The world dates back to billions of years. How do we know this? Well, historians have been able to trace our ancestry and arrive at this conclusion. This fact would not be very new for many of us. The existence of the Harappa culture is proof that the oldest countries in the world came into existence a long time ago and are in fact, ancient. Don’t you want to explore these places that have witnessed the civilizations growing on the earth? How old, you ask? Well, read ahead to find out the top oldest countries in the world. You might not have thought that these countries have been standing proudly with their roots long back in time. And now when you will visit them, you will definitely have a new perception towards them which will make your trip even more interesting and exciting.
Top 13 Oldest Countries In The World
Let’s dig into history to find out which places win the top spot for being one of the oldest countries in the world. These countries hold a special place in history. Without wasting any more of your time, let’s embark on a journey to these 13 oldest nations in the world. These enduring nations beckon with ancient stories etched in their landscapes, inviting you to explore the tapestry of time and rich heritage that defines the list of the oldest countries in the world.
- France: 486 AD
- San Marino: 301 AD
- Portugal: 900 Years Old
- Greece: 4500 BC
- Ethiopia: 5 Million Years
- Japan: 15 Million Years Old
- China: 2100 BC
- Armenia: 6500 BC
- Iran: 620 BC
- Egypt: 6000 BC
- India: 2500 BC
- Vietnam: 4000 Years Old
- North Korea: 7th Century BC
1. France: 486 AD
France’s founding years can be traced back to the separation of Charlemagne’s Holy Roman Empire. This resulted in the bifurcation of ancient France into three parts. In the olden days, the kings and authorities enjoyed powers at par with the commoners, though the same cannot be said about modern day France. What a travesty. Anyway, this country is yet again inextricably attached to its customs and traditions. France Is arguably one of the oldest countries in the world and also one of the most beautiful ones
Top attractions: Paris, Nice, French Riviera, and Marseille
Things to do In France: Witnessing Eiffel tower, Louvre museum tour, Palace of Versailles tour
Places to stay: Shangri la, Four Seasons, Chateau D’Artigny
Places to eat: La Bistro Du Parc, La Levain French Bistro
Language: French
Currency: Euro
Best time to visit:April to June and September to November
Best places for honeymoon: Lyon, and Calvi
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2. San Marino: 301 AD
San Marino is a small town surrounded by Italy from all sides. It is one of the smallest towns in the world. It was founded in the year 301 B.C. in the month of September. It was recognized as an independent country by the pope only in the year 1631 A.D.. The reason behind the late independence of the country is still unknown. It is said that the pope exercised influence over the matters of Italy and its surrounding areas.
Top attractions: Dogana, and Falciano
Things to do: Mountaineering, trekking, monuments tour
Places to stay: Grand hotel San Marino, Hotel Titano, Hotel Cesare
Places to eat: La Terrazza, Ristorante Il Piccolo
Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Best time to visit: April to June and mid-September to November
Best places for honeymoon: Adriatic Coast
3. Portugal: 900 Years Old
Though the founding date of Portugal is not very clear, its magnificent borders and walls are proof that this place, in fact, is very old. Though as the city has been developing, many have noticed the change in Portugal in terms of its infrastructure. The walls guarded Portugal from its enemies back in the day. The Portuguese locals are tied down by traditions.
Top attractions: Lisbon, Porto, Madeira, and Faro District
Things to do In Portugal: Exploring monuments, savouring cuisine, shopping
Places to stay: Vila Vita park resort and spa, Olisippo lapa palace hotel, Belmond’s raid palace hotel
Places to eat: Belcanto, Feitoiria, Alma
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Best time to visit: March to May and September to October
Best places for honeymoon: Lisbon, and Madeira
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4. Greece: 4500 BC
Greece’s classical period has had a pertinent impact on its present. The classical period has proved to be successful in making Greece one of the most forward thinking countries in the world. No doubt, Greece has great emotional ties with the old customs and traditions as it one of the oldest country in the world. The country has made remarkable advancement in art, culture, and many other technological advances in the country. One should definitely visit Greece as it is one the list of the oldest countries in the world.
