What are the 10 oldest country in the world? We can have the answer to this question from different trajectories. The answer differs because some consider the age of a country from the beginning of a civilization, and some count the modernization of a country from the time of sovereignty. But, particularly, historians determine countries’ age based on how long the civilization has existed or continues to exist till today. Here is the list of the 10 oldest countries in the world according to civilization.
- Iran—3200 BCE
- Egypt—3100 BCE
- Vietnam—2879 BCE
- Armenia—2492 BCE
- North Korea—2333 BCE
- China—2070 BCE
- India—2000 BCE
- Georgia—1300 BCE
- Israel—1300 BCE
- Sudan—1070 BCE
These countries have a significant role in history in shaping human culture and civilization.
Iran (3200 BCE)
Iran is one of the oldest countries in the world, formerly known as Persia. According to archaeological surveys, this country has existed since 3200 BCE. Situated between South Asia, Central Asia, and the Arab State of the Middle East, Iran is a beautiful country surrounded by the rugged mountain.
The country’s first great city, Susa, was established around 3200 B.C. Iran has a rich history of regal past. Several dynasties took control over this Islamic state. The Persian Empire conquered Mesopotamians and Egyptians around 559 B.C. Then Greeks took over it in 330 BC. Currently, tensions with the United States and many other nations create a prolonged disturbance within the country.
Egypt (3100 BCE)
Egypt, one of the 10 oldest country in the world, is known for its historic pyramids and pharaohs. The Nile River, flowing from south to west, protects the lives of millions of species across its longest banks. Egypt was one of the powerful civilizations around 3100 BCE. Many monuments, artifacts have been recovered from its archaeological sites. Egypt’s Pharaohs have been credited with the construction of pyramids, engineering marvels around 2500 BC. Later, Alexander the Great conquered it in 332 BC.
Vietnam (2879 BCE)
The Hong Bang dynasty established Vietnam around 2879 BCE by uniting the tribes and ruled for over 2500 years. The four main dynasties—the Ly, the Tran, the Le, and the Nguyen—controlled the kingdom of Vietnam and built the foundation. People of Vietnam always feel proud of their rich ancient history of more than 4000 years and show long-standing love for their country. Vietnam is one of the oldest countries in the world, and its civilization had gone through a lot of adversities, like flooding in the Red River and an invader attack that insisted its people to form a cohesive government in 2879 BCE.
Armenia (2492 BCE)
Armenia is among the 10 oldest countries in the world, which has a history of the legendary battle of Hayots Dzor between two legends: Hayk, a patriarch, the founder of the Armenian nation, and Bel, the Babylonian ruler. Hayk defeated Bel on 11th August, 2492 BC, and started a new era. That’s why the year 2492 BC is considered to be the start of modern time.
North Korea (2333 BCE)
Korea is situated on a widespread land on the eastern coast of the Asian mainland. Around 2333 BCE, Dangun Wanggeom founded the Gojoseon kingdom in Southern Manchuria and Northern Korea. The historical record was first found in the text Guanzi. Historians and archaeologists agreed with the existence of the Gojoseon kingdom, though there is a debate on the exact date of its foundation.
China (2070 BCE)
China is among the top 10 oldest countries in the world, founded by the Xia dynasty around 2070 BCE. King Yu established his dynasty during this period and introduced a scientific drainage system for controlling floods. His next 16 successors ruled over the kingdom consecutively, ending with the last emperor, Jie. The rebellion: Zi Lu took the throne and founded the Shang dynasty.
India (2000 BCE)
India had a highly organized urban settlement around 2000 BCE surrounding the Indus Valley region. The people of this region had a common cultural characteristic, planned urban development, enigmatic script, and craft technologies. It might be due to environmental changes; the Indus Valley civilization took a new form of Indo-Aryan culture associated with the Sanskrit language during 1500 BC and formed the religion known as “Hinduism.”
Georgia (1300 BCE)
The tribes of Georgia united among themselves around 1300 BCE and formed the kingdom of Diauehi and Kolkhis. According to historians and archaeologists, these two kingdoms are the oldest nation-states. Diauehi had a powerful alliance at the initial stage and dominated the kingdom, but later Kolkhis invaded and took control and established their capital, now known as Kutaisi.
Israel (1300 BCE)
Israel, among the 10 oldest country in the world, got liberalization from the slavery of Egyptians during 1300 BCE under the leadership of Moses. Through the passage of the Sea of Reeds (Red Sea), the Israelites arrived at a new land, which is known as Israel in modern days. Moses led the Israelites to get relief from the bondage of Egypt during this era and established a new religious tradition.
Sudan (1070 BCE)
Sudan witnessed the kingdom of Kush situated at the confluence of the Blue Nile, White Nile , Atbarah River, and Nile River. Sudan was established after the collapse of the Bronze Age. It is best known for the Kerma culture. Later, Egyptians conquered the part of Kush around 1000 BCE.
Final Thoughts
We have so far explored the 10 oldest country in the world based on the ancient civilization. Some countries have a long history of civilization, like Iran, Egypt, and Vietnam, and they have history back more than 5000 years. Most of these oldest civilizations developed at the banks of rivers and left proof of their existence after so many years of their extinction.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)
Q1. Which country is the oldest country in the world?
Iran is the oldest country that has civilization, dating back to 3200 BCE, according to archaeologists and historians.
Q2. What are the oldest civilizations in the world?
Mesopotamia, Egyptian Civilization, Indus Valley Civilization, and Chinese Civilization are the oldest civilizations in the world. Mesopotamia is the oldest among all that existed from 6000 BCE to 539 BCE.
Q3. Where is the Mesopotamian civilization located?
The civilizations of Iraq, Turkey, Syria, and Iran are assumed to have developed from Mesopotamian civilization.
