Timeline of abolition of slavery and serfdom

The abolition of slavery occurred at different times in different countries. It frequently occurred sequentially in more than one stage – for example, as abolition of the trade in slaves in a specific country, and then as abolition of slavery throughout empires. Each step was usually the result of a separate law or action. This timeline shows abolition laws or actions listed chronologically. It also covers the abolition of serfdom.

Today, no country in the world openly allows slavery of non-prisoners, but the practice continues in many locations around the world, mainly in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, and often with government support.