African Country Names You’re Saying Wrong — Côte d’Ivoire, Cabo Verde, eSwatini and The Gambia
African Country Names You’re Saying Wrong
What’s in a name? In Africa, names carry deep history, identity, and dignity. Misnaming a country can erase its story and reinforce colonial labels. Here are four African nations whose names many people still get wrong.
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| Names carry deep history |
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast until 1986)
Côte d’Ivoire officially changed its name from “Ivory Coast” in 1986. European traders once labeled Africa’s shores for commerce — Pepper Coast, Ivory Coast, Gold Coast, and Slave Coast.
The French name Côte d’Ivoire literally means “Ivory Coast.” Portuguese traders called it Costa do Marfim; the French also said côte des dents — “coast of teeth.” These names reflected the brutal ivory trade.
On August 7, 1960, the nation became independent from France. In 1986, the Ivorian government declared that the country must always be referred to by its French name: République de Côte d’Ivoire. Despite this, the English “Ivory Coast” remains common — but using Côte d’Ivoire honors the country’s chosen identity and rejects colonial commodification.
Cabo Verde (Cape Verde until 2013)
Cabo Verde — a group of ten volcanic islands off West Africa — was known in English as Cape Verde until 2013. Once uninhabited, the islands were colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century and became a major slave trading hub for over three centuries.
In October 2013, the government requested that all nations and international organizations use the Portuguese name Cabo Verde in every language, reflecting the islands’ heritage and national identity.
The Gambia (since 1964)
It’s officially The Gambia — capital “T” — since 1964. The Gambian prime minister’s office requested the definite article “The” to distinguish the country from Zambia, which had just gained independence and was confusing to diplomats and mapmakers at the time.
eSwatini (Swaziland until 2018)
The Southern African kingdom of Swaziland officially became eSwatini in April 2018. King Mswati III announced the change during celebrations for the country’s 50th independence anniversary, noting that “Swaziland” was often confused with Switzerland abroad.
Pronunciation tip: eSwatini = “eh-swa-TEE-nee” (the short “e” like in “bed”).
King Mswati III of eSwatini
When a country reclaims its original or chosen name, it’s more than a label — it’s an act of self-definition after centuries of foreign control and trade exploitation.