What is the Oldest Democracy in the World?

What is the oldest democracy in the world? If you guessed the democracy of Athens, you would probably be right.  Democracy spread from Athens to various parts of the world.
Malana is a small mountain village in Northern India. Its inhabitants refuse to touch anyone from the outside world lest they be contaminated. They are said to have a democracy dating from the descendants of Greek conqueror, Alexander the Great 336-323 BCE.


The Upper House in their government has three permanent village members and eight elected members, one from eight village clans. The Lower House is composed of all heads of families of Malana. Any issue, big or small is debated in this direct democracy until a consensus is reached. If there is no consensus, they leave the matter to their guardian deity Jamlu Devta to decide.
The Vikings left behind one of the oldest democracies in the world. For example, Iceland has had a democracy since 930 CE. Their parliament (Althing) began meeting on a hilltop once or twice a year in 930 CE and has continued ever since. The Isle of Man is also ancient Viking community.


Swiss Cantons - Direct Democracy 



The Haudenosaunee Confederacy however, is one of the oldest democracies in the world and unique because it developed independent of Athens. There is some disagreement as to whether it began in 1142 or 1451 CE. In this unit, you will learn about how their version of democracy worked.

You can learn more by watching this video.
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