Which country first abolished slavery?

The Slavery Abolition Act 1833 comes into force, abolishing slavery throughout most of the British Empire but on a gradual basis over the next six years. Legally frees 700,000 in the West Indies, 20,000 in Mauritius, and 40,000 in South Africa. read more

Lithuania was the first known European country to abolish slavery in 1588, although serfdom continued till 1861. The first Asian country, existing today to ban both slave-trade and slavery in a permanent way was Japan in 1590, but the specific form of serfdom there was very restrictive. read more

1807 - Britain passes Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, outlawing British Atlantic slave trade. - United States passes legislation banning the slave trade, effective from start of 1808. 1811 - Spain abolishes slavery, including in its colonies, though Cuba rejects ban and continues to deal in slaves. read more