In this piece, we will take a look at the five oldest countries in the world. For more countries, head on over to 25 Oldest Countries in the World.
5. People’s Republic of China
Date of first major civilization: 4000 BCE
The People’s Republic of China is the world’s largest country in terms of population and the world’s largest economy in terms of purchasing power parity. China is also one of the oldest countries in the world and has made a variety of contributions to human civilization. China’s earliest confirmed dynasty is the Shang Dynasty, but legend has it that the first proper dynasty was the Xia Dynasty in 2100 BC.
4. Japan
Date of first major civilization: 5000 BCE
One of the few countries on our list to be formed before the Common Era is Japan. Japan is the world’s third largest economy and one of the most developed nations in the world. Its oldest settled and developed period in history is the Jomo Period which saw its first burst of living standards and population in 5000 BCE.
3. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Date of first major civilization: 7250 BCE
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is an Asian country that is part of the region that saw the first migration of humans from Africa due to its favorable climate. This has also provided it with some great historical legacies, such as being the oldest region in the world to have made bread. Jordan also had one of the first Arabic empires in the form of the Nabuteans – with the Nabuetans’ capital Petra also thought by some to have played a crucial role in Islam.
2. Republic Of India
Date of first major civilization: 7500 BCE
Right along with China is the world’s second largest country in terms of population, India. Homo Sapiens, the first direct ancestor of modern day humans, have been shown in presence in India as far back as 55,000 years ago. One of the world’s oldest civilizations, the Indus Valley Civilization originated in the Indian Subcontinent in 2500 BC in what is now Pakistan. However, one of India’s oldest civilizations traces its roots back to 7500 BCE when the Hakra Wares Culture was present in the Bhirrana site.
1. Commonwealth of Australia
Date of first major civilization: 31,000 BCE
The Commonwealth of Australia is an Oceanic country that is one of the largest in the world in terms of landmass. Australia’s native Aborigines population is one of the oldest in the world, and they are thought to have first occupied the country as far back as in 31,000 BCE. This remarkable history also makes the Aborigines one of the oldest people likely to have fared by sea.
Disclosure: None. You can also take a look at 15 Biggest Clothing Manufacturing Countries in the World and 10 Best Fast Food Stocks to Invest In.
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