Are there rules when it comes to naming Countries?

Question: Are there rules when it comes to naming Countries!?

For instance, could any country be renamed if captured by a dictator or something!? Who do they have to go through to get that done!? Or can they just rename the country "Olde Country Buffet" and say "look this is what we're calling this country now under me and that's the way it is!" or does something need to happen before they are considered "Olde Country Buffet" to the rest of the world and changed on atlases and globes!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

So, by and large this is done by international consensus!.

There are some nations which are ruled by regimes w/o international support such as Burma/Myanmar which are still referred to using the traditional name (Burma) rather than the name the regime uses (Myanmar)!. Legitimacy is the important part, and that is basically given by recognition from organizations like the UN!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

There are no rules!. It's a national issue, not an international issue!. That would be a great way for an LDC to raise funds for development!.!.!.corporate naming rights! It doesn't even have to be a unique name, as when Laurent Kabila took control of Zaire and, much to the dismay of geography students everywhere, changed the name to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, giving them two countries to keep straight!. If the leader isn't recognized, we may not recognize the name change, but it can't just be ignored!.Www@QuestionHome@Com