CULTURE
Celebrating Independence Day Across the World--PICTURES
Updated: July 7, 2012 | 2:19 p.m.
July 3, 2012 | 8:35 a.m.
Countries across the world celebrate their independence days in various ways, from somber days of remembrance to joyful patriotic displays much like in the United States. In celebration of Fourth of July, Americans everywhere will light their grills, wave flags, and enjoy a midsummer's day in anticipation of the fireworks that come after sunset. We've gathered photos of other countries who also boast independence days in July.
United States, July 4: Drivers pull off the road in Beltsville, Md,. to watch the fireworks, a big part of the Independence Day celebration across the nation. (Chet Susslin)
Algeria, July 5. Algeria gained its independence from France in 1962 after an intense eight-year war. Algeria National Day, celebrated on Nov. 1, marks the day the country declared its intent to separate itself from French rule in 1954. Pictured is the view of the Mediterranean from an Algerian rooftop. (C.I.A. World Factbook)
Argentina, July 9. Argentina's independence from Spain was declared in 1816. The Obelisk (El Obelisco) in the country's capital is on the Nueve de Julio, an avenue named after its independence day. The monument was built to commemorate the founding of Buenos Aires. (C.I.A. World Factbook)
Bahamas, July 10. The Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1973 after 325 years of British rule. Above is a view of the Nassau Harbor. (Flickr/glokbell)
Belgium, July 21. Belgium declared its independence from the Netherlands in 1831 after the 1830 revolution. (C.I.A. World Factbook)
Laos, July 19. Laos became autonomous from France in 1949 after a brief independence in 1945. It gained full national control until Oct. 22, 1953, when it became a constitutional monarchy. Built in 1962 to honor the fallen in the country's wars, the Patouxai or "victory gate" is in the center of its capital city, Vientiane. (C.I.A. World Factbook)
Maldives, July 26. Maldives gained its full independence from the United Kingdom in 1965 after nearly 80 years as a British protected state. The Jumhoorie Maidan (Republic Square) was built in 1989 in the capital city, Male, the home of the former rulers of the Maldives. (C.I.A. World Factbook)
South Sudan, July 9. South Sudan gained its full independence from Sudan just last year. Here, people gather around a statue of South Sudanese leader John Garang, who died in 2005, to celebrate their first independence day. (AP Photo/David Azia)
Venezuela, July 5. Venezuela gained its independence from Spain in 1811. Here, a view from a building in San Bernardino, a neighborhood in its capital city of Caracas. (Flickr/elsanto_wa)
Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.
Leave A Comment