Microsoft Word maps-in-time doc

The Caribbean 
Leeward Islands:
In 1981 Antigua and Barbuda gain independence from 
Britain. The islands of St Kitts and Nevis become independent in 1983. 
Belize:
In 1981 Belize gains independence from Britain. 

---

39 
Geopolitical changes from 1990 to 2000 
In the early 1990s a mass of regions previously incorporated into the USSR as 
Soviet Socialist Republics, gained their independence. The end of empires and 
colonial rule does not mean that all states are now independent - Britain, 
France, Holland, Portugal, Spain, Denmark, Norway, and the United States all 
still retain minor overseas possessions. Independence movements continue for 
many countries in the 21st century. 
Africa 
Namibia:
In 1990 South West Africa gains independence from South Africa 
and is renamed Namibia. 
Ethiopia:
In 1993 Eritrea declares its independence from Ethiopia. 
Congo:
In 1997 Zaire is renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo. 
Asia and Australasia 
Palau Island:
In 1994 Palau Island, previously held in trust for the United 
Nations by America, gains independence. 
Samoa:
In 1997 Western Samoa is renamed Samoa. 
China:
In 1997 the sovereignty of Hong Kong is transferred from Britain to the 
People's Republic of China. In 1999 Macau transfers from Portugal to the 
People's Republic of China. 

---

40 
Europe and Russia 
Germany:
Former communist-controlled East Germany is absorbed into the 
Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) in 1990, and Germany is re-
united. 
USSR:
In 1991 Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and 
Uzbekistan declare themselves independent from the USSR.