▲The landlocked country is located in South America, and used to be a colony of Spain.

▲The Dominican Republic is found on the island of Hispaniola. It had been inhabited by the Taíno people since the 7th century.

▲Israel is located east of the Mediterranean Sea. It became an independent country in 1948.

▲C'mon, does China really need an introduction? The colossal country is populated by well over a billion people.

▲Colombia is a South American sovereign state. It's one of the most diverse countries in the world, both ethnically and linguistically.

▲It shouldn't be much of a surprise, but Colombia is named after Christopher Columbus. The Italian explorer helped start the European colonization of the Americas.

▲Liechtenstein is a doubly landlocked microstate, located in Central Europe. It has a small population of around 40,000, with a hugely successful economy.

▲The nation gets its name from Emperor Qin, pronounced "Chin." Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor of a unified China.

▲Saint Vincent of Saragossa is the inspiration for this country's name. He was the patron saint of Lisbon and Valencia. Explorers arrived on the island on January 22, St. Vincent's feast day.

▲The country is named after the biblical figure of Jacob, who was also named Israel. Here he is pictured wrestling an angel.

▲The country is named after Saint Dominic, a Castilian priest and patron saint of astronomers.

▲This country is located on an island arc in the West Indies. The country has a French and British colonial history.

▲Bolivia is named after Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan military and political leader who campaigned for the independence of many South American countries.

▲The archipelagic country is found in Southeast Asia. The Philippines consists of over 7,600 islands.

▲Oh, good old USA. The influential country is the third or fourth largest country, depending on who you ask.

▲With a rich history and culture, Uzbekistan is perhaps a little overlooked when it comes to Central Asian countries.

▲Many may not know that America is named after Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer who helped research the New World, or the Americas.

▲The Philippines is named after Philip II of Spain. The king's empire stretched to every continent the Europeans could reach, including the Philippines.

▲AKA the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, this sunny microstate is surrounded by Italy.

▲Over 900 islands make up this sovereign state, which can be found in the Oceania area.

▲The small island country is populated by around 180,000 people. It was previously named Iyonola, by the native Amerindians.

▲Saint Kitts and Nevis is an underrated island country located in the West Indies.

▲The transcontinental behemoth is the world's largest country.

▲The country gets its name from Öz Beg Khan, the longest-reigning leader of the historical Golden Horde region.

▲Saint Marinus was a man who founded a monastery in the year 301. From this community, San Marino was born.

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Saint Christopher is the inspiration for the country's name. He is the patron saint of travelers, and it's said that he once carried Christ across a river.

From here, why not explore the countries that changed their names.

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Liechtenstein is reigned by and named after the House of Liechtenstein, a family with history stretching back to the 17th century. Hans-Adam II is the current sovereign ruler.

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This country takes its name from Saint Lucy, a Christian martyr who lived during the first century. Her eyes were famously removed from her face, with varying explanations.

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Russia is named after Rus, one of three mythological brothers who traveled and settled around the world. Belarus also takes its name from this Slavic legend.

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The islands are named after Solomon, a king of Israel who succeeded King David.

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Naming a country is pretty important. Along with a flag and a national anthem, names like America and France can help define a whole national identity. Country names can be inspired by anything. Algeria roughly translates to "the islands," Cape Verde means "green cape," and Costa Rica means "rich coast." However, this gallery will look at the people who are so important, they have a whole country named after them. You may be surprised to find out, some of the most famous countries around the world are named after real people or historical figures. Click on to explore these countries and the people who inspired their all-important names.