20 Countries With The Deepest Historical Roots

The idea of identifying the world’s oldest countries has fascinated historians for generations, but the answer is far from simple. Unlike ancient ruins or artifacts, countries are living entities. Their borders change, governments fall and rise, and cultures adapt over time. Because of this, age cannot be measured by a single founding date.

One key challenge lies in deciding what “old” actually means. Some nations point to uninterrupted statehood, while others trace their origins through dynasties, kingdoms, or early civilizations that existed long before modern borders were drawn. In many cases, today’s countries are built on layers of past societies rather than a single continuous political system.

Another complication is geography. Borders have shifted repeatedly due to wars, treaties, and the rise and fall of empires. A nation may exist in name, but its territory could look very different from what it once was. This raises the question of whether cultural and historical continuity matter more than physical boundaries.

For this ranking, we focused on countries where ancient roots still play a visible role in modern identity. These are places where language, traditions, legal systems, or cultural values can be traced back hundreds or even thousands of years. While no ranking can fully settle the debate, examining these nations offers a deeper look into how the past continues to shape the present.

France

France is considered the 20th-oldest nation in the world. Centuries before the Eiffel Tower came to represent the country, France had already taken shape as a unified realm during the reign of King Clovis, according to World History Encyclopedia.

Its early foundations were further solidified in 843 AD, when the Treaty of Verdun helped establish borders that would later influence France’s modern national identity, as noted by EBSCO.

Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Morocco

Morocco is considered the 19th-oldest nation still in existence. According to historical records, Idris bin Abdallah laid the early foundations of the Moroccan kingdom shortly before his death, as noted by Morocco World News.

In 789 AD, he established the city of Fez, which became the heart of his rule and remains one of the country’s most enduring historical centers.

Joe Eitzen / Unsplash+

Bulgaria

Bulgaria ranks among the world’s oldest nations, placing 18th overall. Situated in southeastern Europe, the country traces its origins to 681 AD, when the Bulgar tribes united with Slavic populations to establish the First Bulgarian Empire, according to FamilySearch.

In the modern era, Bulgaria is also notable for its size, ranking as the 16th-largest country in Europe by land area, per WorldAtlas.

duncan 1890 / Getty Images

Understanding the historical roots of nations is crucial, according to Dr. Michael Beschloss, an esteemed historian and author. He notes that countries like Egypt and China possess deep-rooted traditions that shape contemporary governance and societal norms. Historical continuity can provide invaluable insights into modern challenges, including national identity and governance. This perspective aligns with research from the University of Chicago, which suggests that nations that embrace their historical narratives often exhibit stronger civic engagement and social cohesion.

Dr. Beschloss emphasizes that acknowledging this history can foster unity in diverse societies.

The study of nations' historical roots is vital for understanding their present challenges. According to Dr. Ian Bremmer, a political scientist, countries that fail to acknowledge their past often struggle with identity crises in the face of globalization. He emphasizes that a robust national identity, grounded in historical awareness, can guide nations through contemporary challenges like immigration and economic shifts. Dr. Bremmer advocates for policies that celebrate cultural heritage while promoting inclusivity, encouraging national dialogue about identity and belonging.

Such discussions can ultimately lead to more resilient societies.

San Marino

San Marino is considered the 17th-oldest nation still in existence. It holds the title of the world’s oldest surviving republic and is Europe’s smallest country, with an unbroken past stretching back more than 1,700 years, according to the CIIE.

Tradition traces its origins to 301 AD, when Dalmatian stonecutters are said to have sought refuge from the Roman Empire, escaping the anti-Christian campaigns of Emperor Diocletian.

traumlichtfabrik / Getty Images

Ethiopia

Ethiopia is considered the world’s 16th-oldest nation. It also holds a unique place in history as Africa’s longest-standing independent country and the land where Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old hominin fossil, was uncovered, as reported by National Geographic.

Ethiopia’s deep past stretches back to the first century AD with the rise of the Kingdom of Aksum, a major civilization once known for its power, trade, and far-reaching influence, according to the Embassy of Ethiopia.

Roberto Moiola / Getty Images

Japan

Japan is often listed among the world’s 15 oldest nations. Traditional mythology traces its origins to Emperor Jimmu, said to have established the country on February 11, 660 BCE, a date still marked today as National Foundation Day.

Historians, however, largely agree that Jimmu’s story is symbolic and that early Japan was more likely shaped by a network of regional leaders rather than a single ruler.

The country also lays claim to one of the oldest national flags still in use. Records suggest it first appeared in 701 AD, when Emperor Monmu displayed it during New Year celebrations.

Buddy AN / Unsplash

Cultural Narratives Matter

Cultural anthropologist Dr. Heather Cox Richardson highlights how storytelling plays a pivotal role in shaping a nation’s identity. She explains that myths, legends, and historical accounts contribute to a collective memory that influences national pride and social behavior. For instance, the founding myths of countries like Greece and Rome are not just stories; they are foundational narratives that inform citizens about their values and responsibilities.

