1. Japan
- Successfully resisted European colonialism.
- Rapidly modernized during the Meiji Restoration to avoid colonization.
2. Thailand (Siam)
Skillfully maintained independence through diplomacy.
- Served as a buffer state between British and French empires in Southeast Asia.
3. Liberia
. Founded by freed African Americans in the 19th century.
- Although strongly influenced by the U.S., it was not colonized by a European empire.
4. Ethiopia
Successfully defeated Italy at the Battle of Adwa (1896).
- Important note: Italy occupied Ethiopia from 1936–1941, so some historians debate whether it should be called “never colonized.”
But it is traditionally listed among uncolonized nations due to resisting long-term colonization.
5. Iran (Persia)
Never colonized, though subjected to foreign spheres of influence.
6. Afghanistan
Never colonized, though fought multiple wars with Britain (Anglo-Afghan Wars).
7. Nepal
Never colonized, though became a British protectorate in foreign policy after the Anglo-Nepalese War.
8. Bhutan
Maintained independence; entered unequal treaties with Britain but not colonized.
9. Tonga
Never colonized; became a British protected state but retained internal self-rule.
10. Saudi Arabia
- Never colonized; emerged through local unification efforts.