The modern era of Japan only spans the past 150 odd years, but much has happened in that time. Japan was involved in both World War I and World War II and became the first country to suffer a nuclear attack when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945. While devastating, Japan slowly rebuilt and recovered to become one of the great empires of modern times. It has the world’s third-largest economy and is known for introducing the West to sushi, anime, origami, and of course, karaoke. 

Ethiopia

Here is a country many people wouldn’t imagine being on a list like this. Ethiopia is believed to be the country where many of the first humans originated. Throughout its history, it has also managed to never be colonized by a European nation. While not confirmed, many historians believe the first people lived in Ethiopia around 3000 BCE.

The Ethiopian Empire is recognized as officially beginning around 1270, with the overthrowing of the Zagwe dynasty. This led to the Solomonic dynasty that lasted right up until 1974. The nation has been through several coupes since then and is currently overseen by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Having been through numerous governments during the centuries, Ethiopia is a very diverse country. There are many different ethnicities that inhabit the nation. While Christianity is the main religion, Islam and Judaism are becoming more prevalent. Fun fact: Ethiopia also runs on its own time and calendar and is the birthplace of coffee. 

France

France is another nation historians have found hard to formulate a timeline for. The Celts are believed to have settled there in 800 BCE before Julias Ceaser and his Roman Empire took over in 51 BCE. Then there are three events different people point to as the formation of France as a nation.