9 Countries With Surprisingly Different Native Names

Have you realised, that like India, there are other countries whose native names are completely different from their English names? Some are so different, you would not know which country was being referred to.

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India

Native Name: Bhārat  

The name Bhārat originates from ancient Hindu scriptures and refers to the legendary King Bharata, after whom the Indian subcontinent is named.  

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Bhutan

Native Name: Druk Yul  

Druk Yul means Land of the Thunder Dragon, a reference to Bhutanese mythology and the importance of dragons in their culture.  

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China

Native Name: Zhōngguó  

Zhōngguó means Middle Kingdom or Central State, reflecting China’s historical view of itself as the cultural and political centre of civilisation. The English name China likely originates from the Qin (Chin) Dynasty (Qín Cháo), the first imperial dynasty to unify the country.

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South Korea

Native Name: Hanguk

In South Korea, the country is called Hanguk, which means Country of the Han. This name is rooted in Samhan -- a term that originally referred to the Three Kingdoms of Korea (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla).

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Taiwan

Native Name: Zhōngguó

Taiwan's name is similar to China's. 

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Japan

Native Name: Nihon 

Nihon means Origin of the Sun, as Japan lies to the east of China and was historically referred to as the Land of the Rising Sun.  

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Egypt

Native Name: Miṣr 

Miṣr is the Arabic name for Egypt and means fortress or civilisation.  

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Armenia 

Native Name: Hayastan

Hayastan means Land of the Hayk, referring to Hayk, a legendary patriarch of the Armenian people. 

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Georgia

Native Name: Sakartvelo  

Sakartvelo refers to the land of Kartvelians, the main ethnic group of Georgia.  

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