Top 20 Oldest Countries in the World: Ranking Ancient Roots to 2026

How old is your country? While modern borders shift, the essence of a nation often stretches back millennia. Defining a country's age is a challenge for historians, but tracing ancient roots through organized governments and cultural legacies reveals the world's most enduring states.

The Cradle of Civilization: Top 5 Oldest Nations

According to the World Population Review, the ability to maintain self-sovereignty and organized governance marks the true beginning of a nation. Here are the five countries with the deepest historical footprints.

• 1st: Iran (3200 BC, home to the earliest known organized government)
• 2nd: Egypt (3100 BC, unification under Pharaoh Narmer)
• 3rd: Iraq (3000 BC, settled by the Sumerian innovators)
• 4th: Vietnam (2879 BC, founded as the state of Van Lang)
• 5th: Armenia (2492 BC, backed by recent genetic research)

Legend vs. History: Japan and Korea's Ancient Roots

East Asian nations boast some of the most fascinating origins. Korea ranks 6th globally, with the legendary kingdom of Gojoseon believed to have been founded in 2333 BC. Even today, South Korea celebrates National Foundation Day to honor this 4,000-year-old legacy.

Japan is ranked 15th, with its mythology tracing back to 660 BC under Emperor Jimmu. While some scholars debate the timeline, National Geographic notes that Japan's continuity is unmatched, boasting one of the oldest flags first used in 701 AD.