Enduring States, Emerging Nations

Nationhood is never static. Some countries have weathered thousands of years, surviving conquest and change to maintain their place in history. Others result from modern referendums, wars of independence, or peaceful separations. This overview of the oldest and newest nations reveals the resilience and complexity behind the making of a state. Let’s start with the oldest nations.

Dratharr on Wikimedia

1. San Marino

San Marino, founded in A.D. 301, claims to be the world's oldest republic. Located in the Apennines, it has retained its independence for centuries despite numerous regional shifts. Its continuity of governance is unparalleled, with a unique parliamentary system that has remained intact for over 1,700 years.

Commonists on Wikimedia

2. Vietnam

Vietnam’s state history stretches back over 2,000 years to the Kingdom of Văn Lang in the 1st millennium BC. Through centuries of Chinese domination, it maintained a distinct identity, regaining sovereignty in 938 AD after the Battle of Bach Đang River.

[//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Trantuonglam Trantuonglam] on Wikimedia

3. Egypt

Ancient Egypt, one of the earliest cradles of civilization, emerged as a unified state around 3100 BC. Unifying Upper and Lower Egypt under King Narmer marked the beginning of the dynastic period. Egypt’s influence on culture, mathematics, and architecture is still felt globally.

Ricardo Liberato on Wikimedia

4. Hungary

This nation became a Christian kingdom under Stephen I in 1000 AD. Despite later domination by the Ottomans and Habsburgs, Hungary preserved its national laws and the Crown of Saint Stephen. Its millennium-long identity as a distinct political entity remains embedded in its institutions today.

toldym on Wikimedia

5. Armenia

Armenia is among the oldest continuous nation-states, rooted in the 6th century BC Orontid Dynasty. In AD 301, it became the first country to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Despite centuries under Persian, Arab, and Ottoman rule, Armenian governance and church kept its statehood traditions alive.

Vigen Hakhverdyan on Wikimedia

6. Iran  

Historically known as Persia, Iran has been a center of civilization since the Elamite kingdoms around 3000 BC. The Persian Empire, established in the 6th century BC, was one of history's largest and most influential empires. The country has maintained a strong cultural identity despite challenges.

Pentocelo on Wikimedia

7. Portugal

This nation is one of the longest-standing nation-states in Europe, with its modern borders solidified in 1139. After the Treaty of Windsor in 1386, Portugal established one of the world’s first global empires. Its enduring status as a sovereign nation is proof of its resilience.

Diego Delso on Wikimedia

8. France  

France’s origins trace back to the establishment of the Kingdom of the Franks around 500 AD. Over the centuries, it evolved through the medieval monarchy, the Age of Enlightenment, and the French Revolution. The nation became a republic in 1792, but its deep historical roots are undeniable.

Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia on Wikimedia

9. Denmark  

Founded in the 10th century, Denmark’s monarchy is one of the oldest continuous monarchies in the world. Despite shifting territorial boundaries and political changes, Denmark has maintained a strong sense of national identity and remains a stable, modern nation in Scandinavia.

Matthias Schalk on Wikimedia

10. Thailand  

Formerly known as Siam, Thailand has existed in various forms for centuries. Its present borders and monarchy were established in the 13th century, with the formation of the Kingdom of Sukhothai. Of all Southeast Asian countries, Thailand is the only one that has never been colonized by a European power.

Astronomer2807 on Wikimedia

Now that we've explored the oldest nation-states, let’s turn to the newest—and see how modern history continues to reshape the map.

1. South Sudan  

In 2011, South Sudan became the newest nation, gaining independence from Sudan after decades of civil war. The country’s referendum saw an overwhelming 99% vote for secession, a significant step after years of conflict. Despite the optimism surrounding its creation, South Sudan has struggled with instability.

Rigan123 on Wikimedia

2. Montenegro  

Montenegro separated from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 following a referendum that cemented its independence. This move marked the final chapter in the dissolution of the Yugoslav federation. Today, Montenegro is known for its stunning geography and is committed to European integration.

User:Ggia on Wikimedia

3. Kosovo

This nation declared independence from Serbia in 2008, becoming a sovereign state after years of conflict. Following a period of UN administration, over 100 countries recognized its secession, though Serbia and other nations have refused to acknowledge it.

ShkelzenRexha on Wikimedia

4. Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste, or East Timor, gained independence in 2002 following a long and often violent struggle against Indonesian rule. Formerly a Portuguese colony, it was annexed by Indonesia in 1975. Today, it stands as a young democracy continuing to rebuild and define its future.

Bahnfrend on Wikimedia

5. Eritrea

In 1993, Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia following a protracted 30-year conflict. The nation’s independence was achieved through a UN-supervised referendum. Since then, Eritrea has faced significant political and economic challenges, yet it remains a resilient symbol of independence.

Peter Crook on Wikimedia

6. Palau

Palau achieved full independence in 1994 after decades of being part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. It established a Compact of Free Association with the United States, allowing for self-governance while maintaining close ties.

Sardinianguy88 on Wikimedia

7. The Marshall Islands

Having gained independence in 1986, the Marshall Islands entered a Compact of Free Association with the U.S. Previously a strategic site during the Cold War, the islands' sovereignty followed years of negotiations. Despite its small size, the nation remains active in global climate discussions.

Erin Magee/AusAID on Wikimedia

8. Federated States Of Micronesia

The Federated States of Micronesia became sovereign in 1986 through the Compact of Free Association with the United States. Made up of four Pacific island states, it continues to strengthen its self-governance while navigating challenges such as geographic isolation and limited resources.

Gargoylepni at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia

9. Nauru

In 1968, Nauru became an independent republic, ending its trust territory period under Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. As the world’s smallest republic, Nauru has faced economic difficulties due to the depletion of its phosphate reserves. Still, it remains independent and a member of the UN.

Cedric Favero on Wikimedia

10. Seychelles

In 1976, Seychelles gained independence from the UK, marking the end of its colonial status. The island nation quickly became known for its stunning biodiversity and thriving tourism industry. Despite its small population, Seychelles has successfully developed a stable economy and democratic governance.

Kevin Gepford on Wikimedia