A declaration of independence is a formal statement in which a group or nation proclaims its intention to separate from another governing authority. This document often outlines the reasons for the separation and asserts the rights of the people to self-govern. A famous example is the United States Declaration of Independence, which was adopted in 1776, declaring the thirteen colonies free from British rule. Such declarations typically emphasize principles like freedom, equality, and the right to self-determination. They serve as a powerful symbol of a group's desire for autonomy and can inspire movements for independence around the world, as seen in various historical contexts.