Top attractions: Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos
Things to do In Greece: Witnessing Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Meteora
Places to stay: Santorini princess spa hotel, The Westin, Limneon resort
Places to eat: Tudor Hall, Lithos Restaurant, Funky Gourmet
Language: Greek
Currency: Euro
Best time to visit: April to early November
Best places for honeymoon: Athens, and Crete Region
5. Ethiopia: 5 Million Years
Ethiopia dates back to the time period to which we all can relate to, the Hominid era and is popular as one of the oldest country in Africa. The cultural and traditional ties are strong in Ethiopia. The people here have seen the country go through numerous transformations. The customs and traditions have, no doubt, evolved as well. Islam and Judaism are being practiced in Ethiopia since time immemorial.
Top attractions: Addis Ababa, Lalibela, and Gondar
Things to do: Witnessing wildlife, Hiking, Adventure at Volcano
Places to stay: Radisson Blu, Mariott hotel, Hilton hotel
Places to eat: Ben Abeba Restaurant, Kategna, Sishu Restaurant
Language: Amharic
Currency: Ethiopian Birr
Best time to visit: Between October to June
Best places for honeymoon: Addis Ababa, and Aksum
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6. Japan: 15 Million Years Old
Japan’s first emperor, Jimmu, is reportedly the founder of this country. Japan came into existence in 660 B.C. Buddhism impacted Japanese culture to a large extent, if we go by historical records. Japan, popularly known as the land of rising sun or we may say oldest country in the world by age, has seen many empires rising and simultaneously, falling. Japan became an influential country only during the Meiji Restoration era. This oldest country in Asia is also amongst the oldest countries in the world.
Top attractions: Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka
Things to do In Japan: Mountaineering, hiking, rock climbing
Places to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Hilton Tokyo, Yokohama Grand hotel
Places to eat: Kobe Beef Teppnyaki Hakushu, Rokkase, Gyuan
Language: Japanese
Currency: Japanese Yen
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Best places for honeymoon: Nara, and Tokyo
7. China: 2100 BC
Amongst the oldest nations in the World, the next on the list is China as it has been known to exist for over 3500 years. The Shang Dynasty ruled in China in 17th century B.C to 11th century B.C. This is considered as the longest-ruling period for any dynasty. Modern China came into existence around 220B.C. As per China’s history, this declaration was made by Qin Shi Huang, the first and foremost emperor of China! This place has cultural and traditional ties which dates back to many years ago.
Top attractions: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Chengdu
Things to do In China: Witnessing Great wall of China, strolling in Forbidden city, Absorbing grandeur of Summer palace
Places to stay: Four Seasons, Shangri La, Baohong hotel
Places to eat: Yi Chinese, China Club, TCK by the China Kitchen
Language: Mandarin
Currency: Renminbi
Best time to visit: April to May and September to October
Best places for honeymoon: Shanghai, and Xi’an
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8. Armenia: 6500 BC
Found in 782 BCE, Armenia is one of the oldest countries in the world. Going by the evidences found in the form of caves and stone inscriptions, Armenia is believed to be inhibited by humans as early as 90,000 BC. Known for its rich diaspora of cultures, Armenia is considered as a Holy Land by several cultures and communities.
Top attractions: Yerevan, Lake Sevan, Garni, and Vagharshapat
Things to do In Armenia: Paragliding, mountaineering, rock climbing
Places to stay: Marriott hotel, Radisson Blu, Alexander hotel
Places to eat: Lavash restaurant, Tavern Yerevan, Indian Mehek
Language: Armenian
Currency: Armenian Dram
Best time to visit: Late May to early June and late September to early October
Best places for honeymoon: Lake Sevan
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9. Iran: 620 BC
Iran was founded in the 16th century. Iran is deeply tied to its past. The Achaemenid empire ruled over Iran in the early years. This dynasty ruled from 330 B.C. to 550 B.C., which is a very long and remarkable period in the history of any country. It is safe to say that Iran is one of the oldest countries in the world, going by the records. If you’re visiting the world’s oldest countries, then Iran is a must-visit.
Top attractions: Tehran, Shiraz, and Yazd
Things to do In Iran: Royal tour, Witness Golestan palace, seek blessings at mosque
Places to stay: Saraye Ameriha Boutique hotel, Keryas Traditional hotel, Ghasr Monshi hotel
Places to eat: Reyhoon, Gilaneh, Brentin Restaurant
Language: Persian
Currency: Rial
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Best places for honeymoon: Shiraz
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10. Egypt: 6000 BC
The history of Egypt and the cultural and traditional customs of this country are inextricably linked. This country dates back to more than a decade ago. The writing in Egypt, which is older than the most basic form of writing, dates back to the year 3200 BCE. This tells us that though the country has progressed significantly, yet its history has played a huge part in it.
