TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The conclusion of the oldest country in Europe can vary due to different definitions of the term country itself. Currently, most sources use the date of Independence Day as the age of a country.
This article reveals the 10 oldest countries in Europe according to data published by World Population Review and The Oldest Organization. The countries are ranked by the date of founding.
San Marino is the oldest country in Europe, with a founding date of September 3, 301 AD. Nestled in the Apennine Mountains in southern Europe, San Marino has only Italy as a neighboring country.
San Marino is also named one of the smallest countries in the world, supporting a size of 24 square miles. The country has adopted a constitutional republic as its system of government for a long time.
France is the second oldest country in Europe whose origin can be traced back to August 843 AD. The Treaty of Verdun divided Francia into three parts, the East, the Middle, and the West. West Francia was ruled by Charles the Bald, which eventually became the Kingdom of France during an early modern monarchy.
France has experienced several occupations, the most notable being Nazi Germany during World War II.
The first people in Denmark are said to have been hunters and fishermen who crossed the borders from southern and eastern Europe at the end of the last Ice Age or around 10,000 BC. As part of the Old Country community, Denmark formed the first nation-scale government in 965 AD.
Denmark assumed its power after the defeat of Skane, Halland and Blekinge to Sweden. This significant loss was the root of Denmark’s absolute monarchy.
The area of present-day Austria was largely occupied by Celtic people from Western Europe. The Romans began to arrive in 200 BC and soon gained control of the entire area.
A number of German tribes also expanded their territory into Roman territory during the later half of the second century AD. The king of the Franks eventually established a territory known as the Ostmark. Later, in 996, the area was first called “Ostarrichi”.
Hungary is one of the oldest countries in the world, first established in 1001 AD. One of the most notable rulers of Hungary was St. Stephen, who led the country to victory in several foreign wars.
On August 29, 1921, the United States and Hungary signed a treaty of friendship in which Hungary’s independence was recognized by the United States for the first time.
Known as one of the founding members of NATO, Portugal’s history dates back to October 5, 1143, when the country was first founded. King Afonso I of the Kingdom of Portugal broke the Treaty of Tui and started a war known as the Battle of Valdevez.
The battle led to the Treaty of Zamora, which helped the Kingdom of Portugal gain its independence.
Among the other oldest countries in Europe, Andorra isn’t particularly considered a country. Founded in 1278 A.D., Andorra is a microstate between Spain and France that gained its independence due to a military dispute between the Count of Foix and the Bishop of Urgell.
Before it was called Switzerland, the region was widely known as the Swiss Confederation. It was defined as an unofficial growing alliance that lived in the valleys of the Central Alps. The Federal Charter was formed in 1291 and acted to be the founding document of The Swiss Confederacy.
Monaco was founded in 1215 as part of the Republic of Genoa. In 1297, Monaco successfully regained its freedom from Genoa with the help of Francesco Grimaldi. Monaco was officially founded in 1419, still thanks to the persistent efforts of the Grimaldi family.
Spain completes the list of the oldest countries in Europe. The country’s founding date was recorded in 1500 AD. Today, Spain is known as one of the most decentralized democracies in Europe, with each of its 17 regions overseeing its hospitals, schools, and other public services.
Some of the oldest countries in Europe have attracted many visitors from around the world due to the rich history each carries.
World Population Review | The Oldest Organization
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