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What's in a name?|Parma Publishing

What's in a name? : The Stories, Histories & Curiosities Behind Every Country Name on Earth

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Overview

Why is Argentina named after a metal it never had? Why does Germany have six completely different names across world languages? Why does the country of Timor-Leste literally mean "East East"?

What's in a Name? is a journey through all 195 countries on Earth - exploring the hidden stories, forgotten empires, colonial accidents, and remarkable coincidences that gave each nation its name.

Every entry includes:

  • Etymology & linguistic roots - where the name actually comes from
  • Historical context - the events that shaped it
  • Name through time - a visual timeline of how it changed
  • Former & alternative names - what it used to be called
  • What citizens are called - demonyms and their quirks
  • A surprising fun fact - the detail that changes how you see the country

You'll discover that Canada is named after a single Iroquoian word for "village," misheard by a French explorer. That Pakistan is the only country whose name was invented as an acronym by a student in a foreign country. That Moldova is named after a river that was reportedly named after a dog. That the bikini swimsuit is named after a Pacific atoll devastated by nuclear tests.

From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, this beautifully designed A-Z reference book is essential reading for:

  • Curious travellers and armchair explorers
  • Geography and history enthusiasts
  • Trivia lovers and pub quiz devotees
  • Students and teachers
  • Anyone who has ever looked at a map and wondered: why is it called that?

192 countries. One page each. A world of stories behind every name.

This item is Non-Returnable

Details

  • ISBN-13: 9798196689369
  • ISBN-10: 9798196689369
  • Publisher: Independently Published
  • Publish Date: May 2026
  • Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.44 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
  • Page Count: 210

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