10 Oldest Countries in the World (2 of 6)

Iran

Known to Westerners as Persia until 1935, this is a nation where civilization itself seems to have taken root. Boasting a history stretching back thousands of years to the cradle of Mesopotamia, Iran has consistently played a pivotal role in shaping the course of human history. From the vast Achaemenid Empire to the flourishing Islamic Golden Age, Iran has not only endured but thrived. Their contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and medicine continue to influence the world today.

Japan

Japan represents the very essence of modernity today, which is remarkable considering its origins date back to the 7th century AD, making it one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage and technological innovations, Japan has profoundly influenced global art, cuisine, and philosophy. From the elegant beauty of traditional arts such as tea ceremony and kabuki theater to groundbreaking advancements in robotics and transportation, Japan’s contributions to civilization resonate far beyond its island shores.