Countries of the world by year of formation

Note: this quiz focuses on the year countries were recognized as independent nations, not the year independence was declared. The US for instance declared independence from the British in 1776, but wasn't officially granted independence until 1783. Also keep in mind that there is a difference between the establishment of a country and the establishment of a government. Italy for example was unified in 1861 but the current Italian government didn't come to power until 1945. If the historical year for the founding of a country is unknown, legendary and/or traditional dates will be used instead.