The So Called Old Country

Most Americans refer to Europe as the Old Country. Lately I've been wondering exactly how old the "old country" was. Now I don't mean, how long ago were these countries populated, because that would make the americas not quite as young as considered. No, I mean how long ago did these "old countries" attain independence or unified government. Everyone knows that the United States of America became independent of Britain on July 4th, 1776. What you mightn't realise is that Norway became independent of Sweden only 162 years afterward, on May 17th, 1814. Which would mean that ACTUALLY the USA is older- as a nation- than Norway! So much for the old country! Sweden, of course is older, becoming a nation after taking back control from the Danish in 1523. Speaking of Danes, Cnut the Great was King of England, Norway, Denmark and parts of Sweden until succeeded by Edward the Confessor in 1043, Edward could be considered the first English King, even though he was an anglo-saxon. Of course, the Magna Carta, or British Constituition wasn't signed until far later, 1215. Most countries have some kind of national day. The USA, of course, celebrate their independence, Norway also. France has Bastille day, Spain celebrate October 12th, or Columbus Day, Ireland celebrates St Patrick's Day. The UK has no official and unified national day, and not even the Queen's birthday is a national holiday. It's a shame! I'm sure its quaint and charming for Americans to think of the "old country", as twenty somethings think of their older parents, but they should remember that some of europe isn't as old as they'd like to think. Norway could be the "young cousin" and it has some similarities. I'm personally quite proud that I come from one of the older european countries, but its nice to think that Norway and others are just as "hip" as their transatlantic cousins. Over and out!