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Our history

Welcome to our history website. Here you can read how we developed from small beginnings in the 1930s to become the major international organisation that we are today.
Frequently asked questions
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75th Anniversary

Find out more about our 75th anniversary and what is happening around the world.
A story of engagement
Read the new revised version of the British Council's history, written by the historian Ali Fisher.
Emperor Haile Selassie visiting the reopened Ethiopia office in 1961. Photo Art George Talanos Addis Ababa
When
Find out about key moments in our history, from 1934 to the present
World Map, kept in British Council office, Nigeria 1951
Where
Read about the history of our work in your region of the world
Sir Reginald Leeper
Who
Read about some of the people who have shaped our organisation over the years
Vietnamese students. Copyright The Scotsman
Why
Four writers answer some of the questions often asked about us and our work

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
Registered in Singapore as a branch (T09FC0012J) and as a charity (No 0768).
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Our commitment to freedom of information. Double-click for pop-up dictionary.

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