- pixabay
VIVA – There are more than 190 countries that are members of the United Nations (UN). It is known that the world was once believed to be a supercontinent, known as "Pangea". This is meant to illustrate how all the continents are joined together. Pangea is known to have existed from 240 million years ago and began to break apart to form countries.
Over time, humanity has seen many countries and states rise and disappear in recorded history. So, here are the top 5 oldest countries in the world that people need to know.
1. San Marino
San Marino
- Commonists/wikimedia
San Marino, founded by Saint Marinus, is known to have existed since 301 AD. The nation is one of the smallest countries in the world. With a population of less than 30,000, San Marino is the world's oldest surviving republic.
This small country was first recognized by Napoleonic France in 1797. However, it wasn't until 18 years later those other European countries recognized its existence as a sovereign state.
2. Somalia
Warga kelaparan di Somalia, Afrika
- godsdirectcontact.org
Somalia is known to have existed since 200 BC and was founded by Mohamed Siad Barre with Mogadishu as its capital. Some historians associate the ancient Somalis with prehistoric mass migration from the Levant.
Refined archaeological studies, however, now show that these communities were indigenous to Somaliland. This means that the indigenous Somalis have existed for at least 7000 years.
The discovery of ancient rock paintings further proves that Somalia is one of the oldest countries in the world. These paintings depict early life in the region and are estimated to be 5000 years old.
3. Mongolia
Mongolia
- pixabay
Founded by Genghis Khan as early as 209 BC, the Mongolian Empire consisted of Mongol-speaking tribes and other Turkic tribes. Archaeological studies in the country's Khovd Province have uncovered pink, brown, and red paintings. These paintings depict historical animals and date back 20,000 years.
4. France
Istana Versailles, Perancis.
- U-Report
Although France has only existed as a country for just over a thousand years, it is famous for some of the most important events in European history. For example, the French Revolution of 1789, the Napoleonic Wars, and the German invasions in 1914 and 1940.
The establishment of France as a nation was born out of the consolidation of power and expansion of territory through battles with the English and Habsburg monarchs. France dates back to 600 BC with its founder is known as Hugh Capet with its capital named Marseille.
5. Ireland
Kota Cork, Irlandia
- Pixabay
The Republic of Ireland has survived centuries of brutal famine, civil war, union, and independence as well as the Christian, Viking, and Norman eras. Like most civilizations, the Irish were once farmers. The first farmers arrived in Ireland around 4000 BC (about 10,000 years ago). Ireland is known to have existed since 600 BC with its founders called Celts.
