Supporters from the "No" Campaign react to a declaration in their favour, at the Better Together Campaign headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland
Supporters from the "No" Campaign react to a declaration in their favour, at the Better Together Campaign headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland Reuters

Scotland has decided to stay in the UK after a historic referendum ended in a "No" vote - going against the trend in independence referendums since the Second World War, most of which have led to the creation of new, autonomous countries.

Over the past seven decades, some 22 countries have voted yes and gained independence, according to research firm Statista.

Scotland has joined another seven regions that voted against full independence. The result marks the end of the one of the most fiercely contested and high-profile elections in British political history.

Scotland's independence referendum is however unlike many of those listed, because it did not take place against a backdrop of war, political chaos and violence.

South Sudan is the most recent nation to gain its independence after a referendum was passed with almost 99% of the vote in 2011.

Nevis, a small island in the Caribbean Sea, has been the latest to vote No in an independence referendum ahead of Scotland. An independence referendum was held in Nevis on 10 August 1998. Although it was approved by 62% of voters, a two-thirds majority was necessary for the referendum to succeed.

A Statista chart detailing all independence referendums since the Second World War is given below.

Infographic: Independence Referendums Since The Second World War | Statista
Scottish Independence