Some Nations Rose In Glory—Others In Paperwork

Not all nations were forged in epic battles. While countries with diplomatic beginnings can be proud that they didn't begin with bloodshed, they aren't likely to be the subject of a Hollywood movie. On the other hand, some nations' stories, filled with revolution, mythology, and heroism, are so seeped in drama that they don't sound like real history. Here are 10 countries with the lamest origin stories and 10 with the coolest.

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1. Canada

Canada wasn't born out of revolution or violence, but through a calm and peaceful bureaucratic process, which is rather fitting considering the country's reputation for politeness. The Canadian colonies slowly and gradually negotiated their independence from Britain, which is why some people jokingly call it "a country created in a boardroom."

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2. Australia

By the late 18th century, Britain had more prisoners than it knew what to do with. Australia was initially colonized merely as a solution to this problem. Eventually, by the 19th century, it became a commonwealth under the British crown with its own constitution.

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3. Monaco 

Monaco may now be synonymous with glitz and glamour, but it actually started as a clever heist. Wanting control of a fortress there, a man called Francesco Grimaldi dressed as a monk and tricked the guards, starting the Grimaldi dynasty. Over the centuries, Monaco managed to stay independent through diplomacy and treaties.

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4. Belgium

Belgium is now home to the EU and has a unique culture all its own, but its origin story is perhaps the most boring of any country. It was created because the French and Dutch speakers in the United Kingdom of the Netherlands couldn't stop arguing, so the major powers created a country as a diplomatic solution.

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5. The United Arab Emirates

The UAE's origin story is shockingly modern and practical. Previously, it was a group of tribal sheikhdoms that all mutually decided to unite into one country for strategic reasons. 

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6. Norway

Similar to the UAE, but with Vikings, Norway's origin story is one of political unions. King Harald Fairhair is credited with merging several Viking tribes into one kingdom in the 9th century. The country entered unions with Denmark and later Sweden, but became fully autonomous in 1905 after peaceful negotiation.

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7. Papua New Guinea

Different parts of Papua New Guinea were administered by Germany, Britain, and later Australia either as colonies or mandates. It gained its full independence in 1975 after peaceful negotiations. 

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8. Kiribati

As part of its imperial rampage, Britain claimed Kiribati in the late 19th century, grouping the islands into the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony. The Gilbert Islands became the independent nation of Kiribati in 1979 after Britain worked with local leaders to draft a constitution. 

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9. Palau

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Palau was colonized by Spain, Germany, Japan, and the US. It only became independent in 1994 after signing a Compact of Free Association with the United States.

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10. Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein was essentially created as a real estate deal for one family. In 1719, the Liechtenstein family bought two small pieces of land and combined them to create a new principality that would report to the Holy Roman Emperor, giving them political power. The tiny country has managed to keep its sovereignty over the centuries through diplomacy and neutrality.

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Now that we've covered the nations with the most shockingly dull origin stories, let's talk about the ones that are fit for movie scripts.

1. United States

Few countries have an origin story as rebellious and iconic as the US. Frustrated with the British taxes and their lack of representation in Parliament, the original 13 colonies fought one of the world's largest powers for their independence and won, forming a new nation based on principles of democracy and individual freedoms. It's the perfect underdog story.

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2. Mongolia

Mongolia was formed in the early 13th century by Genghis Khan after he united the warring Mongol tribes. He grew it into the largest contiguous empire in history through his brilliant strategy and sheer force.

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3. Japan

According to Japanese mythology, Japan was created when the gods Izanagi and Izanami stirred the ocean with a jeweled spear, and the drops that fell formed the land. Their descendants became the first emperors of Japan, establishing a line that continues to this day.

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4. Haiti

Haiti is the result of a successful slave rebellion. Enslaved Africans in the French colony of Saint-Domingue revolted against their oppressors and, after years of fighting, defeated the French, Spanish, and British forces, abolished slavery, and established the first Black republic. 

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5. Iceland

Iceland was created in the 9th century by Vikings who sailed across the North Atlantic to escape oppressive rule in Scandinavia. They established successful settlements on the harsh, remote island, developed a unique culture, and established one of the oldest parliaments. 

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6. Ethiopia

According to legend, Ethiopia's royal line King Solomon of Israel and the Queen of Sheba. It's considered the "cradle of humanity," with an ancient kingdom establishing centralized rule as early as 1000 BC. It's unique in Africa for its continuous independence and successful resistance to European colonial conquest. 

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7. China

Civilization in China began 8,000 years ago, with written records dating to around 3,500 years ago, making it one of the oldest nations in the world. Chinese mythology states that civilization began under mythical emperors who united tribes along the Yellow River. 

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8. Mexico

Mexico began not with European conquest, but with a divine message which prompted the Aztecs to create a city where they saw an eagle eating a snake on a cactus, an image that still adorns the nation's flag. After the Spanish conquest and centuries of colonial rule, Mexico gained independence in 1821 after a decade-long rebellion and war. 

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9. Scotland

Scotland was occupied by various tribes who were forced to eventually unite under one king to fight against a Viking invasion in the 9th century. After some time, the united tribes developed their own unique culture. One legendary origin story suggests the Scots are descended from Scota, a daughter of an Egyptian pharaoh.

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10. Greece

Greece is one of the oldest nations in the world, with early civilizations being established as far back as the Bronze Age. It was ruled by the Ottomans for several centuries, but it eventually won its independence in 1830 after fighting brutal battles. 

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