The United States of America is the first of the oldest countries in the Americas. The Americas is the total landmass when the North and South American continents are combined together. The Americas contain 13% of the total world population.
In this article, we go in-depth about the oldest countries in the Americas.
List of 10 Oldest Countries in the Americas
The following table will give you a quick vision of what you will find in the article:
|
Country
|
Independence year
|
|
United States of America
|
1776
|
|
Haiti
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1804
|
|
Peru
|
1821
|
|
Mexico
|
1821
|
|
Costa rica
|
1821
|
|
Brazil
|
1822
|
|
Dominican republic
|
1844
|
|
Guatemala
|
1847
|
|
Canada
|
1867
|
|
Panama
|
1903
|
10 Oldest Countries in the Americas
Starting with the United States of America, further we have provided the detailed formation and overview about each country which got formed in the Americas. Starting with the period of 1776, we have covered all the 10 oldest formations of countries in the Americas:
10. Panama (1903)
Panama has been acting like a pot of civilizations and diverse cultures for centuries, all at one place. Spanish travellers reached here in the 16th century, and this brought centuries of colonial rule and governmental interference. After years of struggle and disputes, Panama gained independence from Columbia in the year 1903.
The independence of Panama brought the Panama Canal to be constructed, which resulted in making the country an important transportation centre for the globe. Now, although it didn’t have any divisions at the time of independence, Panama has 10 provinces at the current time. Over 30 presidents have served the country since then.
9. Canada (1867)
The 9th among the oldest countries in the Americas is Canada. Also knows as the maple-country, the flag of Canada has a maple leaf imprinted on it. Various tribes have resided in Canada for a long period of time. The culture is really vast and diverse, it can be assumed from the fact that it ranges from the Arctic to the Pacific coast. In the 15th century, the Europeans reached the landmass and began to explore, and over time they seized control.
The Independence of Canada is infact a process, and not a single event. Canada formed a federation in the year 1867. At the time of independence, Canada was divided into 4 provinces. However, over the course of time, it is now divided into 10 provinces and 3 territories through various agreements and procedures. It has a parliamentary form of government, and till date, over 23 prime ministers have served Canada.
8. Guatemala (1847)
Coming at 8th among the oldest countries in the Americas, Guatemala’s history is rich with the ancient Maya civilization, whose impressive architectures enhance the beauty of the country to this day. The Spanish came here in the 16th century, and brought several changes to this region. After suffering centuries of colonial rule, Guatemala fought for its independence. After years of struggle, they achieved independence in the year 1847.
Although Guatemala gained its independence, the struggle never ended. It suffered years of political instability, and it continues to bring in stability and development even now. Guatemala, as of now, is divided into 22 departments, although it wasn’t divided into any at the time it got independent. More than 40 presidents have served the country till date.
7. Dominican Republic (1844)
The Dominican Republic is the 7th among the oldest countries in the Americas. This country shares the same island with Haiti, the island is called Hispaniola. It also has a diverse history shaped by the regional TaÃno culture, the African heritage, and the Spanish colonies ruling earlier. The country gained its independence from Haiti in the year 1844. The independence of Dominican Republic marked it as the second country to do so in the Caribbean.
At the time of its Independence, the Dominican Republic was divided into 6 provinces, and over the time it went through several changes. Currently it has 31 provinces and one national district. More than 50 individuals have served as the president of the Dominican Republic till date.
6. Brazil (1822)
Sixth on our list of the oldest countries in the Americas, Brazil marks its place. Brazil has a history as diverse as its people, it has a mix of regional, African, and European cultures. Brazil is also the country with the largest rainforest in the world. Portugal arrived in the country during the beginning of 16th century, and after suffering centuries of colonization, Brazil declared its independence from the Portuguese Empire in the year 1822.
It started off as a monarchy, and later on reshaped itself into a republic. At the time of independence, it was divided into provinces, and currently it has 26 states and a federal district. Over 38 presidents have served Brazil since it’s independence.
