Independence Day is the birthday of a nation, marking the anniversary of its freedom from the rule of another country. Many countries large and small celebrate their Independence Day.
The best-known Independence Day is that of the United States , celebrated every July 4. It is the anniversary of the day on which the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence , July 4, 1776. The Congress declared the American Colonies free and independent states.
In early days, American Independence Days were occasions for shows, games, military music, and fireworks . Today, most cities and states forbid the sale of fireworks, though many have large public fireworks displays organized by professionals. Celebrations today often include parades , games, concerts, speeches, and picnics.
The Philippines achieved full independence from United States rule on July 4, 1946. But the Philippines’ Independence Day is on June 12, commemorating the declaration of independence from Spain made in 1898.
The territory once ruled by the United Kingdom as India gave rise to five separate nations. India became independent on Aug. 15, 1947, the day after Pakistan gained full self-government. In 1948, Burma (now Myanmar ) became fully independent on Jan. 4, and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka ) won its independence on Feb. 4. Bangladesh , previously the eastern part of Pakistan, declared its independence on March 26, 1971.
A notable year for first Independence Days was 1960, when 18 countries gained full self-government. British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland became the nation of Somalia when the two territories gained independence from the United Kingdom and Italy . Cyprus and Nigeria also became independent of the United Kingdom that year. Fifteen African countries also gained independence from French or Belgian rule in 1960. These nations were Benin , Burkina Faso , Cameroon , the Central African Republic , Chad , Côte d’Ivoire , Gabon , Madagascar , Mali , Mauritania , Niger , the Republic of the Congo , Senegal , Togo , and Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo ).
