Among the following countries, which one obtained its independence from the United Kingdom as the former colonial power?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Pakistan

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Many modern states gained independence from colonial powers in the twentieth century. The United Kingdom was a major colonial empire, and several countries in Asia, Africa, and elsewhere became independent from British rule. This question checks whether you can identify which one of the listed countries gained its independence from the United Kingdom.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The colonial power referred to is the United Kingdom.
  • We must pick the country that became independent from British rule.
  • Options are Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Venezuela, and South Korea.
  • We assume basic knowledge of world decolonization history.


Concept / Approach:
The correct approach is to recall which regions were part of the British Empire. Pakistan emerged in 1947 as a separate state when British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan. Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union and gained independence when the USSR dissolved. Venezuela was a Spanish colony, and South Korea was under Japanese rule before gaining independence. Only Pakistan clearly matches the pattern of becoming independent from the United Kingdom.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on British colonial history and recall that British India covered present day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Step 2: Remember that Pakistan was created in 1947 during the partition of British India and became an independent state. Step 3: Note that Uzbekistan was part of the Soviet Union and became independent after the breakup of the USSR, not from the UK. Step 4: Recognize that Venezuela was a colony of Spain and South Korea was under Japanese control, neither under British colonial rule. Step 5: Conclude that Pakistan is the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to connect the country with its main colonial language. Pakistan has English as a widely used official language alongside Urdu, reflecting its British colonial past. Uzbekistan uses Uzbek and Russian, Venezuela uses Spanish, and South Korea uses Korean, reflecting influences from colonial or dominant powers other than Britain. This language clue supports the choice of Pakistan.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Uzbekistan: Gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 and was never a British colony.
Venezuela: Was part of the Spanish colonial empire and became independent in the early nineteenth century.
South Korea: Was under Japanese rule until the end of the Second World War and did not gain independence from the UK.



Common Pitfalls:
Students may sometimes guess based on unfamiliarity, assuming that any country with English usage must have been a British colony. However, only Pakistan in this list fits the historical pattern of British rule and partition. A good exam strategy is to memorize at least the major colonial histories of Asian and South American countries, so you can quickly eliminate wrong options.



Final Answer:
The country that gained its independence from the United Kingdom is Pakistan.

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