5. Costa Rica (1821)
The fifth on our list of the oldest countries in the Americas is Costa Rica. This country is widely known for its stunning natural beauty. The various steps towards the conservation of environment and natural condition are the factors shaping the beauty of this country. Like the other countries of the Americas, Costa Rica is full of diverse cultures, thanks to the diverse and ancient cultures forming the population of the nation.
After gaining its independence in the year 1821 from Spain, Costa Rica has shaped itself into a democratic and stable country of Central America. There have been 50 presidents serving the nation since independence. Unlike other countries, it is not divided into states. However, it is divided into 7 provinces.
4. Mexico (1821)
It is time for the 4th number of our list of the oldest countries in the Americas. Mexico stands as one of the oldest countries in the Americas with history even older than European colonies. Just like Peru, Mexico also has a diverse and important history.
The civilizations such as Maya, and Olmecs provided this region with wonders such as the Chichen Itza. Mexico got its independence in the year 1821. After being free from Spanish Rule, more than 65 presidents have served the country. Although Mexico did not have states at its time of independence, it is now divided into 32 different states.
3. Peru (1821)
After the USA and Haiti, Peru is the next one among the oldest countries in the Americas. What makes Peru special is its culture and the heritage that comes among with it. This landmass of the Inca Empire was an important part of world history. Architectures like Machu Picchu are an important proof of Peru’s rich history.
In the year 1821, Peru achieved its independence after a lot of efforts. After freeing itself from the Spanish Rule, the country went to an era of self governance and administration. At the current date, Peru is divided into 25 administrative regions, and because of political instability faced by the country, there have been more than 70 presidents till date.
2. Haiti (1804)
The second on our list of the oldest countries in the Americas is Haiti. An important fact about Haiti is that it became the first independent state in the Caribbean. This made Haiti the first ever Free Black country over the globe. Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines were the important leaders of The Haitian Revolution. Their efforts and determination gradually resulted in the independence of the country in 1804.
After being freed from the French Rule, Haitian acted as a role-model for the other nations suffering colonization, and therefore, it acted as the perfect spark needed to inspire the sense of freedom among them. Haiti is divided into 10 states, which are further subdivided into various areas.
1. United States of America (1776)
At the first place of the oldest countries in the Americas, the United States of America got independent in the year 1776 through the American revolution. After marking itself free from British rule, the USA became the first sovereign country on the Americas. Their constitution got signed on September 17th of the year 1787. After that, it has been made official 27 times, and 46 presidents have been elected till date.
While it just started, The USA was constituted into 13 states. However, over a period of time, the country experienced major expansion and currently has 50 states as a part of its territory. This country is the the first on the list of the oldest countries in the Americas. It has a rich history and is full of diverse cultures, the reason for it isthe settlement of various tribes in the past.
Conclusion
Started as a single landmass, the Americas developed some basic civilisation and then over a course of time, colonies, and then different countries started to take shape. The United States of America was the first among the oldest countries in the Americas. Each of the countries had unique civilizations and their proof is in existence even now. Through this article, we had a glimpse of the oldest countries in the Americas, and some information about them.
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FAQs on Oldest Countries in the Americas
What is the oldest empire in the Americas?
The Caral Supe Civilization (3000-2500 BC) is the oldest advanced civilization to be discovered in the American continent. It is 5000 years old and it extended over an area of 626 hectares.
Who was in America 10,000 years ago?
Paleo-Indian is one of the earliest civilizations in America, roughly existing 10,000 years ago.
Who lived in America first?
The first humans to come to North America were the Clovis people, existing approximately 13,000 to 13,500 years ago.
Which country is considered oldest in the Americas?
United States of America is the oldest country got formed from the continent, Americas in the year 1776.
What are the oldest countries of the world?
The oldest countries in the world include San Marino (founded in 301 AD) and Japan (established in 660 BC), both known for their long-standing histories and cultural heritage.
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