May 1, 2025

10 oldest countries in the world that still exist

TIMESOFINDIA.COM

Egypt

Egypt is one of the world's oldest civilizations, emerging around 3100 BCE with the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. It was home to powerful dynasties, iconic pyramids, and the Nile-centered culture that influenced the ancient world.

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Iran

The land now known as Iran was once the heart of the ancient Persian Empire, established around 550 BCE under Cyrus the Great. It has endured through centuries of empire, conquest, and revolution, maintaining a strong cultural identity.

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Armenia

Armenia established its first kingdom in 331 BCE and adopted Christianity as a state religion in 301 CE—the first nation to do so. It has faced invasions and genocide but preserved its language, faith, and identity.

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France

France traces its statehood to the Frankish Kingdom, established in the 5th century CE, with Charlemagne uniting much of Western Europe. It became a powerful medieval and later colonial empire.

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San Marino

Founded in 301 CE, San Marino is considered the world’s oldest surviving republic. It has maintained its independence through centuries of European turmoil. Despite its small size, it remains a proud, sovereign microstate within Italy.

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Ethiopia

Ethiopia's civilization dates back to at least 980 BCE, with the Kingdom of D'mt and later the Aksumite Empire playing central roles in ancient Africa. It uniquely resisted colonial rule, except for a brief Italian occupation.

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Japan

Japan claims the oldest continuing monarchy, traditionally beginning in 660 BCE with Emperor Jimmu. Its culture developed in relative isolation, blending Shinto, Buddhism, and feudal traditions.

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India

India’s civilization began with the Indus Valley around 2500 BCE and later flourished with the Vedic period and major empires like the Maurya and Gupta. Its cultural and religious practices have evolved but remained unbroken through invasions.

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Greece

Ancient Greece dates back to the Mycenaean civilization (1600–1100 BCE), becoming a cradle of Western thought, politics, and art. Though conquered by the Romans, Greek culture persisted through the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

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China

China’s recorded history stretches back to the Shang Dynasty around 1600 BCE, following earlier Neolithic cultures. It has seen cycles of unity and division but remained a continuous civilization for over 3,000 years.

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