Sierra Leone became independent from Britain in 1961, six months after Nigeria. It retained the British monarch as head of state before becoming a republic in 1971.
Tanganyika gained independence from Britain in December 1961. In 1964, Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form what is now known as Tanzania.
Uganda became independent from Britain in 1962, two years after Nigeria. The country later became a republic in 1963.
Kenya gained independence from Britain in 1963 after a long struggle against colonial rule. It became a republic in 1964.
Then known as Nyasaland, Malawi became independent from Britain in 1964. The country was renamed Malawi shortly before independence.
Northern Rhodesia became independent from Britain in October 1964 and adopted the name Zambia. Its independence came just four years after Nigeria’s.
The Gambia became independent from Britain in 1965. It is one of Africa’s smallest mainland countries and is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal.
Formerly known as Bechuanaland, Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966. Interestingly, it became independent one day before Nigeria celebrated its sixth independence anniversary.
Lesotho, then called Basutoland, became independent from Britain just four days after Botswana. It is unusual geographically because it is completely surrounded by South Africa.
Mauritius became independent from Britain in 1968. The island nation later became a republic in 1992.
