Geopolitical changes from 1970 to 1980 Portugal (in purple), formerly one of the larger remaining western colonial powers, now lost its colonies through independence movements. By 1980 the remaining British colonial possessions and dependencies in the Persian Gulf also gained independence. The only colonial expansion was the USSR’s invasion of Afghanistan. Ideological divisions between communist and capitalist (or democratic) states remained and showed no sign of weakening. Africa Zaire: In 1971 the Democratic Republic of Congo is renamed Zaire.
Guinea-Bissau: In 1973 Portuguese Guinea gains independence from
Portugal and is renamed Guinea-Bissau.
Angola: In 1974 Portuguese West Africa is granted independence by Portugal
and renamed Angola.
Cape Verde Islands: In 1975 the Cape Verde Islands are granted
independence by Portugal. They become the Republic of the Cape Verde
Islands.
Comoros Islands: In 1975 the Comoros Islands declare independence from
France as the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros. The Island of Mayotte
doesn't agree to independence and remains a French colony. Also known as
the Union of Comoros from 2002.
Western Sahara: In 1975 Spanish Morocco is granted independence and
renamed Western Sahara. The new state is immediately annexed by
Mauritania and Morocco.
Mozambique: In 1975 Mozambique gains independence from Portugal.
Sao Tome and Principe: In 1975 Sao Tome and Principe gain independence
from Portugal.
Seychelles: in 1976 the Seychelles gain independence from Britain.
Djibouti: In 1977 Djibouti gains independence from France.
