Separatism facts for kids

In any group or country, some people might have ideas that are quite different from most others. These groups often want to be more in charge of themselves. They might want to make their own rules, or even become a completely separate country.

People might want to separate for many reasons. They could have a different culture, language, religion, or background than the main group. Sometimes, they just have different ideas about how things should be run. This idea of wanting to separate is called separatism.

A mural in Belfast showing support for Catalan independence. This is an example of ethnic separatism.

What are the types of separatism?

Separatism can happen for different reasons. Here are some common types:

Ethnic separatism

Ethnic separatism is when a group wants to separate because they have a different culture or language. They might also have different religions or backgrounds, but the main reason is their unique culture.

• Czechoslovakia split into two countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia. This happened because the Czech and Slovak people had different cultures and languages.
• The regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia separated from the country of Georgia.
• Armenian groups in Nagorno-Karabakh want to separate from Azerbaijan.

Religious separatism

Religious separatism is when a group wants to separate because they have different religious beliefs. They might want to form their own religious community or even their own country where their religion is central.

• In the 16th and 17th centuries, some people in Great Britain wanted to be separate from the main Church of England. They had different religious ideas.
• Sometimes, groups move away from their original homes to practice their religion freely. They might be worried about being punished for their beliefs if they stay.

Countries formed by religious separation

Sometimes, religious differences can lead to new countries being formed.

A proposed flag for Khalistan, a suggested independent Sikh state.

• The Partition of India in 1947 split British India into several new countries. This happened largely because of religious differences.
  • India became a country where most people are Hindu.
  • Pakistan and Bangladesh (which was East Pakistan at the time) became countries where most people are Muslim.
  • Myanmar (then called Burma) became a country where most people are Buddhist.
• The Partition of the British Mandate of Palestine led to the creation of Israel, a Jewish nation. This also led to ongoing issues between Israel and Arab nations like Jordan and the Palestinian territories.

Racial separatism

Racial separatism is when groups want to separate based on their race. They might want separate schools, businesses, or even separate areas or governments for people of their own race.

• Black separatism is an idea in the United States to create separate communities and institutions for black people.
• In South Africa, the Boer people fought two wars (the First Boer War and the Second Boer War) because they wanted to form their own independent state.

Gender separatism

Gender separatism is when groups want to separate based on gender.

• Separatist feminism is a type of feminism where some women believe that men and women should live separately.

Related ideas

• Segregation: This is when people are forced to be separate, often based on race or other differences.
• Unrecognized countries: These are places that act like countries but are not officially recognized by many other nations.
• Minority rights: These are the rights that protect smaller groups of people within a larger population.
• Nationalism: This is a strong feeling of pride in one's own country or group, often wanting it to be independent.

Images for kids

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  Support for Catalan independence is based on the idea that Catalonia is a nation

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  The former KLA leader Hashim Thaçi (left) and then-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden with Declaration of Independence of Kosovo

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  Oromo Liberation Front rebels in Kenya armed with AK-47 rifles

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  South Sudanese independence referendum, 2011

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  Pro-independence rally in Iraqi Kurdistan in September 2017

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  Kabyle protesters in Paris holding the Berber flag.

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  Proponents of the Cape Independence movement attending a march

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  Sikhs in London protesting against the Indian government

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  In 1861, the American Civil War started after a separatist movement of southern US states seceded from the United States.

See also

In Spanish: Separatismo para niños