Countries

Sweden is a proper noun for the Nordic country in Northern Europe. It refers to the kingdom with its capital Stockholm, known for its design, industry, and welfare system. The word denotes a place name and is used in formal and informal contexts alike.

Switzerland is a landlocked alpine nation in central Europe, known for its multilingual culture, precise governance, and scenic landscapes. The word denotes the country and, by extension, its people, culture, and institutions. In everyday use, it refers to the nation itself as a proper noun in formal and informal contexts.

Syria is a country in the Middle East on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean. In English, it is typically pronounced with two syllables and stress on the first: /ˈsɪr.i.ə/ (US) or /ˈsɪr.i.ə/ (UK/AU). The name derives from ancient times and is used as a proper noun in political and geographic contexts. It is commonly referred to as a nation-state in modern discourse, distinct from broader regional historical references.

Taiwan is a proper noun referring to the island nation off the coast of southeastern China, officially called the Republic of China. It denotes a sovereign-leaning state with a distinct political and cultural identity, though its international recognition is complex. In everyday English, Taiwan is used to name the country, people from Taiwan, and its languages and products.

Tajikistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China. The name combines Tajik (referring to the Tajik people and language) with -istan, a Persian-derived suffix meaning “land” or “place.” The term is used for the nation, its government, and nationality, and is pronounced with stress on the second syllable in English usage.

Tanzania is a country in East Africa, bordered by Kenya, Uganda, and the Indian Ocean. The term refers to the mainland region once known as Tanganyika, plus the island of Zanzibar. It is widely used in formal and informal contexts to name the nation, its people, and its cultures.

Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its vibrant culture, cuisine, and tropical landscapes. The word refers to the nation’s name in English, often used as a proper noun in travel, geography, and international discourse. In everyday speech, it’s pronounced with two syllables and a light secondary stress on the first syllable.

Togo is a proper noun referring to a West African country and, in some contexts, a shortened personal name. It is also used in geopolitics and travel writing to denote the nation or its people. The word is pronounced with two stressed syllables, typically /ˈtoʊɡoʊ/ in English, producing a clear, two-beat rhythm.

Tunisia is a North African country on the Mediterranean coast, with a diverse history that blends Arab, Berber, and French influences. The word itself refers to the country, used as a proper noun. In English, Tunisia is pronounced with three syllables, stressing the second: tu-NI-sia, and the name is often spelled with capital T. This entry provides precise pronunciation guidance and usage tips for clear, native-like speech.

Turkey is a noun referring to a large, edible bird native to North America, and also to the country straddling Europe and Asia. In everyday language, it denotes the bird used in meals, especially holiday feasts, and secondarily the nation referred to in geopolitical contexts. The term is often paired with words like roast, Thanksgiving, and poultry.

Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia, bordered by the Caspian Sea to the west and sharing borders with several former Soviet states. It has a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations, nomadic cultures, and a strong sense of national identity. The term represents the land and its people, language, and political entity.

Uganda is a proper noun referring to a landlocked East African country. In everyday use it designates the nation and its people, culture, and institutions. The term is pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable and follows typical English stress patterns for two-syllable country names borrowed from languages in the region.

Vanuatu is a sovereign island nation in the South Pacific Ocean consisting of approximately 80 dispersed tropical islands. As a proper noun, it denotes the nation and its people, with a pronunciation that places the stress on the final syllable. It is used in formal and academic contexts as well as in travel writing and news reporting.

Venezuela is a country in the northern part of South America, known for its diverse geography and the Andes mountains, Caribbean coast, and vast oil industry. As a proper noun, it refers to the nation and its people, culture, and institutions. The name is commonly used in English and Spanish contexts and carries regional political and cultural associations.

Vietnam is a proper noun referring to the Southeast Asian country on the Indojavanese peninsula. In everyday use it denotes the nation, its people, language, and culture. As a place name, it is typically used without articles in English and is capitalized.

Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by eight nations and home to diverse cultures and wildlife. The name refers to the Zambezi River and the related region; the pronunciation is a straightforward two-syllable word with stress on the second syllable in many contexts. It is commonly used in geopolitical, travel, and cultural discussions.

Zimbabwe is a country in southern Africa; the name is often pronounced with three syllables, stressing the second. In English usage, Zimbabwe refers to the nation and its people, culture, and institutions. Accurate pronunciation helps avoid misnaming brands or places and supports clear communication in international contexts.

Andorra refers to the small sovereign principality located in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain. The term is used as a proper noun to name the country and its people, with a French-influenced linguistic heritage and a distinct Catalan-influenced local culture. The word itself carries no broader meaning beyond the place, but it is often encountered in geopolitical, travel, and cultural contexts.

Angola is a country in southern Africa, known for its diverse landscapes and long coastline. In addition, the term can refer to the historical country name used during colonial times. The word is used as a proper noun and, occasionally, in discussions of culture or geopolitics. Its pronunciation is straightforward in English, but regional vowel shifts affect accuracy for learners.

Australia is a proper noun referring to the country and continent in the southern hemisphere, consisting of the Australian Commonwealth and multiple states and territories. It can also denote the region or people connected with that country. The term is widely used in international contexts, media, and travel, and is pronounced with stress on the second syllable in typical speech. The name carries geographic, political, and cultural associations familiar to English speakers.

Barbados is a proper noun referring to a Caribbean island nation, known for its beaches and tropical climate. It can also denote its people or products associated with the country. Pronunciation emphasizes three syllables with stress on the second: /bɑrˈbeɪ.dɒs/ in many English varieties, though local usage often reduces vowels in casual speech.

Belarus is a proper noun referring to a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. The term denotes the Republic of Belarus and is used in formal, academic, and journalistic writing. It’s pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable, and the name combines historic and linguistic roots tied to “White Russia.”

Belize is a country in Central America with an English-speaking government and a distinctive Creole-influenced dialect landscape. The term also appears as a proper noun in other contexts, but the primary reference here is the nation. In pronunciation guidance, we focus on the place name and its common English rendering, including regional vowel and consonant nuances.

Benin is a proper noun referring to a West African country; it can also be an occasion or a surname in some contexts. In geography, it denotes the sovereign state bordered by Togo, Nigeria, Niger, and Burkina Faso. In linguistic usage, it may appear as a brand or surname, so capitalization and context clarify meaning. The term carries cultural and historical significance rooted in pre-colonial and colonial eras.