Dr. Richardson encourages nations to actively engage in preserving these narratives to strengthen their cultural identity.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is often listed among the world’s 15 oldest nations by continuous human history. Long described as a crossroads of civilizations, the area has been inhabited for more than 50,000 years, according to archaeological findings.

Records suggest that Afghanistan’s first structured state emerged around 678 BCE, though historians still debate the precise beginnings due to limited and fragmented evidence.

Annie Spratt / Unsplash

Greece

Greece is considered the 13th-oldest country on Earth. Its civilization stretches back more than 3,000 years, originally forming as a patchwork of independent city-states, each with distinct leaders, customs, and legal systems, according to National Geographic.

True political unity didn’t arrive until the 4th century BC, when Alexander the Great brought these city-states together under one rule.

Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Sudan

Sudan is considered one of the world’s oldest nations, ranking 12th overall. Its story stretches back to around 1070 BCE, when the Kingdom of Kush emerged in ancient Nubia along the Nile, in regions that today lie in northern Sudan and southern Egypt, according to Black History Month sources.

Shaped by strong Egyptian influence, the Kushites constructed pyramids and burial sites and honored gods like Amun and Isis.

frehiwot / Unsplash

In examining historical roots, Dr. John Hattie, a renowned education researcher, emphasizes the importance of teaching history effectively in schools. He believes that engaging students with the historical narratives of their countries can enhance their understanding of citizenship and social responsibility. By utilizing inquiry-based learning, educators can foster critical thinking skills that empower students to connect past events with present-day issues.

This method encourages students to appreciate the complexities of their nation’s history, leading to informed and active citizenship.

Israel

Israel is often cited as the world’s 11th-oldest nation when its origins are traced through Jewish civilization. Jewish history stretches back roughly 4,000 years in the Middle East, traditionally linked to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, according to the BBC.

After centuries of dispersion and changing borders, Israel proclaimed independence in the 20th century and has since existed within boundaries that remain the subject of ongoing dispute, per the BBC.

wikimedia.org

Georgia

Georgia is considered the world’s 10th-oldest country, with roots that stretch back thousands of years. Historical sources indicate that organized civilization in the region dates to around 1300 BC.

In the modern era, Georgia regained international recognition as an independent state on December 25, 1991, when the United States formally acknowledged its sovereignty following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Mike Swigunski / Unsplash

Mexico

Mexico is often listed as the ninth-oldest country on Earth. While the nation itself formed in modern times, people have lived on this land for tens of thousands of years, according to World Population Review.

One of the earliest known civilizations, the Olmecs, appeared around 1500 BC. They left a lasting mark on history, most famously through their massive stone heads, which still puzzle and fascinate researchers today.

Sergio Mendoza Hochmann / Getty Images

Practical Recommendations for Education

To better incorporate history into educational curricula, experts suggest integrating project-based learning that encourages students to explore their cultural roots. Dr. George Couros, an education expert, advocates for using technology to create virtual historical explorations, allowing students to engage with their heritage interactively. This approach not only makes history relatable but also fosters a sense of belonging among students.

By leveraging modern tools, educators can make history feel alive and relevant, ultimately enhancing student engagement.

India

India is considered the eighth-oldest country in the world. Although scholars still debate when Indian civilization truly began, archaeological findings suggest humans lived in the region as far back as 500,000 years ago, linked to the Madrasian culture, according to World Population Review.

More structured societies are thought to have emerged around 7570 BC. The rise of the Indus Valley Civilization around 3300 BCE marked the emergence of India’s first major urban culture. By roughly 2000 BC, sophisticated settlements had spread across the northern parts of what is now India and Pakistan, as noted by the Asia Society.

Alf / Getty Images

China

China is the world’s seventh-oldest country. Frequently described as one of humanity’s earliest civilizations, China traces its beginnings to around 2070 BCE, when the legendary Xia Dynasty is said to have emerged and ruled until roughly 1600 BCE, according to National Geographic.

Although these early chapters blend legend with history, ongoing archaeological discoveries continue to reinforce China’s claim to more than 4,000 years of continuous civilization.

bjdlzx / Getty Images

Korea

Korea is considered the sixth-oldest country in the world, with roots that stretch deep into ancient history. Its earliest known kingdom, Gojoseon, is traditionally dated to 2333 BCE and linked to the legendary figure Dangun Wanggeom, a story recorded in historical sources such as the World History Encyclopedia.

That origin still matters today. Every October 3rd, South Korea marks National Foundation Day, honoring a tradition believed to be more than 4,000 years old.

