Iran Recognized as the World’s Oldest Country | A 2025 Overview

In the latest figures released in 2025, Iran has been identified as the world’s oldest country. This designation is based on historical antiquity, the emergence of the earliest organized governments, and the continuity of civilization over thousands of years.

With more than 5,000 years of documented history—from the Elamites to the Medes, the Achaemenids, and the Sasanians—Iran has consistently been regarded as one of the most important centers of human civilization.

This ranking once again shows that Iran holds a unique place among ancient civilizations not only in the Middle East but across the globe.

The Dawn of Iranian Cinema: Early History and Pioneers

The main reason for this recognition goes back to the early formation of organized governments in Iran. According to historical records and archaeological evidence:

• The Elamite civilization (around 3200 BCE) is considered the first organized state in the Iranian plateau.


• Afterwards, the Medes, and then the Achaemenid Empire, established some of the earliest large-scale, stable administrative systems.


• Iran is among the few countries whose cultural and civilizational continuity has endured for millennia despite political changes.

This continuity has placed Iran first among the world’s oldest countries, ahead of nations such as Egypt, Vietnam, and Armenia.

2025 Ranking of the World’s Oldest Countries

According to international compilations, Iran tops the list of the world’s oldest countries. This ranking factors in historical depth, archaeological heritage, and the continuity of organized governance. Key entries include:

• Iran — earliest state formation around 3200 BCE


• Egypt — Pharaonic civilization around 3100 BCE


• Vietnam — origins dated to about 2879 BCE


• Armenia — formation around 2492 BCE


• South Korea — historical statehood near 2333 BCE

Iran’s first-place position has once again drawn significant attention from both global and domestic media.

Iran: A Land of Civilization and Culture

When we discuss ancient world civilizations, names like Egypt, Greece, and Rome quickly come to mind. Iran differs in several key ways:

• Historical Continuity: Many civilizations—such as Egypt or Rome—collapsed at certain points and vanished from the political stage for centuries, whereas Iran, under different dynasties and names, persisted.


• Civilizational Reach: The Achaemenid Empire was one of the largest in history, stretching from India to Europe, and the idea of “human rights” took shape in the Cyrus Cylinder.


• Cultural and Linguistic Persistence: Unlike some other civilizations that underwent fundamental cultural shifts, Iran has preserved its language, literature, and many ancient traditions to this day.

These features show that Iran’s distinction is not only historical—it remains culturally and civilizationally distinct compared with other ancient powers.

Conclusion: Why Iran Still Tops the List of Ancient Countries

Historical records and archaeological findings indicate that Iran is one of the few nations with a civilizational antiquity exceeding 5,000 years, sustained continuously to the present.
Iran’s first-place ranking among the world’s oldest countries in 2025 reaffirms the historical and cultural importance of this land.
With a rich heritage in architecture, literature, philosophy, and powerful statecraft, Iran is recognized not only as an ancient country but as a core of human civilization.
This is a valuable opportunity to refocus global attention on Iran’s history and culture, and to encourage younger generations to explore their historical roots.