List of the 15 Oldest Countries in the World

Some countries have been around forever - we're talking thousands of years. Egypt, China, Iran, Greece. These places were already old when most of the world was just getting started.

What's wild is that visiting them doesn't feel like a history lesson. You'll be walking down a street, and boom-there's a temple that's been standing since before anyone can remember. People just live their lives around these ancient spots like it's normal.

The oldest countries in the world have this weird mix going on. Modern life is happening right next to ruins and monuments that have seen everything. It's pretty surreal when you're actually there.

If you're thinking about checking out these places to visit around the world, fair warning-planning can be a pain. There's a ton to figure out. Our International trip Packages basically take that stress off your plate, so you can just go and enjoy it without losing your mind over details.

Discover the 15 Oldest Countries in the World Today

1. Egypt – The Land of Pharaohs

Egypt is often called the Oldest country in world history. It is home to one of the first known civilisations. The ancient Egyptian civilisation began around 3100 BC when King Menes united Upper and Lower Egypt.

Egypt’s pyramids, temples, and mummies still amaze people across the world. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and the River Nile are timeless symbols of Egypt’s glory.

Today, Egypt is not just about its past. It is a modern country with cities like Cairo and Alexandria that mix ancient wonders with daily life.

• Capital: Cairo
• Age: Over 5000 years
• Highlights: Pyramids of Giza, Nile River, Egyptian Museum

2. Iran – The Persian Empire’s Legacy

Iran, once known as Persia, has a history dating back more than 4000 years. It is one of the Oldest countries in the world with a strong influence on art, science, and architecture.

The Persian Empire was one of the largest in history, ruled by great kings like Cyrus the Great and Darius. Cities such as Persepolis show the power and beauty of ancient Persian culture.

Today, Iran is a land of poetry, carpets, and beautiful Islamic architecture. Its people still take great pride in their long history.

• Capital: Tehran
• Age: About 4000 years
• Highlights: Persepolis, Shiraz, Persian Gardens

3. China – Ancient Civilisation Still Alive

China is another of the Oldest countries in the world. Its history goes back more than 3500 years, beginning with the Xia and Shang dynasties. The country invented paper, gunpowder, and the compass—three things that changed human life.

China’s Great Wall, ancient palaces, and traditional festivals show how well the country has preserved its culture.

Today, it is one of the largest and most powerful nations, yet its roots in Confucianism, tea culture, and family traditions remain strong.

• Capital: Beijing
• Age: Around 3500 years
• Highlights: Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors

4. Greece – Birthplace of Western Civilisation

Greece is one of the Oldest countries in the world and the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and art. Ancient Greeks like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle shaped modern thinking.

Its cities, like Athens and Sparta, played key roles in human history. Temples such as the Parthenon still stand tall as symbols of the past.

Even today, Greece’s mythology and traditions continue to inspire people across the globe.

• Capital: Athens
• Age: Over 3000 years
• Highlights: Acropolis, Santorini, Greek Mythology

5. India – Land of Ancient Kingdoms

India’s history goes back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, which started around 2500 BC. It is one of the Oldest countries in the world, known for its diverse culture, religions, and traditions.

From the Maurya and Gupta empires to the Mughal period, India has seen many great rulers. It gave the world yoga, Ayurveda, and spiritual philosophies that continue to attract millions.

Modern India balances ancient temples and traditions with fast-growing cities and technology.

• Capital: New Delhi
• Age: Over 4500 years
• Highlights: Taj Mahal, Varanasi, Indus Valley sites

6. Japan – Tradition Meets Modernity

Japan’s history goes back to 660 BC, when Emperor Jimmu is believed to have founded the nation. This makes it one of the Top Oldest Countries in the World.

Japan is known for its strong traditions, from samurai culture to tea ceremonies. The country beautifully combines ancient shrines with futuristic cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

Even with modern growth, Japanese people deeply respect their ancestors and old customs.

• Capital: Tokyo
• Age: Over 2600 years
• Highlights: Kyoto temples, Mount Fuji, Shinto Shrines

7. Ethiopia – Cradle of Humanity

Ethiopia is not only one of the Oldest countries in the world, but it’s also believed to be where humankind began. Fossils of early humans like “Lucy” were found here.

The Kingdom of Aksum, which ruled centuries ago, made Ethiopia a major centre of trade and culture. It is also one of the first countries to accept Christianity.

Ethiopia has never been colonised, making its heritage truly unique.