Tuul & Bruno Morandi / Getty Images

Dr. Francis Collins, a geneticist and former director of the National Institutes of Health, argues that understanding historical context is essential for addressing current and future challenges. He notes that many contemporary health issues, such as obesity and heart disease, can be traced back to historical dietary practices influenced by cultural shifts. Recognizing these patterns allows medical professionals to develop more effective public health strategies that respect cultural histories while promoting healthier lifestyles.

Dr. Collins emphasizes that a historical perspective can lead to more tailored and effective health interventions.

Armenia

Armenia is often cited as the fifth-oldest country in the world, with a history that stretches far beyond recorded memory. The 5th-century historian Movses Khorenatsi traced Armenia’s origins to 2492 BC.

While ancient chronicles naturally blend legend and fact, modern science adds weight to these claims. Genetic studies highlighted by The New York Times point to continuous ancestral roots in the region dating roughly between 3000 and 2000 BC.

In modern terms, Armenia regained its sovereignty after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The United States officially recognized the country’s independence on December 25, 1991, according to the Office of the Historian, marking a new chapter for one of the world’s most enduring nations.

Yuri Krupenin / Unsplash

Vietnam

Vietnam holds the title of the fourth-oldest country in the world. While today’s Socialist Republic of Vietnam officially took shape in 1976 after the Vietnam War, the story of the nation stretches back thousands of years.

Long before modern borders and governments, early Vietnamese civilization was already forming deep cultural and political foundations. Historical tradition traces Vietnam’s beginnings to 2879 BC, when the legendary Hùng Vương established the ancient state of Văn Lang.

This early kingdom was famously known as the Land of the Tattooed Men, a name that reflected both identity and ritual in its early society. These ancient origins continue to shape Vietnam’s sense of identity today, linking a modern nation to one of the world’s longest continuous histories.

Thang Tat Nguyen / Getty Images

Iraq

Iraq is widely considered the third-oldest country in the world. Often called the birthplace of civilization, this land was home to the Sumerians as early as 3000 BC. Their influence still echoes today, with early breakthroughs in writing, law, architecture, mathematics, and even beer-making shaping human history.

That deep past continues to resurface. Archaeologists recently uncovered a 4,500-year-old palace once used by ancient rulers in the city of Girsu, in today’s southern Iraq. Found near modern Tello, the site is being hailed as one of the most remarkable discoveries ever made in Mesopotamia.

World Archaeology / Facebook

Global Perspectives on History

Dr. Fareed Zakaria, a political analyst and author, highlights that international relations are often shaped by historical grievances and alliances. He points out that countries with a deep understanding of their diplomatic histories often navigate modern conflicts more effectively. By fostering dialogues rooted in historical context, nations can work towards resolving disputes and building stronger international partnerships.

Dr. Zakaria suggests that educational institutions should emphasize global history to prepare citizens for a more interconnected world.

Egypt

Egypt holds the title of the world’s second-oldest country, a distinction rooted in remarkable historical continuity. Unlike many modern states, Egypt has preserved its name since ancient times. Its story begins around 3100 BC, when Pharaoh Narmer united Upper and Lower Egypt, laying the foundation for the First Dynasty, a turning point widely documented by National Geographic.

While its ancient identity stretches back thousands of years, Egypt’s modern political status took shape much later. In 1922, the United Kingdom formally recognized Egypt as a sovereign state, a milestone noted by The Guardian. Few countries can point to such a long, unbroken thread between ancient origins and modern nationhood.

Claudio Chiga / Facebook

Iran

Iran is widely regarded as the oldest country in the world. As noted by World Population Review, the region was home to one of the earliest organized governments as early as 3200 BC, with clear signs of independent statehood emerging by around 2600 BC.

One of the strongest pieces of evidence comes from Shahr-i Sokhta, or the “Burnt City,” an ancient urban center in eastern Iran. This settlement became one of the first complex societies in the region and developed across four distinct phases before declining around 1800 BC.

Excavations have revealed advanced urban planning, burial grounds, and everyday objects that offer a rare look into early organized life. Because of its historical value and remarkable preservation, the site is recognized by UNESCO as a key landmark of early human civilization.

FrankvandenBergh / Getty Images

There’s no simple way to name the world’s oldest countries. History doesn’t stand still, and neither do nations. Borders move, governments rise and fall, yet cultures and identities often survive it all.

In the end, a country’s true age is measured less by dates and more by how deeply its past still shapes daily life.

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Exploring the historical roots of nations reveals how their past continues to shape contemporary society. Experts like Dr. Michael Beschloss and Dr. Heather Cox Richardson emphasize the importance of cultural narratives and education in fostering a sense of identity and civic engagement. By integrating history into educational curricula and public discourse, nations can cultivate a more informed citizenry that appreciates its heritage while addressing modern challenges. Understanding this complex interplay between history and present realities is crucial for building resilient and cohesive societies.

Ultimately, engaging with history not only enriches national identity but also empowers citizens to contribute positively to their communities.