics
 List of countries that gained independence from the United Kingdom
 British overseas cities
 Scottish colonization of the Americas

Kundivihira

External links
 UK Overseas Territories

Category:British Empire
Category:Territorial evolution