Consider Malaysia and Myanmar.
Malaysia gained independence from British colonial rule in 1957. In the years since independence, Malaysia has experienced significant economic growth and development.
The country has successfully diversified its economy and become one of the leading economies in Southeast Asia. Malaysia's industrialization and focus on export-oriented industries, such as electronics and manufacturing, have contributed to its economic success. Additionally, the government's efforts in poverty reduction, education, and infrastructure development have had a positive impact on the standard of living for many Malaysians. Some challenges that remains include inequality, ethnic tensions, and issues related to governance/corruption.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, gained independence from British rule in 1948. The country has faced a more challenging path since independence. Political instability, military rule, and ethnic conflicts have hindered Myanmar's progress. The country's economy has been largely underdeveloped and isolated from the global market. While Myanmar has rich natural resources, mismanagement and lack of infrastructure have prevented its full utilization for economic development. The country's transition to democracy in recent years has brought some positive changes, but significant challenges persist, including the Rohingya crisis and ongoing ethnic conflicts.
When it comes down to it, Malaysia has generally been more successful than Myanmar in the years since achieving independence. Malaysia's focus on economic development, diversification, and social welfare programs has contributed to its growth and improved standards of living for many citizens. On the other hand, Myanmar has faced significant challenges related to political stability, economic development, and ethnic conflicts. It's important to note that the assessment of a nation's success is complex and multifaceted, and these are just brief insights into their respective trajectories after independence.