Which is the oldest country in the world 2024?

As a historian with a keen interest in the development of nations and their histories, I find the question of which is the oldest country in the world to be one of the most fascinating topics to explore. The concept of a "country" as we understand it today is a relatively modern construct, with many nations having evolved from various forms of political and social organization over thousands of years. However, when we speak of the oldest countries in the world, we're often referring to the earliest instances of a defined territory with a sovereign government.

The Republic of San Marino, nestled within the borders of Italy, is often cited as the world's oldest sovereign state. According to historical accounts, it was founded on September 3, 301 B.C. by a Christian stonemason named Marinus of Rab, who fled the Diocletianic Persecution. He established a monastic community on the summit of Monte Titano, which over time developed into a city-state. San Marino's claim to being the oldest country is based on its continuous self-governance since its founding, despite its small size and complete encirclement by Italy.

However, the claim to being the oldest country is not without its complexities. The concept of a "country" has evolved over time, and what constitutes a country today may not have been recognized as such in ancient times. For instance, the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley had well-established political structures thousands of years before the founding of San Marino. Yet, these were not "countries" in the modern sense but rather city-states or empires.

Another contender for the title of the world's oldest country is Japan, which has a continuous line of emperors dating back to the time of its legendary founding in 660 B.C. The Japanese monarchy is the oldest hereditary monarchy with recorded history, and while the political structure of Japan has changed significantly over the centuries, the imperial line has remained unbroken.

It's also important to consider the historical context and the definition of a sovereign state. For example, the concept of sovereignty as understood in the modern international system was not present in ancient times. Many ancient polities had varying degrees of autonomy and control over their territories, but the international recognition of their sovereignty as independent states did not exist in the way it does today.

In conclusion, while San Marino is often recognized as the world's oldest country due to its continuous self-governance since 301 B.C., the question of the oldest country is complex and depends on how one defines a country and sovereignty. Other contenders, such as Japan, also have ancient and unbroken lines of governance, making the answer to this question a subject of historical debate and interpretation.

San Marino. San Marino, the third smallest country in Europe, is certainly an outlier on this list for various reasons. It is, however, undeniably one of the oldest countries in the world, as it was founded in 301 CE.Apr 16, 2018