Have you ever wondered which countries are the oldest? The oldest countries in the world aren't simply ancient locations, they're more like living human history books.

They are where we first witnessed things like structured governments, writing, and breakthroughs in science and religion. These countries have influenced the way we live presently.

Did you know? India may have had an organised government in 2000 BCE, but they were already an independent territory back in 2500 BCE.

To examine the oldest countries in the world is to open a window to a track record of thousands of years of history that continues, and with their cultures. Let's dive in and see the amazing stories behind these truly remarkable nations.

How Do We Figure Out How Old a Country Is?

It's not just about when their current borders were drawn. When historians and archaeologists attempt to determine the oldest countries in the world, they consider things such as:

  • The earliest signs of people living there in an organised way (like farming, settlements, or trading).
  • When they first had recorded governments or kings.
  • If their culture and language have stayed pretty consistent over time.
  • If there has been a continuous sense of identity or political power.

They use things like old writings, stuff they dig up from the ground, and places that UNESCO says are important historical sites to help them figure things out. Even if a country as we know it today is newer in terms of laws, its history and culture often go back thousands of years.

The Top 10 Oldest Countries That Have Stood the Test of Time

1. Iran: The Birthplace of Persian Culture

Iran is the oldest country in the world with a history dating back to the Elamite kingdoms between 3200 BCE. From the mighty Achaemenid Empire through the Sassanid era and afterwards Islamic domination, Iran's manner of governing and culture evolved with time, but it never ceased to exist.

Persepolis, their old capital, remains a symbol of this centuries-long history. Persian literature, the Zoroastrian religion, and incredible buildings all reflect a history and national identity that have persisted to shape Iran today.

2. Egypt: The Land of Pharaohs and Ancient Wonders

Egypt is arguably one of the oldest countries in the world, with history dating back to around 3100 BCE when Upper and Lower Egypt merged. Pharaohs reigned for more than 3,000 years before Greeks, Romans, and Islamic folks visited and made their impressions.

But despite these transformations, Egypt's Egyptian identity remained strong in its language, religion, and centralised government. Contemporary Egypt continues to preserve its ancient past through the Nile River, the pyramids, and a deep sense of cultural pride.

3. Vietnam: A Southeast Asian Culture with Deep Roots

Vietnam's history began way back in 2879 BCE with the perhaps not-so-real but very legendary Hồng Bàng Dynasty, one of the oldest countries in the world in East Asia. Though ruled by China from time to time, Vietnam never lost its own culture and political identity.

When the Đại Việt kingdom emerged and gained independence in the 10th century CE, it indicated that Vietnam was on its way. Present-day Vietnamese culture is still highly linked to its traditions and the days when they had their kings.

4. Armenia: The First Nation to Embrace Christianity

The history of Armenia dates back to the Kingdom of Urartu (circa 860 BCE) and later the Kingdom of Armenia in 331 BCE. It was the first world country to adopt Christianity as its state religion in 301 CE, a massive cultural event.

Although they were conquered and Armenians dispersed throughout the globe, they maintained a solid identity with their distinctive alphabet, Christian customs, and strong nationhood that survives to this day in the Republic of Armenia.

5. North Korea: From an Ancient Kingdom to Today

Although North Korea as a political state is younger, its past revolves around Gojoseon, which was established way back in 2333 BCE. Korean history has witnessed numerous dynasties such as Goguryeo and Joseon, which have influenced the language, philosophy, and extent of Confucianism in the country.

Although it's geographically and politically somewhat isolated from the rest of the world, North Korea possesses a keen sense of cultural and national pride that dates back thousands of years, one of the world's oldest nations with humans living there continuously for an extremely long period.

6. China: A History of Dynasties and Innovation

China's uninterrupted history dates back to the Xia Dynasty sometime in 2070 BCE, with archaeological records testifying to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. China boasts the world's longest uninterrupted written history, and although dynasties shifted, their cultural ties never actually disintegrated.

Confucianism, the Mandarin language, and their mode of ruling are all components of a history that has run without interruption. The People's Republic of China in the present day, although new in form, is founded upon thousands of years of civilization and is thus one of the world's oldest nations.

7. India: The Land of Ancient Wisdom and Culture

The origins of India stretch back to the Indus Valley Civilisation (circa 2500 BCE), one of the world's earliest urban civilisations. Since the Vedic times, right up to the Maurya and Gupta Empires and then British occupation, the essence of India's identity continued. Sanskrit language, Hinduism, Buddhism, and its democratic heritage make India not only one of the oldest countries in the world but also one of the most profound civilisations in the history of humankind.

8. Georgia: Where East Meets West

Sitting at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Georgia has been occupied since the Stone Age, with early Georgian states emerging by the 12th century BCE. The Kingdom of Colchis and eventually the United Kingdom of Georgia (in 1008 CE) demonstrate a solid national history.

They embraced Christianity in the 4th century CE, and though invaded repeatedly, Georgia retained its distinctive language, script, and religious practices that continue to shape the country, one of the world's oldest nations.

9. Israel: An Ancient Homeland Reborn

Israel's past extends to the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah, founded around 1000 BCE. Although its population was dispersed via diaspora and conquest, their affinity for this nation continued.

The contemporary state, established in 1948, is a resumption of a classical and sacred homeland. Archaeological remains, the Hebrew language, and Jewish traditions powerfully attest to Israel's connection with ancient history, establishing it as one of the oldest nations on earth.

10. Sudan: The Legacy of the Kingdom of Kush

Little spoken of but no less noteworthy, Sudan is amongst the oldest countries in the world with a civilisation dating back to the Kingdom of Ta-Seti around 3500 BCE. It had the Kushite Kingdom, an enemy of ancient Egypt and, in fact ruler of Egypt for a time.

Sudan boasts pyramids, temples, and early African forms of government. Present-day Sudan boasts a rich blend of African and Arab cultures that stem from this ancient heritage.

Conclusion

It's amazing how, among the almost 200 nations on earth, a few have survived centuries of wars, border changes, successive governments, and economic downturns. That these oldest countries in the world not only survived but succeeded is a reflection of their resilience and firm cultural foundations.

For history lovers, travelling to these countries is not merely viewing old monuments; it's an opportunity to tread through living history, witness ancient customs, and learn from the earliest beginnings of civilization itself. If you're walking through Egypt's pyramids or India's holy temples, a trip through the oldest countries in the world is an unforgettable experience in mankind's heritage.

Planning on travelling to these eternal destinations? With Visa2Fly, obtaining your visa is faster, simpler, and entirely online, so you can focus on the journey, not the forms.