Which Country First Recognized US Independence?

The first country to officially recognize the independence of the United States was Morocco, in 1777. This was a year before the second country, Holland, recognized the United States' independence and six years before Britain and most of the rest of Europe did. This early recognition led many of the founding fathers of the U.S. to have an extremely positive view of Islam and the Arabic world in general. For instance, Thomas Jefferson hosted an Iftar during Ramadan during his presidency, and George Washington welcomed several Muslims to work at Mount Vernon.

More facts about U.S. diplomatic relations:

  • The U.S. has diplomatic relations with almost every country in the world, with the exception of North Korea, Cuba, Bhutan and Iran. Additionally, the U.S. has unofficial relations with Western Sahara, Ogaden and Taiwan.

  • The oldest U.S. diplomatic property is in Tangier, Morocco. Though it is no longer used for diplomatic matters, the original building still stands as a national monument.

  • The Moroccan–American Treaty of Friendship is the longest unbroken treaty relationship in the history of the U.S., having been in force since 1787.
More Info: www.history.state.gov

Discussion Comments

anon1003937

I think Morocco was the first country to recognize the US although people think it is Holland, France, even Dubrovnik. But to be honest, I'm never even heard of Dubrovnik; and I'm pretty sure it's not around anymore.

anon1001449

It is also said that Dubrovnik was the first state in the world to recognize the United States of America back in 1783.

anon1000790

Morocco was the first not Dubrovnik.

anon999581

Morocco was the first formally and officially to recognize the independence. this recognition went far from what you say by signing the first treaty of peace and friendship in June 23, 1786. the first treaty in the history of the USA. and the oldest diplomatic property in Tangier, Morocco.

anon348639

Maybe if you are considering only the countries which are still sovereign today. The first one that recognized U.S. independence was Dubrovnik in 1776 (there is a document in the Dubrovnik museum). Well suited for a small country whose flag was just the words "libertas" (Freedom).

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