Top attractions: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan
Things to do In Egypt: Take a pyramid tour, learn to make papyrus, shopping jewels
Places to stay: Four Seasons, Marriott, Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh
Places to eat: Abu Ashraf, Mohammed Ahmed, Samakmak
Language: Arabic
Currency: Egyptian pound
Best time to visit: October to April
Best places for honeymoon: Luxor
11. India: 2500 BC
You would be surprised to know that the Indian subcontinent has been flourishing for around 5,000-6,000 years and its peoples joined together to form a civilization in roughly 1500 BCE when they created the Vedic Civilization, which laid out the foundations of Hinduism. However, the country was ruled by numerous dynasties in the past which can be experienced by exploring this beautiful country. The modern-day India was founded in 1947, once the country won its independence from the British Empire.
Top attractions: Goa, Kerala, Himachal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Things to do: Visiting the ancient monuments, paragliding, skydiving
Places to stay: Taj Palace, Oberoi, Umaid Bhawan palace
Places to eat: Indian accent, Peshawri, Villa Maya
Language: Hindi
Currency: Rupee
Best time to visit: Throughout the year. Different places in India offers unique experiences all year round!
Best places for honeymoon: Goa, Kerala
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12. Vietnam: 4000 Years Old
You might not know that the list of oldest nations in the world also includes Vietnam! The country was previously known as the Socialist Republic of Vietnam which is something to look at. Its history dates back to a time when there was a single Vietnamese state. It is suggested that the government was formed by a Hong bang dynasty. Vietnam now stands as one of the most picturesque destinations in the world.
Top attractions: Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi, Hoi An
Things to do In Veitnam: Cruising, Island hopping, Water sports
Places to stay: Rosaka hotel, Mui Ne Hills Bliss hotel, VDB hotel
Places to eat: Little Saigon, Bamboo boat, Viet Nom
Language: Vietnamese
Currency: Dong
Best time to visit: October to February
Best places for honeymoon: Dalat, Sapa, Halong Bay
13. North Korea: 7th Century BC
North Korea is also known as Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and is one of the top oldest countries in the world. The roots of this country go back to 7th century BC which is in itself an interesting and awe-inspiring fact. Another thrilling fact about it is that its name comes from the word Goryeo which in turn came from a dynasty called Goguryeo. This dynasty used to be a great power during that time.
Top attractions: Pyongyang, Heaven lake, Wonsan
Things to do: Rock climbing, Hiking, Biking
Places to stay: Yanggakdo hotel, Koryo hotel, Hyangsan hotel
Places to eat: The Diplomatic, Rakwon, Grand Theatre
Language: Korean
Currency: Won
Best time to visit: April, May and June
Best places for honeymoon: Seoul, Nami Island, Jeju
Further Read: 11 Largest Castles In The World That You Must Visit At Least Once In A Lifetime!
We really hope that our blog on the oldest countries in the world brings out the history lover in you. The above-mentioned countries are proof of the fact that old things evolve over time. Hence, never forget to thank your ancestry for their valuable contributions. Make sure to take a world trip and tick these places off your bucket list now.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Oldest Countries In The World
What are the oldest countries in the world?
Identifying the oldest countries involves considering factors such as continuous statehood and cultural history. Egypt, China, Greece, Iran, and San Marino are often regarded as among the oldest nations due to their ancient origins and historical significance.
Which country has the longest history in the world?
China has the longest history in the world. China is a land of ancient art and culture and it urges people to admire its beauty whenever visitors come here.
Which is the youngest country in the world?
South Sudan is the youngest country in the world. Sudan is so old that it depicts the development of human culture as well.
Isn’t India the oldest country in the world?
No, India is not the oldest country in the world. There are many other countries out there that are older than Indian, even though it is one of the oldest countries out there in the world.
Is Ethiopia the oldest country in the world?
No, but Ethiopia is one of the oldest countries in the world. Human life has existed in Ethiopia for millions of years. Historians reportedly discovered human skeletons from 980 BCE in Ethiopia.
Who gave India its name?
The name India is derived from a corruption of the name of Sindhu River. The name India traces its origins to Indus River that has existed since the 4th century. River Indus flows in modern day Pakistan.
Who discovered China?
China was first discovered in 1418. The first American settlers crossed the Bering bridge from Asia. Most archaeologists agree that Columbus and Norse sailors were among the first Europeans to set foot in China.
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