Which country has the longest functioning democracy in the world?

[Wonk]

Not which had democracy first, but which currently democratic country has been operating that way uninterrupted (by coup or invasion, etc) the longest. Do you know the correct answer?

Now, in no particular order...

on edit: added some other choices that were mentioned.

[Paschall]

1. I believe Iceland's it

No?

[Dookus]

2. I believe

Iceland has the worlds oldest legislative body. Not necessarily making it a democracy.

I was under the impression that it was the US.... but I could be wrong.

[Wonk]

4. Correct (afaik). Thanks for reminding me how hard it is to stump DUers

and why I like DU so much :-)

http://www.google.com/search?q=Thingvellir+930+Althing

Feel free to correct me, Paschall, and JackSwift if we're wrong :-)

[Paschall]

10. Funny, after posting I did a search

It seems there are several contenders for "oldest democracy" in Africa and South America.

But this, I think, is the most obscure response to your original question, Wonk: "the village Malana (Kullu) is considered to be the oldest democracy in the world."

Ring a bell with anyone?

[JackSwift]

3. Iceland

at least that is what my Poli Sci 1 professor told us.

[Dookus]

5. well...

I guess it's a question of definitions.

the Icelandic Althing dates from the 10th century, I believe, but the US is the oldest CONSTITUTIONAL democracy.

Anyway, good on the US and good on Iceland!

[leftofthedial]

6. well, it's not the USA

since we had the coup in 2000 and the junta remains in power.

[Maple]

7. The Isle of Man in

979 AD had the earliest Parliament

Then of course the Brits got in the way. :D

[ButterflyBlood]

8. I thought it was Switzerland

[regnaD kciN]

13. The Swiss confederation...

...was founded in 1291. Which is one reason why I went semi-ballistic during Clinton's first inaugural address, when he referred to the U.S. as the "world's oldest democracy."

However, I will grant that the Confederation Helvetique was originally only three cantons, as opposed to the twenty-six that are part of it now. Also, they did put in a new consititution in 1843, so some might claim that Switzerland per se didn't exist until then (!).

[SmileyBoy]

9. It's Iceland.

Their democratic republican congress known as the "Althing" has been around for over 800 years.

[Dookus]

11. well...

having a legislative body is not synonymous with having a democracy. The US has the oldest constitution defending and defining our democracy.

But believe me, I give all props to Iceland.

[Sick of Bullshit]

12. In 930, the Althing (assembly) was established in Iceland

as a result of its new democratic constitution. However, a few hundred years later, Iceland came under the domination of various Scandinavian countries, and it is hard to conjecture just what sort of government it had during that time.