• Capital: Addis Ababa
• Age: About 3000 years
• Highlights: Lalibela churches, Simien Mountains, ancient Aksum ruins

8. San Marino – Europe’s Ancient Republic

San Marino is a small country surrounded by Italy, but it is one of the Oldest countries in the world by age. It was founded in 301 AD and has kept its independence for over 1700 years.

This makes San Marino the oldest surviving republic in the world. Its old buildings and narrow streets give visitors a feeling of stepping back in time.

• Capital: San Marino
• Age: Over 1700 years
• Highlights: Guaita Tower, Mount Titano, medieval architecture

9. Armenia – The First Christian Nation

Armenia became the world’s first Christian nation in 301 AD. It is one of the Oldest countries in the world with a deep religious history.

The ancient monasteries built on mountains and valleys are part of Armenia’s identity. The Armenian alphabet and traditions have remained strong through centuries of change.

• Capital: Yerevan
• Age: About 2500 years
• Highlights: Tatev Monastery, Mount Ararat, Garni Temple

10. Israel – Ancient Land of Faith

Israel’s history goes back thousands of years. It is one of the Oldest countries in the world, deeply connected with religion and ancient civilisations.

The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the most sacred places for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient temples, and biblical sites show its rich heritage.

• Capital: Jerusalem
• Age: Around 3000 years
• Highlights: Western Wall, Dead Sea, Old Jerusalem

11. France – From Ancient Gaul to Modern Europe

France’s history began in the Iron Age with Celtic tribes known as the Gauls. Later, the Romans ruled the region before it became a kingdom.

Though we often think of France as a modern nation, it’s one of the Oldest countries in the world with deep cultural roots.

Its castles, cathedrals, and art tell stories of hundreds of years of evolution.

• Capital: Paris
• Age: Over 2000 years
• Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Versailles Palace, Mont Saint-Michel

12. Portugal – The Oldest Nation in Europe

Portugal became an independent country in 1139, making it the Oldest country in the world by age in Western Europe with unchanged borders.

It was one of the first nations to explore the world by sea, with famous explorers like Vasco da Gama and Magellan.

Even today, its old cities and beautiful coastline keep its history alive.

• Capital: Lisbon
• Age: Over 880 years
• Highlights: Lisbon, Porto, Belem Tower

13. Vietnam – Land of Ancient Dynasties

Vietnam’s history goes back to the Dong Son culture around 1000 BC. It is one of the Oldest countries in the world, with a proud tradition of kings, emperors, and scholars.

From the early kingdoms of Van Lang to the Nguyen dynasty, Vietnam has built a strong cultural identity. Its temples, literature, and festivals still reflect its ancient roots.

• Capital: Hanoi
• Age: Over 2000 years
• Highlights: Hue Imperial City, Hanoi Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay

14. Iraq – Mesopotamia, The Cradle of Civilisation

Iraq lies in the land once called Mesopotamia, where human civilisation first began around 5000 BC. It is one of the Oldest countries in the world, home to Sumerians, Babylonians, and Assyrians.

The world’s first cities, writing systems, and legal codes were born here. Today, Iraq carries that same history within its soil and ruins.

• Capital: Baghdad
• Age: About 5000 years
• Highlights: Babylon ruins, Ur, Tigris and Euphrates Rivers

15. Turkey – Where East Meets West

Turkey’s land connects Asia and Europe. It has been home to the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.

From Troy to Constantinople, Turkey is filled with stories of great empires. It is one of the Top Oldest Countries in the World, where every stone tells a tale.

Today, it's cities like Istanbul that beautifully mix ancient mosques and modern life.

• Capital: Ankara
• Age: Around 4000 years
• Highlights: Hagia Sophia, Cappadocia, Ephesus

Population and Ancient Continuity

When we talk about the Oldest countries in the world population, some nations like China and India stand out because they have large populations that have existed for thousands of years.

These populations have kept their culture alive through generations. The festivals, art, and traditions you see today are living parts of ancient civilisations.

Similarly, in smaller nations like Armenia or San Marino, the Oldest countries in the world population may be fewer, but their cultural identity has survived through history without fading away.

Final Thoughts

From the deserts of Egypt to the temples of Japan, the Oldest countries in the world continue to amaze travellers and historians.

Each nation holds the spirit of its ancestors while welcoming the modern world. Whether you are exploring the pyramids, the Great Wall, or the streets of Athens, you are walking through centuries of human history.

These lands show that even though time changes everything, the past still lives around us.