Den 19. okt. 2005 kl. 18.23 skrev Bob Shell:
On Wednesday, October 19, 2005, at 11:26 AM, DagT wrote:
No, Iceland is.
DagT
"Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants
during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the
world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing,
established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was
subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja
volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused
widespread famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the
island's population emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited
home rule from Denmark was granted in 1874 and complete
independence attained in 1944. Literacy, longevity, income, and
social cohesion are first-rate by world standards."
Since San Marino was founded in 301 and Iceland's Althing in 930, I
don't see how Iceland can claim to be an older republic. Plus San
Marino has never been defeated in battle or occupied, much less
ruled by another country. Even Mussolini (regarded as a hero in
San Marino) left them alone.
As I said, I was just teasing because I think such competitions are
stupid.
On the other hand the total time as independent is still better than
the US, and nobody used the word "continuous" in relation to the word
"independent"
.-)
DagT
