The Oldest Countries in the World

What makes a country "old"? The question is more complicated than it appears. Is it about when a territory was first settled, when it formed a government, when it became recognized as an independent state, or how long its current political system has been in place? Different definitions yield very different lists.

San Marino: Founded 301 AD

San Marino is the most commonly cited answer to "oldest country." According to tradition, it was founded on September 3, 301 AD by a Christian stonemason named Marinus who fled religious persecution. It has never been conquered and has never fundamentally changed its political structure.

Today San Marino is a tiny republic of about 34,000 people, entirely surrounded by Italy. Its constitution, dating from 1600, is one of the oldest still in use in the world.

Japan: Founded 660 BC (Traditionally)

Japan's imperial line is traditionally dated to 660 BC, when Emperor Jimmu allegedly founded the country. Modern historians consider this date mythological, but Japan's imperial dynasty is genuinely one of the longest-lasting in the world. Emperor Naruhito, who ascended in 2019, belongs to the 126th generation of the same imperial family.

China: Civilization Since Around 2100 BC

Chinese civilization has been continuous for over 4,000 years. The Xia dynasty (around 2100 BC) is considered the earliest Chinese state, though it is only partially documented. The People's Republic of China was founded in 1949, but the political continuity of Chinese civilization is virtually unmatched.

Iran: Since Around 3200 BC

The territory of modern Iran was home to some of the earliest urban civilizations. The Median Empire (678 BC) and the Achaemenid Empire (550 BC, founded by Cyrus the Great) were among the most powerful states in the ancient world. Persia has existed as a political entity for longer than almost any modern nation-state.

Greece: Since Around 3000 BC

The Greek peninsula has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period. The Minoan civilization on Crete dates to around 3000 BC. The classical city-states of Athens and Sparta flourished from around 800 BC. Modern Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821.

Ethiopia: Since the 1st Century AD

Ethiopia is the oldest independent country in Africa and one of the oldest in the world. The Kingdom of Aksum (1st century AD) was a major ancient power that traded with Rome and India. Ethiopia is one of only two African countries (along with Liberia) that was never colonized by a European power.

The Problem of Definition

Modern nation-states as we understand them today are a relatively recent concept, mostly emerging after the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. Earlier kingdoms, empires, and dynasties operated on very different political principles. So while these civilizations have ancient roots, the countries that exist today are often quite different from their ancient predecessors.

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