This map shows all the countries that have declared independence from the British

Editor's note: This story was originally published Sept. 15, 2014.

Scots will head to the polls on Thursday to vote in a referendum that could transform Scotland into an independent nation, making the 307-year-old United Kingdom not so united anymore. 

There's been a scramble to convince the country's 4.2 million registered voters to vote "no" after a major poll last week showed that the results might be in favor of independence. Just on Monday, British Prime Minister David Cameron gave an impassioned speech in a bid to keep the United Kingdom together. It went a little something like this: 

The pros and cons of independence were summed up brilliantly by British comedian John Oliver on his show, Last Week Tonight. He ultimately ended the segment with a plea to Scots to vote "no": 

If Scotland does becomes independent this week, it will join a long list of nations that have freed themselves from the Empire's chokehold. The map below shows you all the countries that used to be part of the British Empire.