Countries with Nine-Letter Names

Do you know where country names come from? Most countries in the world are named after one of four things: an important person with some influence over the country or its history, a directional description of the country, a feature of the country’s land, or a tribe or ethnic group. For example, Australia’s name is derived from the Latin words, “Terra Australis,” meaning “southern land.” Indonesia’s name comes from the Latin words “Indos” and “Nesos” which together mean “Indian Islands.” The name predates the formation of independent Indonesia.

There are 15 countries with nine-letter names listed below. Please note that these countries have nine letters in English, and may have more letters or fewers letters in different languages. Additionally, some of these countries, such as Cape Verde, Costa Rica, and Guatemala, have official names that are 19 letters because their official name starts with “Republic of.” The countries around the world with nine letters are: