What is the old names for island nations?

Answer 1

Many island nations have historical names that reflect their indigenous cultures or colonial pasts. For example, the Solomon Islands were once referred to as the "Isles of the Solomon," while Vanuatu was known as the "New Hebrides" during French and British colonial rule. Similarly, the Philippines was called "Las Islas Filipinas" after King Philip II of Spain, and Japan was historically referred to as "Nihon" or "Yamato." These names often carry significant cultural and historical context for the nations involved.